The first ever Wilmslow Music Festival will take place this summer.
Following on from the success of the Wilmslow Motor Show and Artisan Market, this new evening event will be a celebration of Wilmslow's home-grown talent.
The Festival will take place on Friday 12th July, the weekend of the Wilmslow Show, in the grounds of Wilmslow High School.
The Festival is the brainchild of Frank McCarthy who is the Chairman of the Wilmslow Show, now in its 101st year.
Frank said "Over the last few years the Wilmslow Show has grown. In 2011 we had over 7,000 visitors to the Show. Unfortunately we had to cancel the Show in 2012 because of the terrible weather. However we are looking forward to this year's Show which we are sure will be even bigger and better.
"For a number of years I have felt that the Show could be extended to include other events which would bring Wilmslow together. I decided 2013 was the year to introduce a Wilmslow Music Festival."
Frank was keen to assemble a strong team of professionals to deliver the Festival and is working with John Mills who, until recently, was the voluntary marketing manager of Wilmslow Symphony Orchestra.
John Mills, Chairman of the Wilmslow Music Festival explained: "The Music Festival will celebrate Wilmslow's home-grown musical talent. There will be three stages in the grounds of the High School, each showcasing different local groups and soloists."
Confirmed performers include: Alderley & Wilmslow Musical Theatre Company, Barnby Choir, Cheshire A Cappella, Chordiale, vocalist Clare Howell, guitarist Ian Tatlock, Lacey Green Primary School Steel Band, Lindow Singers, vocalist Lionel Daniels, Sotto Voce, TEMPO, Wilmslow High School Band and Wilmslow High School Choir.
John added "We are delighted with the current line-up of performers; and there are still more acts to be confirmed. We want the evening to offer something for everyone – from choirs to rock bands.
"The evening will be a relaxed, informal affair where you can enjoy the music whilst eating and drinking from a food market, which will be provided by Wilmslow restaurants and bars. Denise Valente, one of the directors of the award-winning Artisan Market is pulling together the food market; and is also talking to other traders who will add to the ambience of a music festival."
As well as offering an innovative event in Wilmslow, the Music Festival also aims to raise the profile of Wilmslow's musical groups and societies and help them raise funds. After the costs of the Festival have been covered, any remaining funds will be split between the performers. The performers are also incentivised to sell the tickets by receiving 25% of the funds they raise from their sales.
John continued: "We have a highly professional team working really hard to deliver this event and ensure it is a great evening. We are also liaising with Wilmslow Town Council who are organising the Party in the Park on Sunday 16th June, so together we can provide Wilmslow with a summer to remember."
Tickets will be available to purchase via the website www.wilmslowmusicfestival.com, which should launch later this week, or via one of the performers listed.
Wilmslow Music Festival will take place on Friday 12th July from 6.30pm to 10.30pm in the grounds of Wilmslow High School.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
go along and listen to the music which looks like it will appeal to all tastes (and enjoy the food).
Geoff Shelmerdine (Mr Scarecrow) !
The Wilmslow Dean Rotary Club