THE John Bonham Festival got off to a rockin’ start in Redditch this morning, with local band Plus One kicking off proceedings on the Legacy Stage on Church Green.
And there’s a mouthwatering selection of music in store for across the town centre from the free Fringe Festival to the Arena Redditch Stage on the old market site to two fantastic concerts at the Palace this afternoon and evening.
Earlier festival director and organiser Ros Sidaway had laid a bouquet of flowers at the John Bonham Memorial on Mercia Square where she was joined by borough Mayor Councillor Gareth Prosser.
John ‘Bonzo’ Bonham, who rose to fame with Led Zeppelin, is of course widely acclaimed as the greatest rock drummer ever and Coun Prosser confessed to be a huge fan of the band.
“I was and am a massive fan,” he said.
“John Bonham has helped put Redditch on the map both nationally and internationally.
“Let’s hope today is well attended and people enjoy themselves.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to Ros for all her hard work and all the organisers and volunteers who have done so much to put this event on in Redditch.
“It couldn’t be staged last year due to Covid but here’s hoping it becomes an annual event in the future.”
Director Ros, who has been at the heart of the festival from day one, said: “I’m just pleased that we’re here and it’s happening.
“There have been obstacles along the way but we have overcome them and we just want everyone to come along and have a great time.”
Ans there’s not only music in Redditch town centre this Saturday, September 25.
Church Green is alive with Fringe stages, there’s the smell of sizzling burgers in the air, Jamaican food on the menu and delicious cakes to be snapped up at the St Stephen’s Church stall, plus hook a duck among the games for children.
Elaine Whitfield, church warden of St Stephen’s and also a huge fan of Led Zeppelin – she used to work on programming at BRMB Radio – said they were delighted to support the festival.
“It’s a fantastic event and great for Redditch to celebrate – it’s wonderful to be here,” she said.
Headlining the finale at the evening show at the Palace Theatre are John Coghlan’s Quo plus Clearwater Creedence Revival with You Dirty Blue kicking the evening off.
There’s also an afternoon gig at the Palace with a host of top bands, while outside and ‘underneath the arches’ at the former Redditch covered market, rebranded the Arena Redditch Festival Stage, there are some great acts lined up.
These include Vincent Flatts Final Drive and the winners of the 2020 Emerging Blues Artist James Oliver and his band.
All this plus the free Fringe Festival.
Tickets are selling fast but some are still available for the two concerts at the Palace (£31 and £41) and for the Arena Redditch Festival Stage £15 on the door.
Those attending are asked to bring proof of their double Covid vaccination or show a negative Covid test.
For more details, visit www.JohnBonhamAC.com, or redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk or buy direct from Vintage Trax.
