Festival Fever is Music to the Ears

Famous names make the 16th Hertford Music Festival the best show in town

Rock, pop and folk music will once again take centre stage alongside a wealth of young local talent at this year’s Hertford Music Festival, which throws open its doors to the public in May.

And on hand to celebrate the launch of the County Towns 16th music Festival were the Mayor of Hertford, sponsors, promoters and the cream of Hertford’s musical talent.

The Hertford Music Festival calendar is already filling up, with the emphasis once again on variety with pop, rock, folk, ethnic and punk all finding a place in this years programme. Many of the events will once again take place at Hertford’s own rock Mecca, the Hertford Marquee in Railway Street.

John Otway

The Festival kicks off with the legendary John Otway, who will be bringing his eccentric musical style to Hertford’s Castle Hall on May 1, while the Festival’s acclaimed Musical Mystery Tour of Hertford will provide a musical banquet taking in a host of pubs, clubs and music venues on Bank Holiday Monday, May 4.

Musical Mystery Tour

One of Insomnia Music’s hottest new artists is the singer songwriter Tom Dibb, who will join in the Mystery Tour with an al fresco performance outside The White Hart pub and follow this with a full band performance for the Insomnia Music ‘Introducing’ showcase at The Hertford Marquee Club. The showcase night will bring together some of the best talent from London and Hertfordshire and already on the bill is the very talented Juan Zelada and his band. Of the showcase, organiser Matt Chambers says: “The Hertford Music Festival is the perfect opportunity for Insomnia Music to do what we do best, we are lining up a perfect mix of up and coming talent both from London and the Hertfordshire music scenes.”

The Old Barge plays host to the Harts Horns on the same day, while the Corn Exchange will be putting on a late afternoon Blues Surgery featuring Blind Drunk Jules and guests, for which entry is free.

Young Soloists competition

Hertford’s Simon Balle School plays host to the festival’s popular ‘staircase of talent’ the Young Soloists’ Competition. Last year’s event attracted a record 80 plus entries and this year’s event should prove even more popular, thanks to generous sponsorship by Ware-based music store Playsomething who are providing prizes for all the musical categories.

Dr Feelgood

‘Seventies New Wave rhythm ‘n’ blues kings Dr Feelgood make their Festival debut at the Corn Exchange on May 15, but if your taste is more classical look no further than the Hertford Symphony Orchestra playing Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra and Brahms’ violin concerto at the Ware Drill Hall on May 17.

Fairport Convention also make their debut at the corn Exchange on May 22 and the Hertford House Hotel, Holy Trinity Church and Elbert Wurlings are all expected to confirm musical events shortly.

Meanwhile, festival favourites the Opus One Band will be playing just down the road in Broxbourne Civic Hall on May 31, where the full 17-piece band backed by the Satin Dolls vocal group and a featured vocalist will play a tribute to Glenn Miller and the 30s-40s Swing era with a memorable, foot-tapping concert.

Festival Finale and Fun Day

The Hertford Music Festival will end on a high note at the Hertford Fun Day and Music Festival Finale in the picturesque grounds of Hertford Castle, Salisbury Square and the Bircherley Green Shopping Centre on Sunday, June 7.

The Hertford Music Festival, which this year celebrates its 16th birthday, is again sponsored by local telecomms specialists Universal Office Automation and grant aided by Hertford Town Council. Festival chairman Henry Sargent MBE said: “The Hertford Music Festival is continuing to prosper and I would like to invite musicians of all ages to come forward and take part in this celebration of every type of music.

“We would like to say a big thank you to Universal Office Automation for yet again making the Hertford Music Festival possible and to Hertford Town Council for their assistance with grants. We look forward to another successful Festival and warmly welcome all musicians from in and outside Hertford,” added Henry.

Performers or sponsors wishing to be involved in the Hertford Music Festival should contact the Festival’s Music Director Kev Saunders without delay by e-mail: kev@hertfordmusicfestival.co.uk