BEAMINSTER FESTIVAL - JUNE 28 - JULY 6
Music is a key ingredient of the
Dorset town’s festival with folk, jazz, classical and world styles on the
menu. The opening weekend features a workshop for fiddlers of all standards
with experts Peter Cooper, Nancy Kerr and John Dipper on hand to offer advice
and tuition. There is also Appalachian fiddle music and clog dancing with Dr
Stomp, didgeridoo playing from
Richard
Bridge, folk with String Whistle, jazz with the Gerry Brown Mission Hall
Jazz Band and classical concerts parading the talents of a host of soloists and
orchestras. Art exhibitions, lectures, childrens entertainment and other
activities will take place around the town during the week. Telephone 01308
862299 or have a look at www.beamfest.org.uk for more information.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
CHANDLERS FORD & HILTINGBURY FESTIVAL - JUNE 28 - JULY 10
The new Thornden Hall at Thornden School is the venue for
a series of musical events including afternoon workshops by Black Voices and
Yvette Staelens, afternoon music concerts plus a jazz salute to Louis Armstrong
with the New Gateway Jazz Band and other jazz bands. Other events, including a
concert by Black Voices, take place at The Point in Eastleigh. Yet more
events are being staged at Hiltingbury School, Hiltingbury Farmhouse pub and
Eastleigh College.
Full details www.thornden.hants.sch.uk or telephone 023 8026 9722.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
EXETER FESTIVAL - JULY 4 - 20
Exeter
is a traditional art event with comedy, drama, dance, lectures,
exhibitions, as well as music. Live music events include concerts by Brotherhood
of Man, The European Union Chamber Orchestra, Russian Cossack Music & Dance,
Black Umfulosi, London Mozart Players, King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, Will
Young, Queen B, and Te Vaka. For more information: Tel: 01392 265205.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
PRIDDY FOLK FAYRE, SOMERSET - JULY 4 - 6
Deep in West Somerset the quaint village of Priddy stages
three days of folk music
with a quality line-up including Waterson:Carthy, Jim Moray, Dr Faustus, Barbara
Hunt, Pronghorn, Michael Chapman, Mike Silver, Jeremy Taylor and a host of local
acts.
There will also be a Dance Festival in the Dance Marquee with Samba, French and
Breton dance and much more. Craft stalls, food and beer and children’s
entertainment make it a real family festival with camping on site.
www.members.aol.com/priddyfolkfayre or telephone 01749 675562 for more details.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
WINCHESTER FESTIVAL - JULY 4 - 13
Music, drama and various talks are amongst the attractions
of Winchester Festival. The music is mainly jazz and classical at various
venues, with folk and other types of live music represented over the opening
weekend’s Winchester Hat Fair.
See www.winchesterfestival.co.uk for more details
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
LYME REGIS JAZZ FESTIVAL - JULY 4 - 6
Jazz fans who like it hot will be heading for the
beautiful coastal resort of
Lyme Regis for three days of music from over a dozen traditional jazz bands
which kicks off at 3pm on Friday July 4. Amongst the outfits performing are
Gerry Brown’s Mission Hall Jazz Band, The Antique Six, Bob Dwyer’s Hot Seven and
John Maddock’s Jazzmen.
Weekend tickets are ?40 and tickets for single days can be purchased from
Let’s Go Travel in Lyme Regis (01297 442491).
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
CHRISTCHURCH FESTIVAL - JULY 4-6
Down by the sea in Dorset, this year’s Christchurch
Festival is a feast of
music and dance. Music styles including rock, folk and blues will provide
something for everyone. Acts range from gentle acoustic sessions to full stage
shows on the specially-built covered quay site, where food outlets, a licensed
bar,and craft stalls can also be found.
Here are just some of the artists appearing: The Hedgemonkeys, Pandoras Handbag,
Crosscut Saw, MaryJane, Lady Winwood's Maggot and State of Undress. Dance groups
include Sidmouth Steppers, Kintbury May Maids, Wickham Morris and Plain Capers.
For more information see the website on www.christchurchfestival.co.uk. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
FROME FESTIVAL - JULY 4 - 13
The beautiful town of Frome in Somerset is the scene
for an arts festival
which includes many live music events. Amongst the acts are all-girl band The
Blood Sucking Daisies, 70s pop act The Sweet, jazz veteran Acker Bilk,
Appalachian country band Buffalo Gals, tribute band The Rollin' Stoned
plus loads of classical, folk and world music concerts.
