RAMSBOTTOM festival is about to have its sixth instalment, and it’s certainly become one of the regions premier events, having already attracted praise from all over the UK. Quays News entertainment reporter Andrew Riley looks at one or two of the acts you can expect to see over the three days…
Ramsbottom Arts Festival is just around the corner; one of the last festivals of the year, it’s known for its varied acts and this year is no different with Public Service Broadcasting headlining the Friday slot with Julian Cope, Gaz Coombes and The Selecter making Saturday and to close the event, The Fun Lovin’ Criminals headline the Sunday.
The success of the Ramsbottom Festival is down to the creative vision of artistic director, David Agnew, of The Met in Bury.
‘Rammy’ as it is locally known, poses a mix of musical genres from ska, blues, folk to pop and indie-rock against the scenic backdrop of the Lancashire hills.
Not to be missed is the programme of family entertainment, performance, crafts and theatre across the weekend.
Taking place over the weekend of September 16-18, in the past it’s attracted artists as diverse as The Wonder Stuff, Inspiral Carpets, Richard Hawley, Sinéad O’Connor and many more.
This also has to be one of, if not the only, festival where you can arrive in style on a steam train!
Aside from the music, Rammy Festival is also laden with different arts and events, such as family yoga, Jez Mansfield and his close up magic, Trapeze, the Bury Collective and many more.
Some of the lesser known acts appearing that are well worth catching include Manchester’s own Harp and a Monkey who specialise in poignant, humorous and melodic short stories about northern life, love and remembrance.
I first heard them on Folk Radio UK with their track ‘Digging Holes’ from their eponymous 2011 debut album.
Their latest offering, ‘War Stories‘, which The Observer described as “bold and brilliant” is certain to get your feet tapping and head nodding.
Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly. Or Sam Duckworth to his mates, will be appearing on the Saturday with his new incarnation, Recreations, fresh from a nationwide tour to promote Baby Boomers 2.
Sunday is another eclectic collection of acts. BBC Introducing championed hard rock three piece Sly Antics, whose new EP Captive City is five absolutely cracking tracks, released just in time for their festival appearance.
Loud, brash and unwilling to compromise, this three piece was described as having “a vibe that’s so powerful, so overwhelming, the whole place is completely on it,” by no less than Louder Than War.
If that isn’t enough of an invitation, I don’t know what is. I can’t remember the last time a trio made so much noise, and yet sounded so powerful.
Also a ‘local’ band, The Plumedores are a three-piece blues, folk and roots band fronted by Danny McTague and Elbow guitarist Mark Potter.
Their music comes from a mixture of delta blues, jug bands, country, folk and rock and roll.
Headlining Sunday are The Fun Lovin’ Criminals who continue to defy categorisation with their blend of rock, hip-hop, blues and mariachi music.
Lead singer Huey Morgan is a regular on BBC Radio 6, as well as fronting ‘Guitar Star’ on Sky Arts.
Having sold over 10 million albums worldwide, they are still probably best known for the 1995 track “Scooby Snacks.”
Rammy is famous for the Silent Disco – choose your soundtrack from funk, indie, rock, northern soul, dance and reggae and bop away to your own headphone moment.
Whatever you choose to indulge with, this is a festival where you are spoilt for choice…
By Andrew Riley
@QuaysRL
Recent Comments