X Factor winner Sam Bailey, 5ive and Diversity on bill for 2016 Portsmouth Summer Show

Last year's packed Portsmouth Summer ShowLast year's packed Portsmouth Summer Show
Last year's packed Portsmouth Summer Show
WE'RE in for a blockbuster '“ that's the message from city leaders as the line-up for this year's Portsmouth Summer Show is revealed.

It features a star-studded mix featuring street dance troupe Diversity, boy band 5ive and X-Factor winner Sam Bailey.

English pop rockers Scouting for Girls and The Hoosiers have also been snapped up to perform at the family attraction on King George V Playing Fields in Cosham.

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And this year the event will take place over two days from April 30 to May 1.

Organisers hope to pull in crowds of up to 40,000 people – 20,000 per day.

It follows on from the success of the very first Portsmouth Summer Show held in June last year, which attracted around 17,000 spectators and was a sell-out.

A second music stage is also being brought in and up to 40 local acts will perform.

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Show co-organiser Andy Marsh – part of the team which puts on the hugely popular Victorious Festival on Southsea Common – said he can’t wait for the occasion.

And he said there’s an added bonus for fans as they will get the chance to meet stars and get their autographs after they’ve performed.

More big acts are set to be revealed soon.

Andy said: ‘Last year surprised everyone. There was a great crowd and it just shows there is stuff to be done up there and it has proven just as popular as Victorious.

‘It’s an event that’s definitely going places. It’s great fun to put on as well.

‘It’s not something that takes itself too seriously.

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‘It’s a nice family day out like the old-style fetes. Having big names like Diversity is fantastic. They are a bit different and will add a different twist to it as well.

‘It’s not just about bands all of the time. And it’s brilliant because this time a lot of the bands will come down and do some signings and people can meet them. It makes it a bit more interactive.

‘What’s great now is we are getting people approaching us saying they want to perform. This is fantastic for this part of the city.’

Family activities include a Big Top with a petting zoo, demonstrations from karate and dance troupes, a fun fair, craft and street food stalls and bars.

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Tickets are now on sale with prices being £10 per day for adults, £5 for anyone aged five to 15 and it is £1 for under-fives. Adult prices will rise to £15 nearer the time.

Portsmouth Tory council leader Donna Jones says it’s become one of the best family events around.

She said: ‘The first ever Summer Show in Cosham was a massive success.

‘I was inundated with members of the public who contacted me to say how much they enjoyed it and how they thought it should continue.

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‘I have been working with the Victorious team on this year’s summer show for a while, discussing ideas and dates.

‘I’m delighted it is returning. It’s one of the best family-friendly events in the county and perfectly positioned immediately off the motorway, next to a railway station and with a huge number of parking spaces at Lakeside.

‘It’s adding to the social calendar and one of the top events in the south – long may it continue.’

Last year’s summer show featured Blue, Professor Green, Alesha Dixon, Matt Cardle, Lucy Spraggan, James Walsh, Luke Friend and more.

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Visitors were also treated to a ‘moves and grooves’ tent and acoustic sessions.

The concept came about following discussions with the organisers and the city council over how more events can be put on for families in the north of the city.

This time the show has moved dates and isn’t happening in June again so there’s a mix of attractions across the year. The America’s Cup World Series and Victorious Festival once again take place in July and August.

To buy tickets to the 2016 Portsmouth Summer Show, visit portsmouthsummershow.co.uk or visit Cosham Library.

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