REDDITCH is getting ready to rock as the John Bonham A Celebration Festival returns to the town.
After having to cancel the 2019 festival and then postponed last year’s event, John Bonham Memorial Friends are looking forward to finally staging the John Bonham A Celebration II festival in Redditch on Saturday, September 25.
“The Government’s announcement of their intention to allow large gatherings, including music festivals, to be staged without restrictions from June 21 onwards, came as a huge relief to all involved,” said festival director Ros Sidaway.
“It’s also been tough for charities unable to fund raise so we are hoping to raise as much money as possible for our nominated charity, Teenage Cancer Trust West Midlands.”
Organised in partnership with the Palace Drum Clinic, this year’s event will have a different format to the big marquee celebration held in 2018.
Instead it will feature an open-air music event close to the John Bonham’s memorial in Mercian Square from midday to 6pm, and matinee and evening shows featuring top rock and blues acts being at the Palace Theatre,
Headline acts include John Coghlan’s Quo, Stray, Ken Pustelnik’s Groundhogs, CODA – A Tribute To Led Zeppelin and VAMBO, one of the leaders of the New Wave of Classic Rock.
Opening the matinee show, will be Young Drummer of the Year 2019 winner, Michael MacCourt.
And the bands will be joined on stage by an array of special guests and friends of John Bonham sharing their memories of Bonzo.
Tickets are now on sale via www.JohnBonhamAC.com or the Palace Theatre Box Office on 01527 65203.
While planning continues the organisers are extending an invitation to local music and arts community groups to get involved in the festival, which in 2018 saw Redditch welcome visitors from all around the world.
“Our aim is to make the festival bigger and better than the last one, and also showcase local talent to those from near and far, including, hopefully, international music fans “ added Ros.
“We want to put Redditch on the map by celebrating the life of John Henry Bonham, local lad and global rock legend.”
To get involved in the festival, or to sponsor, advertise or donate raffle prizes, contact JBMF through the website or call Ros Sidaway on 07887 525107 or pop into her record shop, Vintage Trax, at 11a Church Green East, Redditch B98 8BP.