Box Office: 01373 455420. Website www.fromefestival.org.uk. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
GUILFEST - JULY 4 - 6
Amongst
the artists belting it out on the main stage at Stoke Park,
Guildford, this year are Alice Cooper, Love with Arthur Lee,The Wildhearts,
Madness,The Stranglers,The Vessels, Atomic Kitten,The Mavericks,Tom McRae and
The Jeevas.
On the Uncut Magazine stage you can see Ozomalti, Cosmic Rough Riders, Carina
Round, Richard Thompson, Steve Hackett, Jackie Leven, Peter Case, Marc Carroll,
Drunk in Public, Oysterband, Thea Gilmore and Steve Wynn.
Weekend tickets cost £64 and one-day tickets are also available - ring
01483 454159 or see the website www.guilfest.co.uk
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
CHICHESTER FESTIVITIES - JULY 4 - 19
Two weeks of events celebrating the arts take place
all around Chichester in West Sussex. Its the 28th year for the summer feast of
culture which includes talks, walks, drama, dance, comedy, art exhibitions and
film presentations as well as a crowded live music schedule. Amongst dozens of
musical treats are Harlem Gospel Choir, Boney M, Rose Royce, Trio Mercurio,
Chichester Cathedral Choir, Bact to Basie Orchestra, London Mozart Orchestra,
and Bob Geldof and his band who play the final concert in Chichester Cathedral.
See www.chifest.org.uk for full details. The Box Office is at 45 East Street in
Chichester (01243 780192).
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
SWANAGE JAZZ FESTIVAL - JULY 11-13
The Dorset festival kicks off on Friday evening with Bob Kerr's Whoopee Band,
Denise Lawrence Band, Gwilym Simcock Nonet, Dave Brennen's Jubilee Jazz Band,
Martin Dale Quartet with Alan Barnes, Lianne Carroll Trio, Andy Dickens Quintet
& the Rob Koral Quartet with Sue Hawker & Alan Barnes.
Saturday’s acts are: Dave Brennan, Keith Nichols, Ken Colyer Trust New
Orleans Jazz Band, Alan Barnes, Gwilym Simcock, Marie Murphy, Geoff Eales,
Claire Hirst, Bob Martin, Lennart Anderssen, Gary Potter
Sunday - The festival closes with Hampshire Youth Jazz Orchestra, Blue Note
Jazz Band, Bruce Adams, Clark Tracy, Gilad Atzmon, Kirk Lightsey Trio
Events take place in a variety of venues around the town - see the websitewww.swanagejazz.org.uk for full details. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
ROMSEY BEGGARS FAIR - JULY 11 & 12
Jazz,
folk, bluegrass, pop, blues - it’s all there at the Beggars Fair. Live music
takes place at various venues around Romsey including a main stage in The
Cornmarket, various pubs and the Abbey Gardens. All the music is free, too, so
get ready to listen to some blues with Two Came By, some bluegrass with
Contraband and some jazz-funk with Amarillo. Loads more diverse acts like
Barrington, Bosuns Call, The Okeh Wranglers and Chien Bizarre should ensure
something to everybody’s tastes. Southampton’s Candle Club from the Talking
Heads also takes over The Abbey Hotel on the opening night to encourage local
singers and musicians to get up and do their thing. There are also displays of
folk dancing, art and craft exhibitions etc - for more information on the whole
event see www.beggarsfair.com. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
PETWORTH FESTIVAL - JULY 12 - AUGUST 3
If
you’ve never heard of Petworth it’s in West Sussex near Midhurst.
Petworth festival is predominantly a music festival, but there are art, dance
and drama presentations as well aimed at the whole family . The music content is
mainly jazz, world and classical, including the Medici Quartet, Red Priest,
Taiko To Tabla and the Onyx Brass Quintet. For ticket details ring the Box
Office on 01798 344068
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
GROOVES ON THE GREEN 3 - JULY 13
POOLE
in Dorset is the scene of Grooves on the Green 3 on Sunday July 13, when half a
dozen local bands will entertain opposite Le Bateau in Lower Parkstone. Bands
include The Absolute Darlings, Side Sweeper, Blinder, Maslow and Seamonkeys.
