The line-up of musical entertainment for this year’s CAMRA Beer Festival has just been finalised and in keeping with the rest of the event, promises to be bigger and better than ever! There will be music to suit all tastes featuring new, up-coming artistes in tandem with more established acts, showcasing the wonderful talent that the island has to offer. An innovation this year is the provision of music on Thursday’s opening night with the extremely popular “Brown Sugar” getting the Festival off to a flying start.
New on the scene Donna Colligon kicks off Friday afternoon’s programme at 3.15pm with her acoustic guitar and strong vocal set followed by recently formed boy band “The Wanderers”. They play an eclectic mix of 50’s and 60’s hits from bands such as the Beatles, Searchers, Fortunes and many more. Returning after last year’s brilliant performance, “The Shedmen” promise a completely new set of more modern material. Popular Manx indie-rock band “3 Million” take us into early evening, playing much of their own material with the odd cover thrown in. Rounding off “Fantastic Friday” will be “Next Big Thing 2014” winner Mae Challis. Currently recording her new album, this prodigious talent plays to standing-room only audiences wherever she plays around the island.
Saturday’s acts are just as talented and entertaining with the vastly experienced James Gillespie opening the show at 3.30pm with his mix of stories and music. Singer/songwriter Nicki Naden and “NiCole” follow with a brief set that will guarantee you wanting more. “3 Million” return for a second evening at the festival before we are treated to a group of the island’s most passionate and talented musicians in the form of “In The Blood”. Playing an assortment of covers and original material they last supported sell-out “Pigs On The Wing” at the Gaiety Theatre. Bringing the festival to a close will be “Little Bit o’ Rosie”. Running for thirteen years on the island the band needs little introduction, being well known for their “AC/DC” tribute show that will guarantee a rousing climax to the festival.
The festival which runs from 7th – 9th April is being held in the Royal Hall of the Villa Marina. There will be 200 different beers, over 50 ciders, perries and fruit wines on offer. Food will be available as well as entertainment and quiet areas for those who prefer a calmer atmosphere. Mrs Sara Jackman, the Mayor of Douglas will be officially opening the festival and this year’s good cause will be Beach Buddies. Tickets have been pegged at last year’s price of ?5 and are available in advance from the VillaGaiety box office, the Welcome centre at the Sea Terminal and on-line. Visitor packages are also available from Isle of Man Steam Packet, Visit Isle of Man and Regency Travel.
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