Giving it plenty of Welli at new music festival

There's a new festival set for a Saddleworth debut this summer to ensure the hills will definitely be alive to the sound of music.

Wellifest’s arrival on stage at the Well-i-hole camping grounds in Greenfield will ensure a bigger and better than ever Saddleworth Show for 2018.

 

The inaugural event takes place on Saturday, June 30 with six hours of entertainment featuring an eclectic mix of musical genres from tributes to Britney Spears, Lionel Richie and Boy George to headliners, Blackballed.

 

Mossley based Phil Grainger, host of Open Mic nights at the Royal George Hotel, is compere for Wellifest which is followed by the annual Saddleworth Show on Sunday, July 1.

 

He’s also drummer in the band, The Overture, who will open Wellifest at 4pm.

 

“Plenty of multi-tasking,” laughs musical all-rounder Phil who has previously played with Mike Sweeney and another of Wellifest acts, AbandcalledJack - one-time support act for Paolo Nutini and Big Country.

 

Top of the bill Blackballed feature Tom Wibberley and the Gill brothers, Leon and Marshall-the latter lead guitarist with New Model Army.

 

Blackballed describe themselves as “a full tilt powerhouse with a ton of passion and style.

 

“Fusing all the best ingredients from rock, blues and psychedelic soulfulness, they conjure up an energy that once discovered won’t be forgotten.”

 

For Phil, his role is another step on a musical journey that started nine years ago.

 

“I was sat at home watching a DVD of David Gilmour thinking I would love to be able to play guitar well enough to play a couple of favourite songs,” he said.

 

“For Father’s Day that year, my son got me a guitar and I taught myself how to play as I can’t read music.

 

“A few friends took me to some open mic nights and I remember 10 seconds in to singing Sweet Home Alabama thinking ‘I am hooked’.”

 

The Wellifest line-up is completed by: OK Broken, One Day, Lauren McGlashen and Bryn Chapman.

Tickets cost £15 and are available by visiting www.wellifest.com or from The Royal George, Greenfield. Gates open at 3pm, and there is free parking at the site.

The Saddleworth Show has an exciting line-up of activities and attractions in store for all ages including the return of Circus Sensible and their popular Big Top performances and workshops throughout the day.

 

There will also be the traditional duck race on the River Tame, pony rides, stone carving, dog shows, children’s trampolines and inflatables, vintage and classics cars and brand new models.

 

Gates open at 10am and close at 6pm. There is free car parking at the site. Entry is payable on the gate at £6/adult; £3/12-16yrs and free for all under 12s. Find out more online: www.saddleworthshow.com

 

Both Wellifest and Saddleworth Show are run by the Rotary Clubs of Saddleworth and Oldham Metro and are charity events to raise money for local causes and groups.