Supplies of food and drink will be available and there are a number of village
fete style attractions. The music begins at 12 noon and continues until 7pm.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
Larmer Tree Festival 2003.
Larmer Tree Gardens at Tollard
Royal
July 17-20
The
opening night concert featuring Jools Holland & His Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and
the whole of Saturday have already sold out with very few tickets left for the
remaining events which include a special pre-festival concert on Friday July 11,
when Van Morrison will perform.
As usual the Larmer Tree Festival will host a huge line-up of music acts
from around the world, plus free workshops for adults and plenty of activities
for kids including the huge fancy dress carnival procession on the final day.
Probably the most beautiful location of all the UK festivals the Larmer
Tree’s atmospheric gardens will ring to the sound of over 50 artists including:
BOOMCLICK, ARNIE COTTRELL & TIM PAYNE,SIRIUS B, CROFT NO FIVE, ELEYO,
HUCKLEBERRIES, ROSE KEMP, JACKIE LEVEN, LITTLE BIG SESSION, DERREN NAUENDORF &
DAVE DOWNING, OI-VA-VOI (pictured), OYSTERBAND, VALERIE SMITH & LIBERTY PIKE,
PRONGHORN, PAPE & CHEIKH, RON SEXSMITH, SHOOGLENIFTY, SKINNY SUMO, ALI SLIMANI,
JESSE SYKES, AMY WADGE, WAI.
As well as artists from the UK there are acts from Israel, New Zealand,
Cuba, Algeria, Canada, USA, Ireland, Australia, and Senegal. Tickets can be
purchased online via www.larmertree.co.uk or by telephone on 02380 711820. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
FOLK AT THE ABBEY - JULY 18
Titchfield
Abbey is the atmospheric location for the first Folk at the Abbey event which
precedes Blues at the Abbey the following day. The artists appearing are fresh
young local band Arlen, American singer Bob Cheevers with Legacy, and the
stomping Blue Horses from Wales. Advance tickets are £10, or £12 on the night.
Gates open at 6.30pm and close at midnight. There is a beer tent on site - you
are not allowed to bring your own bottles or cans with you!
Tickets are available through the Queens Head Hotel, Hadlow the Butcher and
Fishermans Rest at Titchfield and via Fareham Tourist Information Centre and the
Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth. Early purchase of tickets is advised. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
TOLPUDDLE MARTYS FESTIVAL - JULY 18 - 20
The historic village of Tolpuddle near Dorchester in Dorset is
the locationof a festival presenting a heady three days of music, drama and
politics, uniting people across the country in a celebration of the trade union
movement, and the memory of the Tolpuddle Martyrs. Over 7,000 people from all
over the UK joined in the festivities last year. Highlights this year are
perennial favourite Billy Bragg, Pato Banton's Reggae Revolution, singers Nick
Harper, Susan Hedges, and Eric Bogle, and a song and spoken word show from Tony
Benn and Roy Bailey.
More details on the website www.tuc.org.uk. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
BLUES AT THE ABBEY - JULY 19
Titchfield
Abbey welcomes The Holmes Brothers from the USA, ex-Hoax man Jon Amor’s band
Amor & Reconsider to the 11th Blues at the Abbey. Advance tickets are £15, £17
on the night. Tickets are available through the Queens Head Hotel, Hadlow the
Butcher and Fishermans Rest at Titchfield and via Fareham Tourist Information
Centre and the Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth. Early purchase of tickets is advised.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
HAVANT - STANSTED PARK PROMS - JULY 19 & 20
Two
nights of music with firework finales are promised at Stansted Park which is
just the other side of Havant following the B2149. The London Gala Orchestra
perform on the Saturday night with Last Night of the Proms featuring guest
vocalists Lynton Atkinson and Nicola-Jane Kemp. The programme includes
everything from “Jerusalem” to “Nessun Dorma.” The following night there’s a
nostalgia double bill with Bjorn Again reprising Abba hits like “Take A Chance
on Me” and “Waterloo” and Magic saluting the music of Freddie Mercury and Queen.
For ticket details ring 02392 824355.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
TROWBRIDGE FESTIVAL - JULY 24 - 27
This
year’s 30th Trowbridge Village Pump Festival, to give it its traditional title,
is full of good things as usual. The rural site at Wingfield will ring to the
sound of dozens of top acts performing under canvas over the weekend.
