West Fest is family event (From Ledbury Reporter)

West Fest is family event

3:50pm Monday 29th June 2009

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THIS year's West Fest is more than ever a family event, with a strengthened programme of children's activities to add to the usual eclectic mix of music.

For the first time since its debut in 2004, organisers have decided to hold the event in July rather than the end of August, to take advantage of the lighter evenings.

Now West Fest is set for Saturday, July 11, when some of the finest musicians from Malvern and beyond will be performing on the village playing field from 11am to 10pm.

Headlining on the main stage is Mamma M, an exciting new soul band showcasing singer Marilyn Middleton, originally from Chicago and now performing with an all-Malvern line-up of established players.

Other musicians at West Fest include local favourites such as the Pewke Band, Malthouse Passage, Flatworld and Matt Woosey, alongside up-and-coming talents such as Rhondda, Tilted Smile and Unkle Monty.

The Jenny Hallam Trio, The Cohen Brothers, Zen Archeray, BabaJack, The Roving Crows, Treefrogs and Hagglebag complete the line-up.

Pupils from the village school will put on a dance display, as will the West Malvern Irish Dancers.

The children's events start with space-hopper races, and include storytelling and interactive games sessions, culminating in a fancy-dress parade with the theme Princes, Princesses and Shape Shifters.

There will be a beer tent, selling the specially-brewed West Fest Ale from Malvern Hills Brewery, plus arts and crafts and food stalls.

Last year, West Fest attracted 5,000 people, enabling organisers to give out £7,150 to causes such as 2nd Malvern Link Brownies, the Theatre of Small Convenience, West Malvern Cricket Club, Malvern Mencap, St James’s Primary School, and Leapfrogs Playgroup.

Admission is £5 for adults, £3 under-18s, and £10 for a family ticket, available on the gate.

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