IT’S the Morton Stanley Festival this weekend featuring a host of top stars, great local bands, community stalls, glorious food and more.
Topping the bill is 80s pop icon Hazel O’Connor who will be performing some of her greatest hits on the afternoon of Saturday, August 18.
She will be accompanied by virtuoso saxophonist and vocalist Clare Hirst (who has played with The Belle Stars, Communards and David Bowie) and Sarah Fisher (Eurythmics) on keyboards and vocals to create a classy performance.
Also headlining on the 18th will be Matrix Club Matrix.
Matrix are a Club Classics and 90s dance anthems band while closing events on the evening Last Hounds, fusing elements of punk, hardcore and hip plus songs from their debut self-titled EP.
They’ll be followed by local star Stuart Woolfenden, playing with a full band, who’ll be performing a selection of the songs that have propelled him towards stardom.
Sunday evening, August 19 will see headline performances from Cajun and Zydeco outfit Elvis Fontenot then Hollie Vee and the Hubkaps, a lo-fi ‘rock ‘n’ soul’ band with tons of energy.
Local bands, groups and organisations of all musical genres will be performing on the main stage throughout the weekend, supporting the headline acts. Local acts will also take to the acoustic tent.
Firm favourites from last year, Locked in Radio will be returning supported by two other local DJ tents.
New for 2018 there will also be a fancy dress competition with a prize for the best dressed pirate – no matter what their age!
Tommy Wilson Fun Fair will also be there along with children’s activities and numerous stands, promising something for everyone.
Food from around the world will also be on offer while a firework display will close events on the Saturday evening.
The Morton Stanley Festival is a free event for the whole community organised by Redditch Borough Council. This year it is on Saturday and Sunday the weekend of August 18-19 starting at 12noon on both days.
