Newark Festival 2017 : Stage set for music and fun to suit all the family
This weekend’s Newark Festival is tipped to be the best one yet.
The three-day extravaganza is at Riverside Park in the shadow of Newark Castle.
Reggae legends UB40 — featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue are the festival headliners on Saturday night.
UB40, formed in 1978, had three UK number ones with Red Red Wine; I Got You Babe, with Chrissie Hynde; and Falling In Love With You.
Ali’s daughter, the singer-songwriter Kaya Campbell, will perform I Got You Babe alongside her father.
One In Ten, Breakfast In Bed, Kingston Town and Homely Girl were among UB40’s 17 top ten singles, and the band is still recording new material.
Their latest album, Unplugged And Greatest Hits, was released earlier this year.
The band are at Newark as part of their Summer 2017 Grandslam Tour, promising to play all their hits.
Ali Campbell said: “This is one of the best tours we have ever done.
“Our set list is full of all the songs you would want to hear, played by the best reggae musicians in the world right now.”
The gates will open earlier than usual, at 2pm on Saturday.
First on stage is 20-year-old singer-songwriter Max Restaino, who promises some surprise big hit covers in his set.
Last year he supported Rebecca Ferguson on her 20-date Superwoman UK tour and has worked with some of the biggest names in showbusiness, from Gary Barlow to Peter Kay.
Max will be followed by Fleur East runner-up in the 2014 series of the X Factor, who has hinted to the Advertiser she may debut new material when she performs.
Sax, the lead single from her debut album, Love, Sax And Flashbacks, reached number three in the charts and Fleur promises a high-energy show.
DJ Jack Campbell, son of UB40 frontman Ali, is up next as International Bassline Three Nine.
He will be followed by The Original Wailers — the band of the late, great Bob Marley — who will perform some of Marley’s reggae classics.
Al Anderson, from the band, said: “The Original Wailers are looking forward to bringing the world’s best-known Marley songs to Newark.
“We are performing a set full of classics and thoroughly enjoying doing so. The Newark Festival is an event we are determined to get everyone dancing at.”
Next in the spotlight will be Level 42, who made their name in the 1980s.
They have sold 30m albums worldwide and had 18 top 40 singles. Their hits include Something About You, The Sun Goes Down (Living It Up), Lessons In Love and Running In The Family.
Lead singer Mark King said: “We have been having a lot of fun on the UB40 tour and we are so looking forward to bringing this to Newark.
“We are playing all our hits and are on fire at the moment, so come along and hear your favourite Level 42 song. If you come to one event this summer make sure it’s the Newark Festival.”
The festival starts on Friday with Riverside Rocks, featuring tributes by Oashish, Kazabian, Stereotonics and Snow Control to some of the UK’s best loved bands. Gates open at 5pm.
The leader of Newark Town Council, Mr David Lloyd, said: “I am delighted that our Newark Festival is growing in content and popularity year on year.
“I am looking forward to this year’s being the best yet.”
There will be events in and around Newark on Saturday as part of the festival.
Something for the family
Sunday, meanwhile, sees the return of the Free Family Fun Day to Riverside Park.
It includes Robin Hood’s Magical Adventure, a Gugga band, and promising acts for the future from BBC Introducing.
Former X Factor star Chico, now a Block Fit exercise instructor, will present a special half-hour edition of the work-out.
Other attractions are Brainiac Live, Newark Amateur Operatic Society and the Flipside Party Band, from Newark.
Weather permitting, there will be an afternoon flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
In the evening, Swing In The Park features pianist/composer Okiem, the Boston Youth Jazz Orchestra, and The Good Guys Swing.
The festival weekend closes with a fireworks display over the castle at around 10pm.
“We continue to provide the Free Family Fun Day on the Sunday to ensure that all ages, tastes and preferences are catered for over the festival weekend,” said Mr Lloyd.
“I am certain that this action packed three-day programme will be a success for all those who attend and visit Newark.
“I am sure it will once again attract many new and returning visitors to discover the gem that is Newark town and in turn support our businesses and the local economy.”
New site layout
Promoter Liz Doogan–Hobbs, chief executive of Liz Hobbs Group, said: “The 2017 Newark Festival will be very special.
“If you have not bought your tickets yet, now is your chance.
“They are cheaper if you buy in advance, although with the increased site capacity, we will be able to offer tickets on the day at our onsite box office.
“We are really excited about our new site layout, with the beautiful Water’s Edge VIP area and a pre-booked seating zone. We have also invested in additional bars.
“There are more restrooms this year so it will be an easy weekend to be at for all the family.”
For tickets and more information go to the Newark Festival website.
