Festival to bring town to life
Archived press release
Date Published: 17/07/09
Aylesbury town centre is set to come alive with the sound of music with the arrival of the annual street festival.
The free festival, organised by AVDC and Aylesbury Town Council, is set to build on the success of last summer when hundreds of shoppers enjoyed an eclectic mix of live music each weekend.
Every Saturday throughout the summer, Market Square will host a variety of exciting musical performances from around the world.
This year’s street festival programme kicks off on 25 July with The Coal Porters, an original and dynamic bluegrass band featuring ex-Long Ryder Sid Griffin on vocals.
During the concert there will be a wide range of fun activities in Kingsbury as part of the nationwide London 2012 Open Weekend. People are welcome to come along and try their hand at music making, animation, photography and a ski simulator amongst other activities.
Festival favourites Mambo Jambo return to Aylesbury on 1 August. Their music is a mixture of Latin American, Afro-Caribbean, bluegrass and rhumba.
On 8 August, Hassan Erraji will offer a complete performance of music and song from North Africa. The master-musician brings a touch of jazz to the traditional sounds of Morocco and Turkey leading to exciting Arab and African rhythms.
Robert Maseko and Congo Beat provide African hip-swinging beats and vocals on 15 August. A master vocalist who has performed with the likes of Papa Wemba and Youssou N’dour, Robert leads a band reflecting reggae, flamenco and tango influences.
A performance by Wraggle Taggle will entertain the crowds on 22 August. The ceilidh band play traditional Irish, Scottish, English and American songs with innovation, flair and vitality.
The festival will close on 29 August with performances from some of Aylesbury Vale’s finest local musicians – Wilber, Lost Minute and Dave Easter.
Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure at AVDC, said: “The Aylesbury Street Festival is designed with real music fans in mind. The line-up this year is strong and varied, ensuring there will be something for everyone to enjoy. The performances that have been planned are sure to give shoppers and visitors an enjoyable and memorable musical treat.”
Speaker for Events at Aylesbury Town Council, Councillor Ray Ghent, said: “On behalf of the people of Aylesbury I extend a warm welcome to all our musical visitors and I look forward to the town coming alive to the sound of music once more.”
All the performances begin at approximately 11.30am and 1pm by the John Hampden statue at the top of Market Square, with the exception of the local bands day which takes place between 11.15am and 1.15pm.
For further information about the street festival programme, visit the district council’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/leisure-culture or call 01296 585310.