ONCE hailed as Britain’s best new band, locally based Starsailor will be headlining a special concert at this year’s Warrington Festival which will pay tribute to Viola Beach’s legacy.
It will be the band’s first outdoor headline event in Warrington and their first appearance in the town since they released their greatest hits album last year.
Their headline slot will follow a full day of performances from local bands in tribute to Viola Beach and their manager, who tragically lost their lives earlier this year.
Local bands are now being asked to submit expressions of interest to perform at the event on Bank Park on Saturday 17 September in a day that will celebrate the legacy of the five lads from Warrington.
The families of Kris, River, Jack, Tom and Craig say the event will help provide a platform for other emerging talents.
Ben Dunne, dad of River Reeves, said: “River and the band played at Warrington Festival last year and would be so proud to see how they’ve inspired many other local bands to perform on the same stage.”
Beverly and Ian Piers Dakin, the father of Jack Dakin, added: “Jack, River, Tom, Kris and Craig were all very proud and honoured to play at last year’s festival, supporting Pixie Lott, in their hometown.
“It is an honour for all our family that this legacy has been put into place and they will be remembered by their music.”
Craig’s parents and sister, Sarah, concluded: “Craig was not only their manager but a dear friend to Viola Beach and he believed in their talent and enthusiasm.
“He was excited to put Warrington on the music map and he knew Viola Beach would do exactly that.
“Craig lived life the way that we all should, passionately and wholeheartedly and we are extremely proud of Craig and Viola Beach.”
Starsailor was formed when Warrington’s James Stelfox (bass) and Ben Byrne (drums) met James Walsh (vocals/guitar) at Wigan and Leigh Music College. Later saw the arrival of keyboardist Barry Westhead, who cemented their sound.
The band’s debut single Fever in 2001 earned them the title of Britain’s best new band.
Their initial run of success saw both their ‘Love is Here’ debut album and the 2003 follow-up ‘Silence is Easy’ hit number two in the charts and netted them a total of three million album sales before a hiatus in 2009.
Since their reformation in 2014, the band has played on the main stage at the Isle of Wight festival, supported Manchester indie band, James and toured North America with Embrace.
The Saturday event will be part of a wider weekend of music and two weeks of events across the town which celebrate sport, culture and entertainment.
The Friday evening will see Icons of the 80s Go West, Nik Kershaw and special guests, T’Pau coming together for one concert on the opening night of Warrington Festival 2016.
The three legendary 80s stars are set to join forces for a truly incredible concert experience on Warrington’s Bank Park on Friday 16 September. Their appearance will kick off a two week celebration of culture, sport and entertainment across the town. Tickets go on sale on Monday 18 July at 9am
Any band or artist from the North West can enter to play at the festival by sending an expression of interest via the Warrington Festival website http://www.warringtonfestival.org/contact-us
Tickets priced £15 go on sale on Monday 18 July at 9am, and are available from www.pyramidparrhall.com
Starsailor Bank Park, Warrington, Saturday 17 September 2016
Tickets and information: Tickets are priced at £10 each
www.pyramidparrhall.com 01925 442345
Icons of the 80s join Warrington Festival line up
Bank Park, Warrington, Friday 16 September 2016
Tickets and information: Tickets are priced at £15 each
www.pyramidparrhall.com 01925 442345
Viola beach performing at last year’s Warrington Festival – Pictures Paul Jackson
