Some of the region's best rising stars are to feature on a special stage at The Brit Fest this summer.
The hotly anticipated event is taking place at the Ashley Hall Showground in Altrincham from July 5-7, and organisers have already announced an incredible roll-call of British acts including Scouting for Girls, Bonnie Tyler, Cast, Dodgy, The Feeling, Paul Young, Kim Wilde, T’Pau, Toploader, Fleur East, Heather Small and Hot Chocolate.
Now they have also revealed the full line-up for the site’s ABC+ Warranty Stage.
Among the roster of bands, choirs, solo acts and covers outfits will be The Covasettes, M60, Prose, The Bartells, Idyllic, The Height, South by Zero, The Bliss and Weird Science.
Other names appearing across the weekend will be acoustic singer-songwriter duo Jack & Daisy, female string group String Infusion, award-winning indie rock artist Jacob Reddy, jazz soloist Beth Dunham, Rock Choir, Altrincham’s The Music Place choir and Britain’s Got Talent’s The Big Sing.
DJ Jugsy will get the party started with a special set, while a bespoke comedy show promises big laughs courtesy of trio of funnymen - Geordie Geoff, Perry Reilly and Michael Frankland.
Others appearing on the stage – named after official festival partner ABC+ Warranty - will be Wilmslow-based Yogalife, motivational speaker David Coleman and author Kerry McIntosh.
Meanwhile, The Brit Fest will feature an additional programme of festival entertainment across the showground site.
For thrill-seekers there is TimberJacks Axe Throwing, described as the UK’s ultimate axe throwing experience; the ABC+ Warranty Free Fall, the Extreme Mountain Bike Show featuring five times British Champion and European Champion Danny Butler and his team in a nail-biting show of jaw dropping stunts and agility, and Royal Marines and Commando experience Civvy 2 Commando.
There will also be the chance to meet the stars from the Manchester Storm ice hockey team and try to shoot a puck past the goalie.
The John Collins Fun Fair promises both white knuckle rides and family friendly fun, and film fans can pop into the Sol Cinema, a solar-powered vintage caravan showing classic British short films, while youngsters can relax on beanbags at the Big Hat Tipi Children’s Cinema.
Samba Espirito will bring irresistible carnival energy or follow the Manchester Pop Trail around the site to discover the amazing history and facts about some of the musicians who have played in the Northwest.
And the entertainment also includes recycling workshops, a Glam Shack, crafts, vintage clothing, and classic car displays – along with the chance to win a new Toyota Aygo.
Jon Belfield, stage manager and curator of the ABC+ Warranty Stage, said: “I’m really excited to present this fantastic line-up for the ABC+ Warranty Stage, and I know festivalgoers are going to absolutely love the programme we have created.
“While The Brit Fest main stage will see sets from star names in the global music industry, the ABC+ Warranty Stage offers us the chance to connect with the community and to present and celebrate up and coming talent and some of the brilliant artists we have in the region. This is a really important part of the festival’s core ethos.”
The Brit Fest, organised by Olivier nominated brothers Anthony and Edward Prophet, is sponsored by Top 200 UK law firm Myerson, while official partners are ABC+ Warranty, Delta Hotels, Camden Town Brewery, Ashley Hall Showground, Go Goodwins, LWC and Marlish.
