Newark Festival 2015: Shayne Ward aims to support local artists
A former X Factor winner is hoping to see some homegrown music talent during this year’s Newark Festival.
Shayne Ward, who triumphed in the television show in 2005, will be supporting Irish pop stars Boyzone in Riverside Park, on Saturday, June 20.
The three-day festival will also feature a tribute night and a free family fun day, including performances by local bands.
Shayne, 30, said: “Coming from a reality television show, I know how important it is to support local artists.
“Newark Festival is a great platform for aspiring musicians and it gives people the confidence to think they could get up on stage and do it too.
“I have never been to Newark before and, depending on where I stay during the festival, I hope I can get to see some local artists.”
Since appearing on the X Factor, Shayne has performed at big venues, including London’s O2 Arena, but prefers being in front of a smaller crowd.
“It makes the whole experience more memorable,” he said. “It means I can hear the fans and see their faces properly.”
The singer, who has sold more than three million albums, achieved 14 platinum discs, and had number one albums in nine countries, doesn’t know which songs he will be performing at the festival.
“I don’t usually plan what I will be singing at gigs,” he said.
“It just depends on what mood the crowd is in on the day.
“If they want upbeat songs, then I will sing them. I can easily cater for what an audience wants during a show.”
The performer has shown his versatility by playing Stacee Jaxx in West End hit musical Rock Of Ages, and appearing on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.
He has also just won an acting role in TV’s Coronation Street, the soap opera where Boyzone’s Keith Duffy also found fame.
Shayne said: “Keith has been known to come on stage and perform with me and he could do it again at the festival.
“I have known the boys for years and have supported them before.”
Pop group Only The Young will also be supporting Boyzone at the festival, organised by LHG Live and Newark Town Council.
The entertainment begins with Riverside Rocks on Friday, June 19. It will feature some of the UK’s best tribute acts, including Coldplace, U2UK, Kins of Leon, the Really Hot Chilli Peppers and Green Date.
Newark Carnival will launch the third day of Newark Festival weekend.
The entertainment on Sunday will include a free family fun day in Riverside Park, featuring local music acts as part of the event’s “at the heart of the community” theme.
Tickets for Saturday cost £29.50 for adults and £20 for under-16s, until midnight on July 19. Admission on the day will cost £35 for adults and £25 for children.
Tickets can be bought at the Liz Hobbs Group website and from Newark Town Hall.
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