Animals playing in a field? Sounds pretty normal until you realise that it is THE Animals & Friends, the legendary band from the sixties with iconic classic hits such as ‘House of the Rising Sun’, ‘We Gotta Get out of This Place’, ‘Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’ and many more.
The Animals & Friends are headlining this year’s sixth MantonFest on Saturday 25th June, and yes, they will be playing in a field. But not just any field, rather the picturesque water meadow of Manton Grange, adjacent to Preshute Church and overlooking the River Kennet.
This year’s MantonFest will be bigger than ever with another legendary band – Dr Feelgood – as the other headline act. This time from the Seventies and known for great tracks such as “Roxette”, “Milk and Alcohol” and for the intensity of their live performances.
“We’re going more than one better this year” exclaimed organiser Roger Grant. “We are aiming to donate all the gate receipts to the charity that we support – the ‘Brighter Futures Radiotherapy Appeal’, which is raising funds to create a radiotherapy centre at Swindon’s GWH, so that patients can be treated locally rather than travel to Oxford for treatment every day”. “The aim is for the running costs of this year’s event to be covered by our superb sponsors, who include David Dudley Jewellers and Manton Grange stables so that every penny that the visitors spend on their tickets will go straight to ‘Brighter Futures.’” he explained.
“All our efforts are devoted to making another great day out for young and old, with fantastic music and facilities.” said Stuart Whant, one of Roger’s organising committee colleagues, who along with Anne Morgan and Linda Yeardley have put in many hours already towards making this one of Marlborough’s stand-out annual events.
“There will be twelve bands on the line-up” Stuart added. “Many are local, Straight Six, Empty Gestures, Skedaddle, The Ukey D’Ukes, Onyx, The Banned and Barrelhouse will be returning by popular request, with Smiley’s People, The Harry Miller Band and The Clive Collective playing at the Festival for the first time.”
“Make full use of your ticket and be part of the community lunchtime picnic with pre-lunch half price children’s fairground rides and great live music from 11:30. Meet the bands as they mingle with the crowd while enjoying their fellow musicians performing.” added Roger.
The organisers are aiming to build on MantonFest’s reputation as a ‘must attend’ event for young and old alike. Gates open at 11:00 am and the music continues until 11.00 pm and once in visitors can come and go as they please.
“It will be a unique opportunity to attend a family friendly and relaxed festival in a beautiful setting.” said Roger, “Plan your late afternoon and evening – feed the body and soul with great food, the wonderful all day bar, meeting old and new friends and enjoying some outstanding music. Bring a picnic or enjoy Natural Flames pizzas, gourmet burgers, a hog roast, sandwiches, cakes and ice cream – all available throughout the event. There will be a licensed bar. Enjoy the music as the afternoon unfolds and visit the range of stalls and outlets. And it’s all for a very good local cause!” he added.
There are still opportunities for sponsors, and every extra sponsor helps towards the aim of donating all gate receipts to the ‘Brighter Futures’ charity. Roger, Chairman of Mantonfest can be contacted on 01672 516 235. It’s not too late to take an ad in the programme which will be given to everyone who comes as well as being handed out and made available to all in Marlborough in the run-up to the event. To take an ad e-mail marina@marlboroughnewsonline.co.uk
Tickets can be purchased from Sound Knowledge, Hughenden Yard, Marlborough; Robins Travel, 16 High Street, Marlborough; Brighter Futures, Brunel Centre; Great Western Hospital, Swindon; 55 High Street, Manton and will be available directly from the MantonFest website via Paypal quite soon.
Buy ‘Early Bird’ tickets (before 31 May) for £15 per adult and £5 child (7-15).
From 1 June: £20 adult, £5 child (7-15).
Under 7s go in free
For more information, go to www.facebook.com/Mantonfest or the website www.mantonfest.co.uk
