Waterlooville Music Festival set to return this weekend

It comes as the Waterlooville Music Festival prepares to embark on its 13th annual outing from Saturday afternoon.

Since 2006, the fixture has showcased an eclectic mix of acts at St George’s Church – which have been enjoyed by residents from Waterlooville and beyond in their droves.

When this year’s event kicks off in four days, revellers will be invited to enjoy a free fete – complimented by an urban vocal group, a clarinet and saxophone choir, acoustic outfit Rufus T and the Fireflies and the Fareham-based Igloo Band.

Daily events will then follow, until the festival concludes on Sunday, June 17.

Promotor Chris Gadd, said it would bring something for everyone.

He said: ‘It is unusual, in my experience, to have such a range of musical genre in a week-long festival.

‘Because of that, people can choose to attend the concert or concerts that really appeals.

‘We are delighted that it remains such an important fixture for the residents of Waterlooville and beyond.’

Among the evening highlights the fixture has to offer are performances from the Royal Marines School of Music on Tuesday, June 12, the Military Wives Choir on Wednesday, a folk and ale night on Thursday – featuring Shantymen and Three Penny Bit – and the Silver Beatles on Friday.

Then, in ceremonial fashion, Waterlooville Music Festival will wrap up with the aptly named Last Night of the Proms, with the Meridian Wind Band leading the show.

On this occasion, visitors can expect flag-waving and the singing of traditional favourites, including Land of Hope and Glory and Rule Britannia.

With ticket sales for 2018 ‘better than ever’, Mr Gadd said: ‘I think we have a stellar list of musicians this year and this has been borne out by how great the demand has been for tickets.

‘Several concerts are now sold out though there is still some limited availability for Portsmouth Military Wives and for the folk and ale night.

‘But I have little doubt they will also sell out so people need to move quickly.’

Daytime events at Waterlooville Music Festival 2018 are free to attend, but evening events – which all start at 7.30pm – are ticketed.

To see the full festival programme and to book tickets, visit waterloovillemusicfestival.org.uk