SPLENDOUR BLASTS BACK!
BIGGEST-EVER BILL FOR FIRST FESTIVAL SINCE 2019
SPLENDOUR is back at Wollaton Park for the first time in two years tomorrow – and it’s bigger than ever.
For the first time, the festival will last two days, taking place tomorrow and Sunday across three stages.
Headliners include Richard Ashcroft, Anne-marie, Happy Mondays and Supergrass among many others.
It was all hands on deck yesterday as preparations reached fever pitch before gates open at 11am tomorrow – with the first act due on stage at 12.30pm. Food and drink vendors are setting up alongside a fun fair and other attractions.
Promoter DHP Family’s managing director George Akins was excited to see the festival return after Covid restrictions caused the event to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021.
He said: “Our bill is much the same as our 2020 bill but we brought in Craig David for Rick Astley. There were opportunities to grow it so we felt it was the right thing to do.”
The first Splendour was held in 2008. The festival and others like it create a huge financial boost.
Pavlos Kotsonis, city councillor for Lenton and Wollaton East, said: “Splendour has a long history and it means a lot to the people of Nottingham so it’s really great that after two years, it is back on again.
“We didn’t have any festivals or events at that time so it’s good to be able to split into two days instead of one. We are proud of that and I hope people enjoy it.”
While there are big headliners like Happy Mondays and Belinda Carlisle, many Nottingham bands and singers have also played over the years.
This year Nottingham’s own Beka will take to the main stage on Sunday. She said: “It’s so dreamy to be joining the line-up this year. It really is good to be back in your hometown playing to the people you love. Fans can expect a lot of fun from my set as
I’m really happy we are back together and liberated. So there will be a lot of dancing, storytelling and tea.”
She added: “I’m excited to see Anne-marie as I’m a big fan and I love her music. She’s a slay queen so I can’t wait to see her and also Tom Grennan too.”
Head of artist liaison Phil Mulhaire, who has been with Splendour from the very start, rules the roost at the artists’ area where performers can relax before and after their shows.
He said: “Happy Mondays’ set is going to be very emotional following the death of Paul Ryder so I’m really interested in seeing that.
“In terms of opening acts, it’s great to see some of the new bands coming through as in the past we have had Jake Bugg and Do Nothing.
“I lived in Nottingham for 30 years and there was a time it wasn’t considered to be a musical hot spot but that has really changed due in part to Splendour and DHP.”
He added: “I’m really looking forward to catching Alt Blk Era as they are opening the main stage on Saturday. They were in the Future Sound of Nottingham Competition.
“I’m also really looking forward to catching up with old friends like The Human League, Belinda Carlisle and Ocean Colour Scene.”