Fri 25th - Shooglenifty, Alias Ron Kavana, The Hush, Beltaine, This Way Up,
Gauloise Brothers
Sat 26th - Runrig, The Proclaimers, Flook, Dave Swarbrick, Emily Slade, Daniel
Smith, Last Night's Fun, Kerfuffle, Derrin Nauendorf , Bayou Seco
Sun 27th - Eric Bibb + Kate Rusby Band + John Otway + Los Pacaminos + Mostly
Autumn + The Paperboys + Charanga Del Norte + Fatman Swings + Carl Verheyen Band
Enquiries: 01225 769132 (info) / 0117 929 9008 (booking)
Website: Trowbridge Village Pump Festival. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
MARYPORT BLUES FESTIVAL, CUMBRIA - JULY
25 -26
OK, it’s not in the south but a visit to
the Lake District to hear some blues sounds like a good idea. Dionne Warwick is
topping the bill, which is interesting to say the least. A fine singer but does
she sing the blues? Maryport is on the western fringe of the Lake District on
Solway Firth, and the main stage is in a marquee by Maryport Marina. Other gigs
take place at local pubs and clubs around the picturesque town which is set on a
hill. Several artists from the south are on the bill, including Pete Leigh &
The Union, who will have Zoot Money with them, and young Scott McKeon, the
guitar prodigy from Dorset. Also appearing: Paul Lamb & The Kingsnakes, Marcus
Malone, Aynsley Lister, The Groundhogs, Ben Andrews, Sean Chambers, Sonny Black
& The Dukes, Danny Bryant & The Redeye Band, Amor and Band Of Friends. Details
via Ray Martin, BCM Promotions Tel: 0115 932 8615 or e-mail: ray@bcmpromotions.com.
Eleanor Carr, Festival Marketing, Tel: 07710 544 040 or e-mail: info@maryport-blues.co.uk
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
EALING BLUES ‘N’ ROOTS FESTIVAL - JULY 26
Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, Ealing, London, W5 is the
location for a free event which has been going since the late 1980s. The Blues
‘n’ Roots Party is part of Ealing Summer, a dynamic programme of arts and
cultural events which will attract over 125,000 people and includes The Ealing
Comedy Festival, The Ealing Film Festival, Street arts performances, The Ealing
Jazz Festival, children’s shows and much much more.
Amongst the stars at this year’s Blues ‘n’ Roots Festival are the princess
of UK gospel blues, Collette Allen, Richie Milton & The Lowdown, Pete G & The
Magnitones, and The Guv’nors. 24hr INFORMATION LINE for all events 020 8825 6640
Full program details available via www.ealing.gov.uk/EalingSummer (©Peter Ashton 2003)
WOMAD FESTIVAL - JULY 25 - 27
The
annual world music bash at Rivermead, Reading is as eclectic as ever with guest
artists including Ali Slimani, Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks, Super Rail Band of
Bamako, Pape & Cheikh, and dozens more first class acts. See www.womad.org/reading
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
Eastleigh Summer Festival.
Eastleigh
July 28th - August 3rd
STOP
PRESS!
Eastleigh Summer Music Festival is set to be a roaring success. Festival
Organiser Peter Chegwyn reports excellent sales for all the shows in the Big Top
in Leigh Road Recreation Ground, the two concerts at The Point Arts Centre and
the appearance of Jools Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra in Manor Farm Country
Park.
The week kicks off with an audience with the great Dennis Locorriere now
forging a successful solo career.
Formerly the front man with Dr Hook, Dennis is
playing an acoustic one-man show at The Point to open the week’s attractions on
Monday July 29. Over in the Big Top the next day Bob Geldof will be supported by
Jamie Moses, guitarist with Loc Pacaminos. Wednesday features The
Drifters & Real Abba Gold, Thursday presents The Levellers & Berroguetto, Friday
it’s The SAS Band with Paul Young, Leo Sayer, Graham Gouldman of 10cc and many
other star names.
The weekend sees The Saw Doctors & Jackie Leven playing on
Saturday and everyone’s favourite Rolf Harris bringing his Rock & Rolf Show
to the park on Sunday. Meanwhile, Jools and co with guest Sam Brown play over at
Manor Farm Country Park on Thursday and Show of Hands headline a night of folk
music at The Point on Wednesday.
