Chart toppers Republica to headline this year's Morton Stanley Festival - The Redditch Standard

Chart toppers Republica to headline this year's Morton Stanley Festival

Redditch Editorial 28th May, 2019   0

MORTON Stanley Park will be alive with ‘techno-pop, punk rock’ as headline act and 90s chart toppers Republica take top billing for this year’s festival.

From 1996 to 1999, Republica sold an incredible three million albums and clinched Top 5 slots in the UK, America and Europe with platinum sales across the globe, while their hit single ‘Ready to Go’ soared to Number One in many countries.

More recently the band had a sell-out 20th anniversary tour co-headlining with Space, with performances in Dubai, Israel and Germany and a sell-out UK tour with Sir Bob Geldof’s Boomtown Rats.

Republica will be performing some of their most famous songs – including ‘Ready to Go’ which has featured in more than 300 films and adverts – between 6pm and 7pm on Sunday, August 18.




This year’s other headline acts include three renowned tribute bands; Skabucks, Led Hendrix and Pure Queen, as well as Indie singer/songwriter Ryan Sparrow.

On Saturday, August 17, from 5-6pm, Skabucks will be playing classic hits from the original 60s Ska and the revival Two-Tone era.


The group are musically influenced by Madness, The Beat, The Specials, Bad Manners and Prince Buster.

Following them at 6pm will be Led Hendrix who will pay tribute to – you guessed it – the music of the Mighty Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin.

Originating from Bromsgrove they are the UK’s only band to pay tribute to the music of two of rock music’s greatest artists.

Always respectful to the classics, Led Hendrix captures the sounds and style of the original artist with a modern twist, using period instruments to further enhance the sonic and visual experience.

Kicking off the headline acts on Sunday will be Ryan Sparrow and band from 3pm.

Ryan is an Indie singer/songwriter from the Midlands and will be playing his original mix of indie pop and folk. Ryan has travelled the length and breadth of the UK playing shows both as a solo artist and with his backing band.

He is due to support Cast on part of their UK tour shortly.

Following this, from 5pm, Pure Queen will have visitors will be up on their feet warming up audiences before headliners Republica.

Lead performer Mark has been deemed one of the UK’s number one Freddie Mercury impersonators and has performed on BBC 1’s Tribute show ‘Even Better Than The Real Thing’ with Paddy McGuinness.

Pure Queen features over 25 of Queens classic hits authentically reproduced and delivered with an explosive performance that will leave you rocking in your seats…guaranteed to blow your mind!

The headline acts will be supported by hours of top music by local bands and performers of all genres.

Councillor Mike Rouse, whose portfolio covers leisure services, said: “Whilst other festivals in the Midlands are looking to introduce charges I’m delighted that Redditch is so far managing to retain a free open air festival that’s accessible to all.

“I want to thank the generosity of the Redditch taxpayers and encourage as many residents and visitors as possible to come and experience a weekend of fun.

“The headline acts show we are really starting to unlock the potential of Redditch’s annual music and community festival whilst we still give up and coming performers a chance to get heard and grow.”

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