FOR the first time since the new-format Holmfirth Festival of Jazz was launched five years ago, the organisers have managed to secure the Friday night spot at the town’s Picturedrome.
A spokesman explained: “With only one evening session available and hundreds of top quality artists to choose from, it was very difficult deciding who to put on the big stage.
“After careful consideration, they decided that the traditional repertoire is well represented at the festival with concerts at The Old Bridge, ceilidhs, sessions, singarounds and workshops, and that it would be a good idea to showcase some of the new talent that has been emerging over the past few years, as these are the artists who represent the future.”
Holmfirth Festival of Folk sprang from the ashes of Holmfirth Folk Festival in 2005 and has grown into an extremely popular community-based festival drawing in a large local audience in addition to the usual ‘folkies’.
The events take place in the local pubs and on the streets and the vast majority are free.
“Because of this, we don’t have a lot of money to spend on big names, but be assured you will get quality. So if that is the kind of festival you like, we would love to see you between Friday and Sunday May 6-8,” said the spokesman.
Headlining the Friday night concert are Ellen & the Escapades, who won Glastonbury Festival's emerging talent competition in 2010 and appeared on the BBC introducing stage at the Leeds and Reading Festivals in 2009.
The spokesmen added:“Support comes from Ottersgear, who have wowed audiences at Holmfirth for the past two years. No-one who saw them perform outside the Nook in 2009 battling with a temperamental PA and Andy still in his pyjamas will ever forget the experience!
“Gary Stewart – who played a solo set last year on the outdoor stage in less than tropical conditions – is bringing his band this time on the understanding that we let them play indoors.”
Steph Stephenson, local singer/songwriter who recently supported Martin Stephenson (no relation) and the Daintees when they played in Huddersfield also feature at the festival.
