From organising traffic management plans to having an hour laughing with Bryan Ferry backstage, it’s all in a days work for one of the North East’s most talented event managers.
Next weekend will be no exception for Mel Jackson as she prepares to run this year’s Northumberland Live Festival at Blyth with an estimated expected crowd of 15,000 enjoying the fruits of her labour.
And indeed it’s a labour of love, 12 months of arranging, planning and doing and as soon as last year’s successful show closed with Scouting for Girls wowing the appreciative crowd, Mel was already thinking ahead.
Northumberland Live at Blyth on Saturday 24th June has The Undertones headlining, with Germany based new wave icons Cryssis in support as well as up and coming new Indie band Pacific. Couple that with a wealth of home grown local talent and the music will play from morning till night.
Of course it’s not all about the music. Mel has arranged family entertainers; military vehicle displays and even a parachute display team will literally be dropping in.
Mel has managed and staged managed many events in her career including those by her hero Bryan Ferry, Nils Lofgren, Rick Wakeman and Paul Carrack however, it is Northumberland Live that gives her the most satisfaction.
Over the past four years of Northumberland Live, more than 36,000 people have witnessed Mel’s organisational skills.
She relies on her experience and personality to get the best out of everyone including her carefully picked team of stage hands, tech management, pr and a small army of steward volunteers.
“It’s a great event to work on and one that I’m proud to say is a real team effort. It’s not all glamour though as I’m just as likely to be sorting out a toilet problem as having fun with a rock icon. I wouldn’t have it any other way though and I ‘m looking forward to seeing the looks of enjoyment on the audience’s faces next week.”
Kath Nisbet Chair of the Events Committee said “Mel is a real star and is hard working and well known in the north east she’s brought a lot of experience with her To Blyth Town Council. To have 15,000 people enjoying themselves at a free family festival in Blyth is great for the town and we are looking forward to yet another successful event next week.”
The event wouldn’t have been possible with out the support of Blyth Town Council.