80s pop icon Hazel O’Connor is to headline the forthcoming Morton Stanley Festival in Redditch.
One of the first female stars of the 80s, award winning singer-songwriter O’Connor originally rose to fame in 1980 starring in the film Breaking Glass.
She will be performing some of her greatest hits including Eighth Day, Will You, Big Brother, Monsters in Disguise, Calls The Tune, If Only, and Hanging Around on the afternoon of Saturday, August 18.
She will be accompanied by virtuoso saxophonist and vocalist Clare Hirst (who has played with The Belle Stars, Communards and David Bowie) and Sarah Fisher (Eurythmics) on keyboards and vocals to create a classy performance.
Also headlining on the 18th will be Matrix Club Matrix.
Matrix are a Club Classics and 90′s Dance Anthems band with an unforgettable and uplifting tribute to the music that shaped an era.
Midland’s founded band Last Hounds, fusing elements of punk, hardcore and hip, will also be performing last on the Saturday having recently toured the UK off the back of their debut Self-Titled EP.
Sunday evening will see headline performances from “swamp’n’roll” band Elvis Fontenot who have successfully turned traditional Cajun and Zydeco music, eclectic covers and original songs into their own high energy trademark performances.
Following them will be Hollie Vee and the Hubkaps, a lofi ‘rock ‘n’ soul’ band with tons of energy.
Local bands, groups and organisations of all musical genres will be performing on the main stage throughout the weekend, supporting the headline acts. Local acts will also take to the acoustic tent.
Firm favourites from last year, Locked in Radio will be returning supported by two other local DJ tents.
New for 2018 and based on feedback from festival-goers in previous years, there will also be a fancy dress competition with a prize for the best dressed pirate – no matter what their age!
Tommy Wilson Fun Fair will also be there along with children’s activities and numerous stands, promising something for everyone.
Food from around the world will also be on offer while a firework display will close events on the Saturday evening.
Councillor Roger Bennett, Redditch Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Leisure, said: “We are very excited to have 80s star Hazel O’Connor attending the festival this year alongside several other award winning headline acts.
“Complemented by the local acts and performers, DJ’s, food festival, activities, displays, community stalls and the fair, Morton Stanley Festival really does have something for everyone no matter what age you are.”
The Morton Stanley Festival is a free event for the whole community organised by Redditch Borough Council. This year it is on Saturday and Sunday the weekend of August 18-19 starting at 12noon on both days.
For more information call 01527 534030.
