News

Jedi Festival Returns To Southport

• 22nd Jul 2010

THE JEDI MUSIC FESTIVAL returns to Southport’s Victoria Park on Sunday 1st August 2010. Cardiff rockers THE AUTOMATIC headline a jam-packed day of music, sports activities and family fun as the event enters its fourth year. Tickets for the festival are on sale now.

THE JEDI MUSIC FESTIVAL was first held in 2007 following the tragic and sudden death of Chris Haw, a popular young Southport man who adored festivals and live music. The festival is a tribute to Chris, and an opportunity to raise awareness of the syndrome that took his life at the tender age of 25, Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS). Since it’s early days in a Southport club the festival has flourished to become a huge outdoor event and a highlight of the town’s music calendar.

VITAL SOUNDS FOUNDATION is a newly established charity, founded by Steve Haw and Mark Cunningham, to promote awareness and screening of Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, and advocate health and well-being in young people. Current patrons of the charity are Liverpool FC legends Mark Lawrenson and Alan Hansen. THE JEDI MUSIC FESTIVAL is the main fundraising event for the foundation, organised by Steve and Mark, it is a wholly independent event and is staffed entirely by volunteers.

Steve Haw, festival organiser and father of Chris Haw, said, “Last years event attracted crowds of over 4,000, and that was with dreadful weather. We are hopeful that with The Automatic headlining the Festival, and numerous fun and physical activities – including the longest Zip wire in the country, we are expecting crowds of over 7,000, so fingers crossed for some nice weather! We will then use any funds we make to screen young people for undiagnosed heart conditions, and help to try and reduce the 12 young deaths that occur every week in the UK.”

This year’s festival is bigger and better than ever before, with additions of an acoustic tent and a dance arena alongside the huge main stage, bands are set to play all day long. Headline act THE AUTOMATIC guarantee an explosive set including hits ‘Raoul’, ‘Steve McQueen’ and the anthemic smash hit ‘Monster’ which spent a massive 16 weeks in the UK singles chart. Lead singer and bassist Robin Hawkins said, “We’re really looking forward to The Jedi Festival, we’ve never played in Southport before. Festivals are always great gigs for us and this ones for a great cause so we hope the crowd will be up for it.”

Joining THE AUTOMATIC for a full day of live performances are Deltasonic signed THE SUZUKIS and Southport singer-songwriter MATT BELCHER. Further local bands include, recent winners of Southport’s Band Royale contest HIPPIES ON THE HILL and runners up SOUR MASH, Liverpool band MAJOR MAJOR, and THE ARKANES. Coming from further a field are Manchester metal act HELL TO PAY and Brighton based TALES OF GEORGE. Local DJs will take to the decks in the dance arena while the acoustic tent will host some fantastic intimate performances.

Aside from a vast array of musical entertainment Victoria Park will hold host everything you expect from a festival and more, including a 140ft high x 1000m long zip wire, Rampworx BMX and Skating, climbing walls, cage football, live comedy, graffiti walls, fairground rides, stalls and a variety of food and drink outlets including an inflatable pub! THE JEDI MUSIC FESTIVAL is very much a family day out, with under 12s entering free with a paying adult. Kids are kept entertained with a large play area, face painting and more. Plus music for the younger members of the audience comes from X Factor stars SAME DIFFERENCE, brother and sister duo Sean and Sarah Smith, who will make a special guest appearance.

Tickets are on sale now and are available to purchase online at link through Sefton Arts Box Office (01704 540011), at various outlets in Southport or at the gate on the day of the festival.

The Jedi Music Festival 2010 Line Up
THE AUTOMATIC
THE SUZUKIS
MATT BELCHER
HIPPIES ON THE HILL
MAJOR MAJOR
THE ARKANES
TALES OF GEORGE
HELL TO PAY
SOUR MASH
SENSORITES
RANDOLF’S PARTY
+ special guests SAME DIFFERENCE