Busted and Billy Ocean join Splendour line-up
BONA fide music legends, a multi award-winning band - and even an act featuring on the current series of The Voice - have been announced for Splendour, Nottingham’s fantastic all-day summer music festival held at Wollaton Park on Saturday, July 22.
Busted, one of the biggest homegrown pop acts of the 21st Century, will generate plenty of excitement joining Kaiser Chiefs as the next act confirmed for the Main Stage.
Tony Hadley, frontman of 80s phenomenon Spandau Ballet, will also make his mark on the Main Stage. Formed in 1978, Spandau Ballet had multiple chart topping singles and albums all over the world, including international number one “True”. Over the years, Hadley has earned the accolade of being one of pop music’s greatest vocalists.
Headlining the Confetti Stage, powered by Nottingham Trent University, will be Grammy Award-winning singer Billy Ocean. The “Caribbean Queen” star has sold more than 30 million records and collected a pile of gold and platinum records throughout his hugely successful career.
Next up, rock band Black Grape, formed by Shaun Ryder and Paul ‘Kermit’ Leveridge after the demise of Happy Mondays, will be bringing their Britpop canon to Splendour.
International treasures, British Sea Power have some remarkable admirers - the late, great David Bowie and Lou Reed were among them as well as ardent fan Daniel Radcliffe! They’ve played on ships at sea, deep inside Cornish slate mines and atop the Great Wall of China.
Back over on the Main Stage is British singer-songwriter Gabrielle Aplin. Her unforgettable cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “The Power of Love” for the John Lewis Christmas TV campaign reached number one in the UK chart.
Singer-songwriter Georgie has built a strong reputation over the years in the Nottingham music scene, making her first forays at the age of 14. Two years on from her last Splendour appearance, and after supporting Jake Bugg on a triumphant UK tour, the local star is signed to Columbia Records and working on her debut album.
The festival will once again be championing local talent by offering the opening slot of the Main Stage to the unsigned act which tops the hotly contested Future Sound of Nottingham competition.
Headlining the Acoustic Rooms Stage will be musical duo and The Voice UK contestants, Into The Ark, who have been hotly tipped by coach Tom Jones. Further acts across the park will be announced shortly.
Over on the Funhouse Comedy Stage, acts will include Jim Smallman, Wes Zaharuk, Jollyboat, Steve Royle, Scott Bennett and Barry Dodds.
George Akins, owner, DHP Family, said: “Feedback on the Kaiser Chiefs announcement was epic, with sales well ahead of this time last year. Once again we’re confident this line up, with a mix of music legends and mega bands, will satisfy the 20,000 strong crowd at the award-winning Splendour Festival. Get your tickets quick as we’re expecting another sell out year!”
Organisers DHP Family in association with Nottingham City Council are keen to replicate the success of last year’s biggest ever Splendour - overall winner of ‘Best Festival’ (15,000-39,000) at the 2016 Live Music Business Awards, and recognised as Nottingham’s favourite family festival - which saw a sold-out 21,000 strong crowd watching headliners Jess Glynne, The Human League and UB40.
With lots happening all over the park aside from the three music stages, including comedy in the courtyard, a kids’ area and entertainers out and about in the crowd, the festival is a fantastic day out for all the family.
Coun Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure and culture, said: “Kaiser Chiefs are already proving a big draw for Splendour 2017 but I’m sure this exciting and varied line-up will attract even more people. But it will be more than just a concert, as Nottingham City Council is committed to providing a great day out for all the family.”
Children under 11 will once again be admitted free and discounts are also in place for Nottingham residents. A standard ticket is £46, coming down to £36 when the Nottingham City resident discount is applied. Tickets for young people aged 11-17 living in Nottingham are £20.
VIP packages are also available starting from £80. Ticket holders will enjoy a whole host of benefits.
Tickets can be purchased from splendourfestival.com or in person from the Nottingham Tourism Centre.
Sign up to the mailing list to be the first to hear about Splendour 2017 tickets and artist announcements: www.splendourfestival.com/mailing-list. To stay in touch with festival news like @splendourfestivalUK on Facebook and follow on Twitter and Instagram @SplendourFest, using the hashtag #SplendourFest.