Kentish Express Ashford & District
First Saturday slot for festival
The date for the 21st annual Create Music Festival in Ashford has been revealed.
And for the first time ever the popular day of music will switch from its usual Sunday slot to Saturday, July 23.
Ashford Borough Council, who organise the free event, say the move was prompted due to public demand and say they hope it will encourage an even bigger festival feel for the town.
Cllr Jessamy Blanford, ward member for Weald South and cabinet member for culture, said: “We are committed to making sure Ashford arts and heritage is celebrated and well valued.
“The council is incredibly proud of the Create Festival and its continual growth over the years and we hope its 21st birthday will be extra special.”
More than 5,000 people attended the festival in 2015, which was headlined by 80s superstar Adam Ant.
Although the bands, singers and DJs due to perform this year haven’t been unveiled yet, it has been announced that an extra stage will be introduced.
It will be called the Fountain Stage in honour of the Grade II- listed Hubert fountain that was gifted to Victoria Park, where Create is held each year, in 1912 by George Harper.
Coincidently this year’s festival will fall exactly on 175th anniversary of Mr Harper’s birth.
The Fountain Stage will be a platform to showcase young local talent and community music groups.
It will join the festival’s other stages, which include the Revelations Stage and the DJ Stage.
Create’s organiser Chris Dixon is now scouting talent to perform on the day.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to entertain the crowds, and would like to be in with a chance to play then apply online at www.createfestival.co.uk.
Performers of all genres, from bands, choirs, DJs, singer-songwriters and performance poets are all encouraged to sign up by the April 1 deadline.
Last year, more than 300 applications flooded in but were whittled down to just 40.
In addition, anyone interested in sponsorship opportunities should email Chris.Dixon@ashford.gov.uk.
For more information visit www.createfestival.co.uk