Nottingham LIVE editor Darren Patterson takes a look at this weekends Splendour Festival.
Since its launch (originally as a two day event) in 2008 SPLENDOUR has grown to become one of the top live music festivals in the city and is undoubtedly Nottingham’s biggest music event of the year with thousands descending upon the majestic grounds of Wollaton Park to catch a mix of big name stars and top local talent.
This year, heading up proceedings, are popular dance act SCISSOR SISTERS who will be sure to round off the day’s events with hits like I Don’t Feel Like Dancing and Take Your Momma Out, co-headlining the main stage are rock legends BLONDIE, led by the iconic Debbie Harry this will be the band the band the dads will be sure to want to catch.
Upcoming singer ELIZA DOOLITTLE is another big name appearing on the day, and this rising star, whose self-titled debut album reached number three in the charts last year will be keen to put on a set to remember.
90’s alternative rockers CAST reformed last year and will be following on from their appearance at the Isle of Wight festival by taking to the Wollaton stage.
Scottish singer-songwriter JUSTIN CURRIE might not be a name that immediately rings with recognition but most people will be aware of Del Amitri, the band he was a founding member of, the forty six year old now performs solo, though is sure to pull some of his old bands hits out of the bag on Sunday..
SAM DUCKWORTH is an electroacoustic artist best known by many as Get Cape.Wear Cape.Fly.
Before all these acts though, and kicking things off on the main stage, will be Nottingham’s very own THE MONEY, winners of the recent Future Sounds of Nottingham competition, this awesome young band will be certain to kick things off on the main stage.
The second stage – or the Jagermeister stage as it is – will be heading by the always entertaining FEEDER who will know down have everyone dancing and singing along to the likes of Buck Rogers. Indie rockers THE BLUETONES, probably best known for 1996 hit Slight Return are currently on their farewell tour ahead of plans to split in September after nearly 20 years.
DOG IS DEAD are without doubt one of the best bands in Nottingham and are one of the bands tipped to break out onto the national scene, and continue a great year that has seen them appear on the season finale of cult hit Skins and sign a deal with Atlantic Records the guys once again return to Splendour at which they have become a regular fixture.
Other top Notts acts performing on the Jagermeister stage are the excellent SWIMMING, featuring We Show Up on Radar and The Petebox, these guys are one of Nottingham’s best and most original acts and are sure to be on top form. ROYAL GALA are not only one of Nottingham’s best live acts but also probably one of the only ones to feature a line-up of NINE – including trumpet and trombone players, describing themselves as “comprising huge bass hooks, big bass-lines, dirty, raw, soulful vocals and infectious rhythms” if you haven’t yet seen these guys live then make sure that changes on Sunday – you will not regret it.
Opening up the second stage, HARLEIGHBLU is an amazingly talented young singer who will be sure to be the perfect start to the festivities, backed up by her excellent band, her beautiful soul and r ‘n’ b sounds are leading this youngster towards great things.
Over on the Courtyard Stage, once again being run by Left Lion magazine, there will be even more local talent performing, THE PETEBOX will be stepping away from the drums and bringing us his awesome beatboxing skills, young singer-songwriter JAKE BUGG, GALLERY 47,and CECILLE GREY.
Also appearing on the courtyard stage will be LUKE BINGHAM, ALLIE ROSS and SCOTT MATTHEWS.
Away from the music the Funhouse Comedy stage, compered by NICK PAGE, will see performances from ANDY WHITE, WES ZAHARUK, ROGER MONKHOUSE, PATRICK MONAHAN and DAN EVENS.
Plus there will of course be stalls, bars and more on what promises to be a great day, all in the shadow of Wollaton Hall – or as it is better known now Wayne Manor.
Let’s just hope for good weather.
Splendour takes place at Wollaton Park on Sunday 24 July 2011 – for more information visit www.splendourfestival.com
