“The Blues is Back in Town”… in true rock n roll style Wallingford Blues & BeerFestival will rise again from the ashes thanks to a partnership with fellow music promoters Rugfest, on Friday 21 st June 2019.
The festival’s 26 year venue, the old Regal Cinema, was bursting at the seams and easily reached its maximum 500 capacity during the last three events, but sadly closed in 2017. Maybe this was a sign to move to somewhere bigger and better? Forcing the event to cancel at the last minute two years ago was a massive blow, notwithstanding the considerable losses leaving no reserves to invest in a new site.
Such a shame after giving away over £40,000 to local charities since its inception..! As the festival’s notoriety has grown over the years, and created a huge impression nationally on the UK blues scene, it’s no wonder that the call from both locals and countrywide blues fans to re-establish the festival has been heart-warming. This opportunity given by Rugfest to host the festival for one night on Friday 21 st June
2019, at their Wallingford Sports Trust site, could ensure the future of the event for another 26 years.
‘Brothers in arms’, ‘scrum down’, ‘pitch perfect’ with an outstanding ‘line-out’ headed by 1970’s chart toppers and British blues impresarios the Climax Blues Band. The evening event will host three bands with Hip Route finishing the stage set, then music continues indoors with an open-mic and R&B set to the early hours. The Papa George Band will open on stage at 7pm followed by headliners Climax Blues Band. Gates open 5pm until late with plenty of beer and fodder accompaniment and this year there is no 500 attendee limit on ticket sales!
Wallingford Blues & Beer Festival could build on this year to be a stand-alone event again and, with a bit of 20-20 vision, be restored next year to even more glory than its last six sell-out nights promised. This is a great chance to be part of a new and exciting rebirth of a famous event.
For more information visit www.bluesandbeer.co.uk and www.rugfest.org
Contact details: Geoff Goddard geoff@bluesandbeer.co.uk 07747 606 673
