‘Joyous’ free music festival set to return
SPRINGFEST was introduced following the cancellation of Springboard festival
SPRINGFEST will return after a successful first year - offering free music shows all across Cottingham.
Organisers say that festivals like this help remind everyone how much joy live music can bring, at a time when both grassroots venues and musicians are all struggling. Springfest was launched last year as a replacement for the much-loved Springboard Festival when it was cancelled the same year.
Eight venues in the village are all a part of the festival, and this year will see the introduction of a childrenspecific stage to ensure that the whole family can enjoy the weekend of festivities from May 24 to May 26.
Lewis Mennell, one of the organisers for the festival told Hull Live: “There’s new things that we’re adding to the festival, sort of a family feel. We already had that when it was Springboard, but we’re trying more with a kids’ stage.
“At the moment, it’s only a couple of hours on the Saturday in King Billy, for preschool upwards. “We’ve got a band on called Black Salmon, and their average age is 11.
“Kids are getting into their music more, and we’re trying to encourage that really.”
Along with the King William IV pub, there will be seven other venues hosting shows throughout the weekend;
■ Duke of Cumberland
■ Hallgate Tavern
■ Tiger
■ Raph’s Lounge
■ Cassiel Bar
■ Woksoever
■ Cross Keys
The Kids Club Stage will be held at King William IV on May 25 from 1-3 pm. Following the show, it will act as a children’s play area.
Lewis says that events like this are vital for the music community. “We had a passion [in performing] and felt that nobody was taking notice as a music community, which inspired everyone who does this really, feeling like an underdog and not being appreciated.
“You know that there’s so many great musicians and artists out there so you want to make sure people know about them.”
Springfest 2024 starts on May 24, and finishes on May 26. More information about acts can be found on their social media.