Comment

BARNARD Castle has got a foot on the music festival ladder. This August the town is home to an amazing line-up of some of the best UK and international musicians and groups.

The festival is called Barney Big Bash and is a planned yearly festival beginning on August 23, having grown from the annual Rhythm & Blues festival that was organised by a handful of the towns' live music fans.

Neville Staple, pictured, headlines Ska day on the opening Saturday. He's the man responsible for changing the face of music, not once but twice, first with The Specials and later with Fun Boy 3. His UK gigs include Glastonbury. Some great Ska bands will join the line-up including Skaville UK, The Big, The Talks, The Favours and one of Darlington's favourite Ska bands of the late 80s who have recently re-formed, The G Men.

Without doubt one of the North-East's best exports to the music world, The Animals, will headline the R&B day which is on the Sunday. Who'd have thought that The House Of The Rising Sun would be heard live on Barnard Castle's rugby fields? This year The Animals are touring the UK with US legend Steve Cropper thanks to Booker T And The MGs. Joining them will be Brazilian sensation Big Gilson And The Blues Dynamite, John O'Leary Band, Green Mac, Mo Indigo and many more.

Funday Monday is going to be exactly what it says on the tin. The UK's top tribute bands will provide for all ages with headliner T Rextasy, the only official world tribute band to Marc Bolan's T Rex belting hits out like Ride a White Swan and I Love To Boogie. Plus Bootleg Blondie, New Age Jam, Roxyrama and Atlantic Soul Messenger.

There will be lots going on all around the arena and the kids can go free on the Monday as long as they are accompanied by parents or guardians. A large play area, which is also free, has massive bouncy castles, a sumo ring, gladiator pits and lots more to keep the young ones amused while the rest of the arena are bopping away.

The festival starts at noon each day and finishes at 10pm.

A large double stage will be used which will ensure non-stop music. There will be two large marquees offering refreshments, with one marquee just for draught ales. A number of tented areas will offer a great selection of food, from barbecue, burgers and hot dogs, to vegetarian and a la carte menu.

5:40pm Thursday 19th June 2008

Print

Email this

Comment

Add your comment

Name:
Email: *
Location:
**
	e.g. 123-123
Comment: Please note: All HTML tags will be ignored. Format Text:
By posting a comment, I confirm that I have read and agree to the terms of use. Comments are not moderated but we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention and we may delete inappropriate postings. Please treat other people with respect. You must not post anything that is abusive, indecent, unlawful or defamatory. Remember, you are personally liable for what you post on this site. If you wish to complain about a comment, contact us here.
* Your email address will not be displayed ** To avoid register now or login