Afternoon concerts include South American pan pipe sounds from Kausary,
Berroguetto from Spain, high energy African bands Zambula and Zuba, plus local
rock bands Sounder and Uncle Herb. The free entertainment culminates with jazz
and world music on a Sunday Funday on August 3 featuring The New Gateway Jazz
Band, Indian drummers The Dhol Blasters and much more. There will also be plenty
of free entertainment for kids throughout the festival, plus a Craft Fayre, Food
Fayre and licensed bar. Tickets are available via The Point (02380
652333), The Brook in Southampton (02380 555366) or online via
www.eastleighfestival.co.uk or www.ticketweb.co.uk. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
BIG GREEN GATHERING -
JULY 30 - AUGUST 3
Canford Park Arena near Cheddar in the Mendip Hills is the setting for five days
of music, song and dance. There is everything from poetry to theatrical events
to childrens entertainment plus concerts from bands like Dorset’s Absolute
Darlings. For more information see www.big-green-gathering.com or telepone:
01458 834629. Postal enquiries to Big Green Gathering Co Ltd, PO Box 3423,
Glastonbury BA6 9ZN.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
CAMBRIDGE FOLK FESTIVAL - JULY 31 -
AUGUST 3
ECLECTIC
as ever this year’s 39th festival in the Cherry Hinton Hall grounds really
explores the boundaries of folk. The best traditional folk artists from the UK
and Ireland line up with more contemporary acts. There is every style from
Americana, blues, roots, bluegrass, gospel, cajun, zydeco, jazz, world, and
klezmer plus acclaimed singer songwriters who are impossible to pigeonhole.
Amongst the names studding a brilliant line up this year are Steve Earle,
The Saw Doctors, Afro Celts, Julian Cope, Eliza Carthy Band, Ron Sexsmith,
Shooglenifty, Oi-Va-Voi, Elephant Talk. For a complete list of performers see
www.cambridge.gov.uk.
Information is also available via 01223 457245. Tickets via the Box Office on
01223 357851. Cambridge is also the location of a Summer Festival of classical
music from July 17 to August 16 - see www.cambridgesummermusic.com.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
Sidmouth Festival.
Sidmouth
August 1st - 8th
Devon’s
beautiful seaside town has as usual come up with a terrific bill of folk and
roots artists from around the world. The event that labels itself “first among
festivals” this year includes Lindisfarne, Eliza Carthy, The Kathryn Tickell
Band, Last Night’s Fun, Lunasa and Altan among a host of intriguing acts. Eight
days of song, music and dance also include guests from around the world
including representatives from France, USA, Korea, Russia, Ghana, Poland, India,
Spain and Canada.
A season ticket for the whole eight days costs only ?149, ?20 off if
purchased before August 1. Tickets are also available for individual days - see
the website www.sidmouthfestival.com for more information and a complete
schedule of performers. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
ROMSEY - BROADLANDS 2003 - AUGUST 2, 9 & 16
Midsummer
open air concerts at Broadlands focus on classical music and pop with
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra producing a classical extravaganza on Saturday
August 2, One Big Saturday on August 9 featuring a host of chart toppers like
Hot Chocolate and The Searchers, with today’s stars Atomic Kitten following on
August 16.
Ticket office: 0870 2255163 or 0870 2255164. Tickets also available through BIC
Bournemouth, Salisbury City Hall, The Mayflower and Guildford Civic Hall.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
BOURNEMOUTH MARDI GRAS 2003 - AUGUST 2
Bournemouth Mardi Gras 2003 is a celebration of
diversity reflecting the town’s large gay and lesbian community – the fifth
largest in the UK, so they say. Mardi Gras will be one huge summer partyby the
seaside on Saturday August 2 with music, cabaret, airground rides, market
stalls, food and drink outlets. There will also be a family fun area and sign
interpreters.
The venue will be Meyrick Park which is a short walk from
Bournemouth town centre (walk up Braidley Road alongside the Town Hall). South
West Trains are planning special fare deals for Mardi Gras visitors with
transport to the site from Bournemouth Station. Bournemouth’s gay venues are
supporting Mardi Gras with special fundraising activities in the run up to
August and are all geared up to continue the party when the curtain falls on the
main stage. More information is available from Bournemouth Tourist Office.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
CROPREDY FESTIVAL - AUGUST 7 - 9
Fairport Convention’s annual music bonanza takes place
in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside. This year’s line-up is better than
ever:
Thursday 7 August - Colvin Quarmby, Meet On The Ledge, Trevor Burton Band &
Lindisfarne
Friday 8 August - Mark Gillespie, Keith Donnelly, Equation, David Hughes, The
Bucket Boys, Blue Tapestry & Procol Harum
Saturday 9 August - Richard Digance, Big Al Hodge & The Mechanics, The Hush, Old
Blind Dogs, Albert Lee & Hogans Heroes, Dennis Locorriere & Fairport Convention.
