Newark Festival : Marti Pellow promises to play songs that match festival vibe

Headline act Marti Pellow believes Newark Festival has got everything right as he prepares to take to the stage in June.

The Wet Wet Wet frontman will headline Saturday, June 16, at the Riverside Park.

An earlier start time for the Saturday has been announced, with gates opening at noon ahead of a 1pm start to give music lovers a fuller festival day experience.

The day will feature performances by Kim Wilde, Go West, Nick Heyward, Limahl and The Fizz.

Irish rockers Hothouse Flowers head up the evening line-up before Marti takes to the stage.

Marti said he was delighted to be part of the festival, and said it looked like a perfect setting for a summer festival.

“I am all up for the festival vibe and think this year’s event looks great,” he told the Advertiser.

“The festival looks like it has an eclectic mix so a lot of bases are covered.

“When they asked me to do it I saw pictures from when UB40 headlined and it looked like they had everything right with the event.

“You can see the people are having a good time, and I am always up for that.

“It is family-driven, which is great. They have all the facilities and a beautiful setting — even if it’s raining everyone will be up for a good time.”

He said his performance would feature favourites from his back catalogue rather than new material.

“It will be the songs the audience know and associate with me as a solo artist and Wet Wet Wet,” Marti said.

“I think it is about entertaining when you get to a festival rather than trying to educate — it is all about people having a good time.

“If you were to go to the crowd and say here’s a bunch of new songs, then it’s not really apt.”

'Love and passion for what I am doing'

Marti said he tried to cater each performance to suit the crowd.

“I don’t really create a set. I like to engage with my audience, and shout out to my musicians and tell them what song we are playing next,” he said.

“If I did try and plan every song it wouldn’t work because every audience is different.

“I have 30 years' worth of music to draw back on, so I think it is important to play the songs that will match the vibe.

“One of my favourite things is going on stage or starting a song and hearing that instant reaction from the crowd.”

He said his love and drive for performing live had not wavered.

“One thing that hasn’t changed is the love and passion for what I am doing,” he said.

“When you are in that environment with a great band around you it is something you really enjoy.

“Live music gives you a bit more artistic licence to play around with a song, change the arrangement or the change time signature.

“A good song can be portrayed in many different ways so you can feel at ease.”

As part of the festival weekend, Friday, June 15, sees the return of Riverside Rocks with tribute acts to The Who, The Stone Roses, The Rolling Stones and Queen.

The free Family Fun Day returns on Sunday, June 17. There will be activities and entertainment throughout the day, followed by the popular Swing In The Park evening concert and fireworks finale.

For Newark Festival ticket information go to the Newark Festival website or visit the Town Hall.