Scooterfest and Fairport Convention on itinerary

Big week for the Leek Arts Festival kicked off with Bolton Bullfrog and free Blues session

THERE’S a busy week ahead for Leek Arts Festival fans with no fewer than eight events on offer over the next few days.

The list kicks-off with the Bolton Bullfrog – actor, musician and raconteur Bernard Wrigley – who will be performing songs and telling improbable tales at the Foxlowe Arts Centre tomorrow night, Thursday May 19.

The event, organised by Cuckoo’s Nest Folk Club, starts at 8pm and tickets, £12, are available in advance from the venue or on the door.

If that’s not to your taste then get along to the Cock Inn in Derby Street where there’s a free Blues & Americana session starting at 8pm that same evening.

There’s comedy on offer on Friday night, May 20, when Scott Doonican – frontman of the madcap Bar-steward Sons Of Val Doonican – who proved such a hit at Leek Arts Festival in 2019 – returns to present his one-man show.

Scott will be showcasing the band’s latest album of hilarious parodies of popular songs with their viciously witty and twisted lyrics. Expect energy, enthusiasm, mayhem and hilarity.

Tickets for Scott’s one-man show are just £12 from the Foxlowe or online at www.leekartsfestival.co.uk

Saturday looks like being incredibly busy with live music in Sparrow Park at the Monument End of Derby Street, during the day, and not one but two musical choices that evening.

Husband and wife rock/blues duo When Rivers Meet will be at The Foxlowe from 8pm – tickets £17.50 from the venue – while Leek Cricket Club will host a night of vintage soul music from 7pm ‘til late. Tickets £5 on the door.

Sunday, May 22, sees one of the highlights of the festival when hundreds of scooter enthusiasts descend on Leek for their annual Scooterfest.

In addition to the carefully primped and polished scooters there’ll be live music and trade stands. Scooterfest – another free event in the festival programme – will be staged on the Silk Street car park and starts at 11am.

And if you fancy something with a little more brass about it, then Ashbourne Town Band will be playing on the bandstand at Brough Park from 2-4pm. That’s also a freebie.

Finally, one of the great traditions of Leek Arts Festival will take place on Wednesday May 25, when the godfathers of folk/rock, Fairport Convention, make their annual pilgrimage to the Queen of the Moorlands.

Fairport have been making the trip to Leek each May since the late 1980s having made a promise to include the town on their spring tour list. Ever-popular, the band continues to develop and to delight audiences across the UK and beyond.

The Fairport gig at the Foxlowe starts at 8pm (doors 7.30pm) and tickets are £25 from the venue or online at www. leekartsfestival.co.uk