Get ready for East Anglia’s friendliest music festival

Summer is on the way which means this year’s Reepham Music Festival is just around the corner.
 

Mammal Not Fish. Photo: supplied

 
From humble beginnings in 2007, when the modest goal was to give the community a family-friendly weekend of music and fun, with proceeds from ticket sales going to local charities, the festival has grown to become one of the most eagerly anticipated highlights of the Norfolk summer calendar. And this year’s event promises to be better than ever.
 
The headline act is the legendary Roachford, whose classic singles Cuddly Toy and Family Man stormed the UK and US charts in the late 1980s. Since then Andrew Roachford and his musicians have become one of the cornerstones of soulful British pop and continue to be one of the busiest and most sought-after bands in the business.
 
It’s especially a coup to have them play at Reepham because their recent gig at the Waterfront in Norwich was a sell-out and Andrew, who has worked with everyone from Michael Jackson to Chaka Khan, is also a longstanding member of the iconic supergroup Mike + The Mechanics.
 
Meanwhile, Tragedy is a six-piece disco-meets-heavy metal group from the US that promises to storm the Reepham 18 stage. Their genre-defying mash-up of Bee Gees songs delivered with a Guns N’ Roses swagger and a hard rock Judas Priest-like excess will undoubtedly be one of the many festival highlights. The Sun calls them “essential listening” while Metal Hammer magazine describes them as “camp as a row of tents, with more hooks than Hell’s cloakroom”. It’s fair to say that, once seen, Tragedy will never be forgotten.
 
And then there are Dorset-based folk-punk favourites Black Water County, tribute bands Mainly Madness and the Elvis-tastic The Blue Sueders, the Norwich folk-reggae foursome Mammal Not Fish, award-winning songwriter Lisa Redford, the brilliant Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen-inspired My Cocoon, classic rock band Izengard and many other musicians who will be entertaining the crowds over two days.
 
Reepham 18 kicks off on Saturday 11 August with performers playing at both Rookery Meadow, where the new Hansells Rookery Meadow stage will be unveiled, and on the acoustic stage at nearby St. Mary’s. On Sunday 12 August the festivities move to Whitwell Station.
 
As well as music, there will be plenty of food and drink on offer, including entertainment for the children. The event has been sold out for the past six years running so early booking is advised.
 
“Reepham 18 is going to be really special this year,” said festival director Steve Jenkins. “Whatever your taste in music, you’ll find plenty to love across our line-up. And not only is every band and musician outstanding, but the philosophy behind our festival has never changed.
 
“Reepham is all about enjoying great music, having fun with the family and helping to support some of the region’s most deserving charities. We’re looking forward to seeing you there!”
 
Tickets can be purchased via the Reepham 18 website, Very Nice Things in Reepham, Whitwell Station and Soundclash in Norwich.
 
More information about ticket sales and festival camping deals is available on the festival website.
 
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The Blue Sueders. Photo: supplied

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