For full details see www.fairportconvention.co.uk
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
BROADSTAIRS FOLK WEEK - AUGUST 8 - 15
IT
might be as far as you can go eastwards without ending up in the sea, but
Broadstairs in Kent is well worth a visit for the 38th Folk Week. It’s expected
to attract over 120,000 visitors and the line-up is impressive.
Alphabetically ranging from Aardvark to Zuba, there is some brilliant
entertainment on offer. Bluehorses stampede in with their twin violin folk-rock
sound, Australian roots hero Derrin Nauendorff will be there, as will Paul Young
with his Tex-Mex mates Los Pacaminos and multi-insturmentalist Rory McLeod.
So will dozens of other acts ranging from Cajun to traditional Irish to blues
and country and more.
The address is Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1JX. Tickets via 01843
604080 or see www.broadstairsfolkweek.com.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
BROCKSTOCK 2003 - AUGUST 9 & 10
Subtitled Spirit of the South Music Festival,
Brockstock features The Commitments and forty more bands in Canford Park Arena.
It’s a charity event to raise money to expand the Coda Music Centre at
Christchurch. Watch this space for the full line-up for an event which is being
organised with the family in mind - fun fair, food and drink, craft stalls and
many more attractions have been arranged. Tickets are available from the BIC box
office on 012020 456456 ON 01202 456456 or visit www.bic.co.uk’
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
HAMPSHIRE WATER FESTIVAL, WINCHESTER - ABBEY GARDENS -
AUGUST 16
Tower Arts Centre have organised a day of spectacular free outdoor
water-related music, theatre and arts events in Abbey Gardens, next to
Winchester Guildhall, from 11am to 5pm featuring:
* The sensational Spurting Man!
* Theatre In A Bag performing their latest show
* The 'Water' Beatles (aka The Silver Beatles)
* 11-piece Zimbabwean band Siyaya
* Southampton-based arts collective Aspace
* CircoRumBaBa performing inside a life-size sperm whale!!
* Storyteller Chris Bennett
* Workshops with craft/visual artist Clare Jefferson
* More acts to be confirmed
In addition locally produced ice-cream from the Forest of Bere Dairy will be on
sale, a Water Market takes place in the Outer Close of Winchester Cathedral with
special food and drink and water-related products including fish, watercress,
beer and much more.
For more details on the event ring 01962 845832 (Mon-Fri only).
BEAUTIFUL DAYS-ESCOT PARK, DEVON-AUGUST 16& 17
Headline
acts at a new alternative folk roots and reggae festival in East Devon over the
weekend of August 16/17 include Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Oysterband, The Levellers
and Senser. It’s called Beautiful Days and it’s happening at Escot Park, near
Fairmile, a location of stunning natural beauty Although music is a big feature
of the festival there will also be spectacular site art and sculpture,
children's activities and workshops, fire sculpture, food and craft stalls,
licenced bars and performance artists.
Also appearing: American ska-funkers
Fishbone, their 25th anniversary
this year, Wonder Stuff frontman, Miles Hunt who will play an acoustic set,
blues veterans The Groundhogs who are celebrating their 40th anniversary this
year and are back playing in their original lineup. Ska band The Selecter
fronted by Pauline Black will be there, as will Dreadzone, Hybrid, Justin
Sullivan of New Model Army, acclaimed singer-songwriter Nick Harper, Grand
Drive, Clearlake, and a host of other exciting bands.
Check the festival website www.beautifuldays.org for full details and
updates. Tickets are now on sale - weekend camping tickets are £55 and £35 for
children aged 5-12 years. Day Tickets are available for Saturday or Sunday at
£27.50, £17.50 for children aged 5-12 years. Children under 5 years are free but
you must obtain an under 5’s weekend or day ticket. Tickets are available from
WAY AHEAD 0871 22 00 260 or www.wayahead.com, LONDON CALLING for UK tickets and
travel 0870 2201111, ON THE FIDDLE 01273 608887, 24-7 TICKETS 0870 70 80 003,
SOLO RECORDS, Exeter 01392 425309 or REFORM RECORDS, Exeter 01392 435577.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
READING FESTIVAL - AUGUST 22 -24
BLUR, LINKIN PARK, WHITE
STRIPES,
METALLICA
ETC - SOLD OUT!
