On Saturday 5th May 2018, Accrington Town Centre will come alive as local talent take to the stage to showcase their singing and musical skills, with special guests Tabitha Jade, Ella Shaw and Christian Burrows. The day will be compered by hosts from local radio station, 2BR.
Hyndburn Borough Council, in partnership with organisers, Scott Dawson Advertising – as well as Gold Sponsors, Langtec plus Accrington and Rossendale College – have decided that 2018 is the year to introduce a brand-new event to Accrington: a music festival, #AmazingAccrington – Live.
Keen to show off the good things that #AmazingAccrington has to offer, as well as the special guests, two home-grown acts who reside or are educated within 15 miles of the town centre will take to the stage during the day.
Bands and solo singers/musicians have this week been invited to submit a video, alongside the application form, to be judged by Reece Bibby and a panel of objective judges. From playing in local Accrington pubs to international concerts with band, New Hope Club – made up of Reece Bibby, Blake Richardson and George Smith, they all share the same motivation, to make fun music! Their first song was a cover of ‘Wake up’ by the popular band The Vamps. The Vamps then signed New Hope Club to their label, Steady Records and the band have taken off with a huge following of fans. 19-year-old Reece is living a busy life and has been thrust into the fast lane of the music industry. As a renowned singer combined with being a local lad, he’s the perfect person to judge the competition.
The two people shortlisted will be given a 30-minute slot on the main stage as well as a £200 cash prize. The only catch? Performers are being asked to sing TWO of their own, original songs during their performance. The rest of their 30-minute session on stage can be made up of any covers they wish to perform.
Murray Dawson of organisers Scott Dawson Advertising said:
“As part of our #AmazingAccrington initiative, we are looking to run this event on the bank holiday weekend to increase footfall and get the tills ringing for shopkeepers in the town plus promote the existing bars and clubs by underpinning the live music they are running in their establishments to ensure new customers come to town for the day and evening.”
Pubs looking to run live acts and DJs in the evening include The Abbey, The Arden, Brooks Club, The Castle, Warner Arms and Broadway.
The event is a family-friendly event and will be kick-started at 11:00 am by children’s entertainers Mr Tickles and Mr Red, especially for the toddlers and young children, before moving on to the shortlisted acts and then special guest performances.
The event is being well supported by local business, Langtec, who are Gold Sponsors for the event. Langtec have been established for over 50 years. They are a Queen’s Award-winning local business who are specialist composite tubing manufacturers.
Andrew Turner, Managing Director at Langtec, said:
“We are really keen to showcase everything Accrington has to offer. As a business, we export throughout the world but always promote #AmazingAccrington at every chance. We love getting involved in local events and are proud to be sponsoring the upcoming music festival. Accrington has a lot of talent; it has a lot of positive things going on and we want the rest of the country to see that. It’s important for the company to stay local, which is why we’ve decided to sponsor this event, believing it will be a great success.”
Accrington and Rossendale College are also Gold Sponsors of #AmazingAccrington – Live! They are the local further and higher education provider who specialise in apprenticeships.
Charlotte Scheffmann, Assistant Principal, said:
“We pride ourselves on our community. Forming and keeping connections with local businesses and local people is of huge importance to the college. Allowing local talent to take to the stage and show their singing and musical talent off to their families, friends and strangers alike, is a great way to get everyone from the town down to the centre. The college is proud to be sponsoring this year and we are sure it’ll be a well-attended event. We’re hoping some of our degree students from Music Production send in auditions, as we know they are superb at what they do and deserve their moment in the limelight as much as anyone else!”
In addition to the magical musical performances, there will be numerous food and drinks stalls, suitable for all of the family from 10 am until 4 pm on Broadway, then later on in the local pubs and clubs.
*Please note* that all entrants must be over the age of 14 at the time of performing.
People wishing to find out more or submit an application form can do so here www.amazingaccrington.co.uk
