Music festival comes of age

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It’s almost time for Ashford’s Create Music Festival to celebrate its 18th birthday, with one of the best line-ups in its history.

The free festival, organised by Ashford Borough Council, has come a long way over the years, and now boasts four live music stages and a host of family attractions.

Headlining this year’s free extravaganza at the town’s Victoria Park this Sunday are Britpop stars Dodgy, best known for their 90s hits Staying Out for the Summer and Good Enough.

New for this year is a special gig, with Charlatans front man Tim Burgess coming to Ashford for a performance at St Mary’s Church in the town centre tomorrow (Friday) night.

Create aims to showcase the best of local musical talent.

Event Organiser Chris Dixon said: “It gives you a real buzz to phone up local acts and hear their reaction and delight in finding out they have a slot at Create.

“I know how much this festival means to the town, local businesses, musicians and festival-goers alike, so I am proud that year on year the festival continues to grow in popularity.”

Su and Chris Bailey, owners of Right Track Music and sponsors of the event, said: “Having our own stage at Create means that we can provide an outstanding platform for young musicians to perform their work in front of thousands of people.

“Being able to support bringing a world-class rock and Create runs from noon to 8pm on Sunday, and a strict ‘no glass’ policy will operate in Victoria Park for the event.

For full details of Create, visit www.createfestival.co.uk or follow the festival on Twitter @ ashfordcreate or on Facebook at ashfordcreate.

Tickets, priced £14, are still available for the Tim Burgess Friday Night Sound Check from Right Track Music in Tufton Street.

Dodgy will be staying out for the summer celebrations of the Create festival on Sunday