HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY FOR ASHTON COURT FESTIVAL!

Thirty years ago Abba, Mud and Terry Jacks topped the pop charts, the Wombles debuted on our TV screens and, more significantly, Bristol’s influential and hugely popular Community Festival took place for the first time.

Now in its 30th year the Orange Ashton Court Festival is still as exciting, diverse and up-front as ever, and to celebrate this longevity there’ll be a headline set from seminal punk-cum-new wave outfit the Stranglers (who coincidentally formed 30 years ago) and a live Sunday set on the Orange Main Stage from Mercury award winner Roni Size.

Music co-ordinator for the festival, Dafydd Jonze, said: “This year there’s a particularly strong line-up, with a range of styles and a combination of emerging and established local talent and internationally successful artists.

“Although there’s no dance stage this year, there’s a varied schedule of music across all the stages and some big headline names on both days.”

 Taking place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July, the Orange Ashton Court Festival offers a music and arts fix for 120,000 people, showcasing over 150 bands and artists including hiphop anti-heroes Goldie Lookin’ Chain, Bristol-based dance act Way Out West, plus local favourites Chikinki and Babyhead. Sunday night’s Amphitheatre Stage headliner Glenn Tillbrook is another highlight in a packed programme, playing Squeeze classics and new material.

 Festival organiser, Steve Hunt, said: “It’s always exciting to bring together such a wide range of music and arts and to see so many people from local communities in one place. After 30 years, the festival has matured into an essential event in the South West music calendar and this year is set to be another great weekend at Ashton Court.”

 There’s not just music at the event: the kid’s area is always a hit, the Blackout marquee tempts your senses with an audio-visual feast and there’s stalls selling food and crafts from round the world.

 “We’re delighted to be involved with the festival again this year and help showcase up and coming talent from the region,” said Rebecca Whitehead from main sponsors Orange.

 “We will be bringing an Orange Experience to the festival which will have phone chargers and interactive pods to show you how to be a DJ with your mobile phone.”

 Fans of the Roots Stage should note it’s now called the Global Stage – a family-friendly area showcasing a fusion of modern and traditional music from around the globe, featuring the city's best local artists and musicians and a couple of special international extras.

 The event costs £5 a day for adults and is free for under 14s and if you’re quick you can buy an on-site parking pass from Bristol Ticket Shop.  

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Your views on the festival....

Vix
Great ol' time! Saw a great act called Dubruvnik in the Bath Ales tent, Does anyone know anything about them: Where they play etc?? I look it up on the internet, and I get loads of stuff about holidays in Croatia!

Portia

First time for me in 2004 and what an experience, such a safe place to party. Such brilliant organisation. Thanks a lot, roni size was ace!

A.Fanatitic:

Most years the sun is shining bright, the music is eclectic, the drinks are flowing freely and the love is shared around.

Last year: too many pikeys plus a weather forcast of grim to shit = miserable atmosphere and fights galore.

This year: no dance tent = less pikeys?

We'll have to wait and see!

Ben Williams:

The ultimate day out, just go and chill!

Mary James:

Great fun, always go with some mate and have a great laugh

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