Arts Extra
ON Thursday, July 12 The Atkinson welcomes Arkansas Dave.
He has all the right credentials – born and raised in the pine swamps of Camden, Arkansas, he started his musical journey at five, on the drums, and by 12 was playing guitar every Sunday in church. Then it was bands in dive bars and the best honky-tonks in Arkansas and Texas.
‘‘You definitely want to be able to turn around to all your mates in six months and tell them you were the one who discovered him first,’’ said Music-News.
Tickets cost £10 plus booking fee of £1 per ticket online/phone. Go to www.theatkinson.co. uk or call 01704 533 333. THE History of Pleasureland is the subject of The Atkinson’s Object of the Month free talk given by Norman Wallis. It’s in the Studio at 1pm on July 11.
THE Formby Festival is more than just a festival. Bringing food, drink, live music and entertainment over three days with cuisines and delights from across the globe, there’s something to satisfy every person’s taste.
Italian, Thai, Indian, real ales, fine wines and everything in between: watever quenches your thirst we’ve got it!
For the artisan enthusiast there are home-made gifts, specialist snacks and much more to ensure that you won’t be disappointed.
There are chef demos throughout the Saturday and Sunday with resident celebrity BBC Fusion Chef of the Year Aazam Ahmed and with guest chefs as well.
The main stage is jam-packed with the finest talent the UK has to offer.
From Friday night right through to Sunday evening you’ll hear local bands, choral groups and even see performances from TV stars.
There is plenty to keep the little ones busy too. That includes inflatables, archery, climbing wall, water bumper boats, paint balling, archery, the cave, rodeo bull, steam train, donkey rides to name but a few.
There’s even a kids cooking zone, magic shows, balloon modeling, circus school and a craft marquee (all free).
Why not watch the dog display team or other displays in the arena.
Every year the organisers aim to make Formby Festival even better than the last one and are excited to announce that there will be Bongo’s Bingo on Friday July 20. This is an adults only night so why not buy your tickets online and be part of the biggest Bongo’s Bingo night ever.
Admission is by ticket only and can be purchased online.
Friday Night is headlined by Robbie Williams – The World’s No. 1 Robbie Tribute, who is recognised as one of the leading Robbie Williams tribute acts.
Not only does he look the image of Robbie, he sings and entertains exactly like the main man himself.
On the Saturday night the musical firework and laser display have become a legendary feature of the weekend, with fantastic live entertainment on the stage and House DJ before the fireworks begin.
The Cilla Show: Step Inside Love is an authentic and professional tribute to the much-loved, national treasure Cilla Black, and features the amazing vocals and talent of Kate Bell.
This show will take you back to the golden musical era of 60s & 70s.
Sunday brings a carnival atmosphere to the event with the fantastic Katumba Band and brazilian dancers, described as a walking wall of sound.
The Formby Festival runs over the weekend next week from Friday, July 20 to Sunday, July 22.