SonFest back for a fifth year
SONFEST Southport music festival is returning to the town for its fifth year. The free live music festival takes centre stage at King’s Gardens on the Promenade on Saturday, July 14 at King’s Gardens from 11am-6pm
Set opposite the Royal Clifton Hotel, SonFest Southport plans to present a day of music carrying “encouraging and positive messages” for all ages.
In addition to the music, there will be a giant marquee providing free activities for children, including craftmaking, interactive games and a 50ft inflatable football pitch provided by Good Sport and The Southport and Area Schools’ Worker Trust.
Beginning at 11am, bands will take the stage and deliver a variety of styles of music, including pop, gospel, jazz and country.
Headlining this year’s free festival is acclaimed British singer-songwriter Philippa Hanna.
Since her debut release in 2007, Hanna has appeared as special guest for a number of artists, including Lionel Richie, Little Mix, Wet Wet Wet and Leona Lewis. Her songs and sto- ries are captivating audiences around the globe.
Local favourite Vernon Fuller of Twin Frets, a past performer at the Southport Jazz Festival, returns for his fifth year, bringing a lively, soul-stirring vibe with Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield hits.
Thanks to a partnership with Fill The Gap Concerts, Liberty Worship Collective joins the line-up from Virginia’s Liberty University in America.
Gospel collective Voices Beyond, from Manchester, will also be performing, along with Southportbased youth band Amplified.
SonFest Southport was created five years ago to share a message of hope and inspiration to all people by presenting uplifting, positive live music.
“It is my personal belief that music can change lives – especially when the music is filled with messages of love, hope and acceptance,” said Tina Powsey, event founder and director.
“It is our aim that everyone who attends SonFest Southport will leave feeling better than when they came – that a real sense of encouragement a and hope will be poured into them!”
With the forecast on track to be a day filled with sunshine, pack your picnic blanket, your kids and your dancing shoes and head down to King’s Gardens.
SonFest Southport is run entirely by volunteers and is sponsored by Fill The Gap Concerts of High Point, North Carolina.
Funding is provided by the gifts of individuals, area residents, business leaders and churches.
Volunteers are still needed, to express interest, register online at SonFestSouthport.org.