The first ever Wilmslow Music Festival has been hailed a big success.
Over 1500 people gathered in the grounds of Wilmslow High School on Friday evening for the inaugural event - which was the brainchild of Frank McCarthy, Chairman of the Wilmslow Show.
The crowds were treated to performances from 21 home grown acts, ranging from choirs to rock bands, who performed across three stages and the Busker's Area.
The weather was absolutely gorgeous for the festival, which kicked off with a performance by the award winning Lacey Green Steel Band.
This was followed by performances from Alderley & Wilmslow Musical Theatre Company, Alessia Doyle, Banned from The Room, Barnby Choir, Catherine Taylor-Dawson, Cheshire A Cappella, Chordiale, Clare Howell, Ewan Sim, Ian Tatlock, Kray Brothers, Lacey Green Primary Academy Senior Steel Band, Liam McClair, Lindow Singers, Sadie Pickering, Sotto Voce, Styal Brass, TEMPO (formerly known as SCAMPS), Wilmslow Community Choir, Wilmslow High School Concert Orchestra and Wilmslow High School Choir.
The evening came to a close with the grand finale which saw various soloists and choir members come together under the musical direction of Mike Bramhall to perform Elbow's hit song 'One Day Like This'. After just one 50 minute rehearsal they put on a fantastic performance which the crowd sang and swayed along to.
John Mills, Chairman of the Wilmslow Music Festival, said "The weather was fantastic and it went like clockwork. What we particularly liked was that there were people there of all ages, from little girls doing cartwheels at the front of the stage to pensioners dancing. We tried to appeal to everyone with the music and I think we did.
"What was amazing was the breadth of talent there was. Some of the societies and school choirs had never played to such a large audience and they loved showcasing their talent."
Speaking about the future, John Mills said "Hopefully there will be the energy there for another one and it will become an annual event.
"We have put Wilmslow on the map musically and hopefully even more people will want to take part."
Comments
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I was a little unsure as to how it would sound - after the deafening and annoying Rock Concert at Castle Rock last week.
Wilmslow Music Festival was quite the opposite - music for everyone - well timed - some concerts inside tents to give that music more atmosphere - and then there was the Bandstand where the children's performances mainly took place. Although Alderley and Wilmslow Theatre company did an amazing performance there near the end of the show.
All the performers were exceptional and entertaining - plus the food available was delicious and the whole evening was a success. Many thanks to all the organisers - and we look forward to next year - weather permitting!
The weekend of the Wilmslow Music Festival coincided with the Styal Beer Festival, an established family oriented music event just a couple of miles up the road, and this potentially impacted ticket sales at Wilmslow.
Can the planners avoid using the same weekend next year so we can all enjoy two great outdoor events in the vicinity?