Marlborough’s biggest party day is nearly on us again, and – although this may well be proved wrong – the weather forecast is for a sunny(ish?) day. This will be the fifteenth MantonFest and somehow, on the vast majority of those days the sun has been out and all the gazebos and umbrellas were there to give a bit of welcome shade.
MantonFest is a big party with great music. It’s not a mini-Glastonbury, nor a music-focused festival, it’s a day where you, me, families (of all ages) with kids, grandma and grandad and dogs can all go and chill. Have a drink, meet friends, all with some great music coming from the stage which can be seen from anywhere in the field as the natural amphitheatre of the Preshute MantonFest arena means that no-one in front will get in the way. Sound – by Swindon’s ‘Patch Productions’, who have always delivered a great sound, as they did at the recent Family Festival in The Parade.
Who’s on the bill? At the top it’s a Queen tribute ‘Bohemians’, supported by ‘Badness’ – back again after a stirring set last year; ‘Forever Elton’, delivering the Rocketman’s hits live now that EJ has staged his final performance; and local blues band with a national / international following – Barrelhouse. Back every year to great acclaim with a mix of their own favourites, but also blues classics, all delivered in their own tight, raunchy and inimitable style.
Then a bit of Merseyside: ‘Fab4’, returning after having let the sounds of Lennon & McCartney and Harrison float over Manton and Preshute a few years back, perfect for what we hope will be a sunny afternoon.
Manton’s own ‘Ol’ Man Witcomb and the Bergamots’ preceded by Josie & The Radiotones are the earlier two bands on the bill, but the day will be kicked of by young local talent of the next generation. Some of the up and coming performers from St John’s, getting the opportunity to take the stage at a big event with a large crowd. Imposing, maybe, but the talent that has emerged from St John’s over recent years means that there is a chance to see a star of the future, at their first major gig. This is called the ‘Development Slot’ for want of a better title, but an invaluable experience for all who will be showing us what we will likely see and hear in coming years.
MamtonFest is in the amphitheatre shaped field next to Preshute Church. Parking available so easy to get to and not far to carry any gazebo, bites or drinks. But there will be plenty of food and drink on offer from a range of stalls present
Turn up on the day? Sure, but to save £5 on a ticket, click here to visit the MantonFest website and get one (or more?) in advance.
MantonFest is for you, and also for Marlborough’s Love Kids Meals and Cancer Research
Impressario Roger Grant told Marlborough.news: “Fifteen years and still rockin’ (and MantonFest too….!)”