THE Redditch Music Festival has been hailed a tremendous success with a total of ten acts performing in the bandstand on Church Green last Saturday with a further eight at Mambo Cafe, writes Ross Crawford.
All of the acts performed for free and if the crowds didn’t flock to the event in their thousands there was a healthy interest as shoppers and visitors paid a visit to hear the bands in action.
“You’ve got to start somewhere and we’re delighted with how its gone – we’ve had a good choice of bands and a good selection of genres. The festival is definitely here to stay,” said organiser Steve Bartlett.
“The artists have played for free because they wanted the exposure but it would be good to get some sponsorship for next year just to give them something back,” he added.
The programme had to be extended because of demand and started at 11am, running until 4pm, and was compered by council leader Bill Hartnett, before Cafe Mambo took over the running with their Silver Bullet Event led by Garth Kirkham of Black Tie Event.
“It’s been really good, we’ve had a good mix of styles and the participants have all been keen to get involved,” said Councillor Hartnett. “I’ve been here all day and all the acts have been fantastic.”
One of the groups performing was Redditch Community Gospel Choir, a firm favourite with Coun Hartnett.
Rosie Palmer, their musical director said: “We sing for pleasure – the choir is made up anyone who has a voice and we find a spot for them – it’s all about the sheer enjoyment of singing.”
The choir has been going for five years and rehearses every fortnight on Thursdays at the AOG Church in Elm Road, Enfield at 7pm.
For more details email [email protected] or [email protected] .
To hear the RCGC at the bandstand, performing Labi Siffre’s magnificent ‘Something Inside So Strong’, visit Redditchstandard.co.uk or click on to https://youtu.be/FDnM6BLRZPY .
