Billy Bragg joins Festival
Britain’s most successful protest singer BILLY BRAGG is the latest headline act booked to play the new look Gate To Southwell Festival 2015 this summer.
Announcing their strongest ever line-up – including the only UK festival appearances by legendary Celtic band Clannad and the incredible Mallorcan gypsy folk band BOC – the East Midlands’ premier music event will be moving to a new home for 2015, near Southwell Racecourse from 4th to 7th June.
For over 30 years Billy Bragg has walked in the troubadour footsteps of Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan, and has worked with many great names in popular music including Paul Weller, Wilco, Natalie Merchant and Kirsty MacColl. Billy will be the star turn on the opening night, Thursday 4th June..
According to director Mike Kirrage; “the racecourse site gives us more options. It’s flatter, bigger, has better access and we’ll have the opportunity of an extra outdoor stage when the sun shines. All the usual festival fringe events will carry on as before, such as pub sessions, the Saturday procession and Friday Minster concert with the Young’uns.
“We’re hoping all the residents and businesses of Southwell and the surrounding area will continue to support this brilliant local event – the Biggest Little Festival In Britain.”
There will be a strong international presence with Irish Celtic/bluegrass crossover stars We Banjo 3 headlining on Saturday, the highly-acclaimed Hot Seats from Virginia USA, Scottish roots rockers Manran, The Railsplitters from the Colorado Rockies, Cloudstreet from Australia and one of the last of the golden generation of authentic bluesmen still performing, Lil’ Jimmy Reed from Alabama. Young British folk stars Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar and the Mischa Macpherson Trio will also perform.
There’ll be free buses running all weekend between the festival site and the centre of Southwell plus better transport links. So those wanting a great weekend of international music, comedy, children’s entertainment, dancing, fantastic food and beer and cider festival should book now via the festival website: www.gtsf.uk or contact 01636 816678.