Saturday July 28 sees a million selling, number one chart topping artist headline the third Northumberland Live at Bedlington Festival and thanks to a dedicated group of parish councillors, it looks to be bigger and better than ever.
Matt Cardle’s first solo single, “When We Collide” went to number-one on the UK Singles Chart and became the second biggest-selling single of 2010 with 815,000 copies sold within two weeks. Matt’s new album; ‘Time To Be Alive’ was released in April with his latest single “Desire” being the BBC Radio 2 record of the week.
The free festival will also include the Midnight Soul Sisters who showcase classics songs by The Supremes, Tina Turner, Chic and Beyonce, glam rock by The Sleeze Sisters, Newcastle based pop songstress Channy, country, blues and rock from Saint 7 and pop, punk party band 5K. Add to the line up, talented singer songwriter Sarah Holmes from Ashington, the sounds of the sixties with FAB and a number one selling independent artist in America – Wallsend’s Junior Turner and the festival is set to be a massive success.
However, despite the array of talent, behind the scenes the festival was very nearly cancelled when funding cuts forced East Bedlington Parish Council to re-evaluate the benefits of the festival and look long and hard at funding streams.
As a result of the lack of funding, two of East Bedlington Parish Council’s members, Councillor John Batey and Chairman, Councillor Keith Grimes donated £5,000 each of their own money to ensure that the festival would go ahead. With the remainder being funded by East Bedlington Parish Council and a kind donation from neighbouring Choppington Parish Council to fund activities at the festival for young people, the festival was secured for this year.
Chairman Keith Grimes said,”There was a real danger that the festival would not happen this year. We are well aware of how much this free event means to our community and we believed as a parish council that they deserved to have it.”
East Bedlington Parish, which covers the festival venue in Gallagher Park and Bedlington Station, is in the UK’s top 10% most deprived communities, a fact that influenced councillor John Batey’s decision to fund part of the event personally.
“I’m passionate about this area. The people here have very little and yet they will do anything for anyone with nothing being expected in return. They are real salt of the earth people who deserve more. This is a community that has stayed alive despite recession and unemployment and it’s all down to the people,” said councillor Batey.
“ I believe that they deserve the chance of seeing a world class act for free and it will be a great opportunity to give something back to our community. Bringing in a major music festival such as Northumberland Live at Bedlington is what the people need and I’m sure they will remember the day as a highlight of the year.”
It’s the third year that Northumberland Live at Bedlington has taken place. Last year, The Commitments entertained thousands of people at the free spectacle and two years ago, the first concert saw Johnny Hates Jazz headline.
Deputy Parish Clerk Jenny Tindale said: “East Bedlington Parish Council is delighted to fund the event which promises to be a great community festival that the people of the town will enjoy and remember. Next year we will be looking at sponsorship opportunities and anyone who can help is urged to contact us.”