CANTERBURY FAYRE - AUGUST 22 - 24
A
highly attractive site for a festival, the beautiful Mount Ephraim Gardens,
Hernhill, near Canterbury and a line-up to drool over. Taking part this year are
artists of the calibre of The Inspiral Carpets, Robert Plant, Ian McNabb, Roy
Harper, Love with Arthur Lee, Space Ritual, Willard Grant Conspiracy, Jackie
Leven, Nick Harper, Le Cod Afrique and many more. Ticket details: Tel: 01494
794887 or online via www.canterburyfayre.com.
(©Peter Ashton 2003)
SOUTHSEA FOLK & ROOTS FESTIVAL - AUG 24 - 31
South Parade Pier is the location for eight days of top folk, roots, blues
and dance events. Amongst the names entertaining this year are The Strawbs,
Oysterband, Phil Beer Band, Julie Felix, Arlen, Mary Jane and The Pete Harris
Band. There are free daytime concerts and ticketed evening concerts between £5
and £10.
Tickets are available online or from The Festival Office, Kylebrack House, 41
Festing Grove, Southsea, Hants, PO45 4BS. A season tickets for all concerts are
just £50, a final weekend ticket only £25 - check the website for more details:
www.barkingspider.abelgratis.com/festival or telephone 02392 436267 or Mobile:
07970 959793. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
GREAT DORSET STEAM FAIR,
TARRANT HINTON -AUGUST 27-31
As well as steam engines, vintage tractors, fairground organs, heavy horses and
trade stands, there is a lot of live music going on during this huge Dorset
event which has a long history. Folk, pop, jazz, country and rock music is
presented in five marquees over the whole of the festival. Amongst this year’s
line-up are The Wurzels, Lady Winwoods Maggot, The Crack, Marmalade (the
original 60s outfit), Salisbury Big Band, Torn Apart, The Goats and The Hedge
Monkeys. For more information see www.steam-fair.co.uk. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
WALLINGFORD BUNKFEST 2003 - AUGUST 29 - 31
Wallingford, near Oxford is the location for a festival with a strong folk
line-up. The ubiquitous Show of Hands are joined by Steafan Hannigan's Mahogany
Gaspipes, Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, Tanglefoot fromCanada, Alan Burke, The
Bismarcks, KTB, Slainte, Circulus, Arlen, Pete Orton, Skyport Ade & Pat Cogswell,
Spire, John Thomson & Jonathan Hill, Karl Dallas and Beggars Belief. For more
details see www.bunkfest.co.uk. (©Peter Ashton 2003)
BLUES AT THE FORT - FORT PURBROOK,
PORTSDOWN HILL , NEAR PORTSMOUTH - SEPTEMBER 19 & 20
Blues lovers have a late festival to look forward to when the 5th Blues at
the Fort Festival takes place late in September . The line-up for the event has
just been announced with some top acts including The Blues Band and The Hamsters
belting it out as the sun goes down on Portsdown Hill. Formerly the Havant Real
Ale Festival, Blues at the Fort 2003 will take
place in a huge marquee within the ramparts of the historic fort. A range of
real ales from all over the country, hot food and plenty of seating is available
to music fans as they soak up some stirring blues. All the proceeds will go to
support sporting activities and charities in the area. This year the nominated
charities include Langstone Sailability and The Quivers who promote sailing and
fencing for the disabled.
The Hamsters, a hard rocking band who specialise in playing the music of Jimi
Hendrix headline on Friday night with the Blues Band topping the bill on
Saturday. Portsmouth born Paul Jones and his band have been keeping the blues
flame burning for over twenty years now with their authentic sound, fronted by
Paul’s singing and harmonica playing. Old-style R&B band The Motel Kings, blues
and boogie outfit Cryin’ Out Loud and local band Andy Broad’s Rhythm Kings will
also play over the two nights.
Tickets can be purchased from Havant Tourist Information Centre via 023 9248
0024.
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