Reepham Festival secures rising roots star for 2013

The Reepham 13 Summer Music Festival organisers have secured a prestigious addition to this year’s roster of artists, with the announcement that rising folk-roots star and BBC award-nominated Luke Jackson will be performing over the weekend of 10-11 August.
 

Luke Jackson will be performing at the Reepham 13 Summer Music Festival

 
Just 18 years old but with a bold, show-stopping voice and honed guitar skills, Luke is a confident and captivating performer demonstrating an impressive maturity.
 
He has been making ripples on the thriving acoustic scene supporting such luminaries as Show of Hands, Paul Brady, Steve Knightley, Martyn Joseph and Boo Hewerdine, and he has played the prestigious folk and roots festivals at Sidmouth, Bristol, Shrewsbury and Trowbridge.
 
Championed by the likes of Bob Harris, Simon Mayo and Mike Harding, his debut album More Than Boys has received plaudits from critics and airplay on numerous radio stations.
 
Looking forward to the August weekend in Reepham, Luke says: “It’s so much fun playing festivals because every one of them has its own vibe and feeling. I am very much looking forward to playing at Reepham Festival this year – let’s hope the sun comes out!”
 
Reepham festival chairman Steve Jenkins adds: “Each year we aim to provide a wide, eclectic and exciting range of music and entertainment, and 2013 is no exception. We’re really pleased to welcome Luke to Reepham. It’s good to be associated with a rising star and it looks as if this will be a case of ‘remember where you saw him first’!”
 
Headlining the festival will be masters of rhythm and blues Dr Feelgood, that most perennially popular of the legendary R&B bands. Monster of rock Buster James is back by popular demand and there will be around 15 hours of music for all tastes on the Saturday with a full afternoon’s music on the Sunday.
 
The now-famous twin stage in the main arena minimises the time between bands so that the entertainment continues without a break from midday on the Saturday through to the evening. Hot and cold food and drink will be available throughout.
 
The festival atmosphere continues on the Sunday afternoon when local heritage attraction and festival main sponsor, Whitwell & Reepham Station, hosts the music at the station site.
 
As always, the weekend offers something for all the family – and for 2013 the organisers have held tickets at last year’s prices. “That was a big decision,” explains Mr Jenkins. “People tell us it’s a good value-for-money day out. We never lose sight of the fact that we’re raising funds for local charities and the festival is not run for personal profit, but even so, these are difficult times, financially, for many, and we felt we could do something to help.”
 
Once again this year, under 15s can enjoy the fun for free when accompanied by a ticket-holding adult. Admission to the Sunday event is free to Saturday ticket holders. Those wishing to make a weekend of it can stay at the festival campsite, which is filling up fast with half the pitches already booked.
 
“Reepham Festival strikes the right balance between a family day out and a marathon treat for music fans,” explains Mr Jenkins. “It’s all easily accessible. People don’t have to walk miles from their car to get to the music.
 
“It’s a local festival with a big atmosphere and it brings visitors to the town who are often pleasantly surprised by this historic gem in the Norfolk countryside. Now that we’re firmly established on the festival calendar we find we’re getting people travelling from as far as Scotland, Manchester and the West Country. We must be doing something right!”
 
More information can be found at www.reephamfestival.co.uk with new bands and attractions being added all the time. You can also follow updates on Twitter and Facebook.
 
Tickets are available from 01603 508050 and www.ueaticketbookings.co.uk