Final Countdown to Alresford Music Festival

The rural town of Alresford, Hampshire, is ready to embrace its most ambitious public event ever.  The Alresford Music Festival is ready to rock and many of the townsfolk will be out to support the event on Saturday 19 June.

Despite early financial difficulties and negative gossip the festival is on track to become a big success and has captured the imagination of the local people.  “We recently appealed for volunteers to come forward to help on the day and we have been astounded by the interest” said logistics manager Laura Stagg. “We now have a team of helpers from Alresford Rugby Club, a group from Alresford Scouts and more than 40 individuals who have all signed up to help operate the event. It’s very encouraging to know there is strong community support behind you.”

The Alresford Music Festival will take place on the Perins School playing field with gates opening at 11 am and a full programme of music kicking off at mid-day, running through to 11 pm.  The festival includes two stages so bands will alternate between the two to keep the music continuous.  Highlights of the programme include bands Polly and the Billets Doux, The Ashbies and Hattie Jacques’ Playlist.  The line up also includes up and coming local talent like Phil Fleming and two bands from Perins School.

The festival organisers, whilst wanting to ensure a professional music event, are also keen to provide entertainment for all the family to enjoy.  A good deal of effort has gone into providing a varied mix of children’s entertainment during the day.  This includes a crèche and Perins Fun Camp for games, arts and crafts as well as Juggling Jake’s circus skills, a solar cinema and a pop music workshop.

“Organising this event has been an uphill battle but now, with everything in place and ready to go, there is a fantastic sense of achievement” commented festival chairman Ken Veitch, “All we need now is a bit of luck with the weather!”

Whilst advance on-line tickets sales have now ceased anyone wishing to come to the festival will be able to buy tickets on the gate at £20 per person (cash only) and children 12 years and under go free.

Editor’s notes:
The first Alresford Music Festival will be held at Perins School’s playing field on Saturday 19 June 2010.  This not-for-profit event will include numerous  bands from around the region including The Ashbies, Polly & the Billet Doux, Pressgang, Hattie Jacques’ Playlist, No Through Road, Broken Links, Della Perrett's Sweetedge, Modern Cliches, Lee Abraham Band, Rattlewreck, Phil Freeman (Piano Girl) and Bighton Rock.  Tickets are on sale at £20 each, from County News in Alresford, Hayward Guitars in Winchester and via the Festival website www.alresfordmusicfestival.com.

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For further details please contact the press officer:
Helen Armour
Telephone: 01962 737283
Email: armour@perins.hants.sch.uk