Another great weekend of music kicks off this Friday with the welcome return of the Randall Rootz Festival.
Over the weekend of August 18, 19 & 20 the festival line-up looks like a veritable feast of local talent and musicianship.
Now in its 10th year, the event first ran in 2007 to commemorate the life of local musician and music promoter, Mark Randall. From that initial ‘get together’ of friends and family, the weekend’s grown into a three-day event, with all profits being raised for Sue Ryder Care at Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.
While the Saturday and Sunday daytime events are completely free of charge, the Friday night kicks off at The Brewery Tap as an exclusive ticket-only show featuring the UK’s only Pogues tribute band, The Dead Rabbits, (think Dirty Old Town, Fairytale Of New York, The Irish Rover, Fiesta etc).
They’re supported by reformed local acoustic/rock heroes, Angryman, with whom Mark Randall’s musical talents were also very much associated with.
Tickets are limited and priced at just £10 each, available from the venue on 01733 358500.
After Friday night’s shenanigans, the event moves over to the open sunny space of Charters beer garden from midday Saturday and Sunday.
Totally free of charge and very family-friendly, the full line-up of around 20 bands includes the fantastic Palmerston Ukulele Band, The Chris Watson Sound (jazz/blues/latin), Ramshackle Serenade (swingbilly), Lexie Green (blues/rock), Heather McVey (acoustic soul), Dan Donovan (bluesy delta swamp), Americana (country/rock), local reggae masters Zeb Rootz, plus many, many more…
Event organiser, Andy Whittaker told ESP – “The difficulty this year hasn’t been about which bands and musicians to include, but who to exclude.
“We’ve been blown away by the good will shown by local acts, some of which have given up lucrative shows to be here over the weekend, so whoever turns up to watch and listen are in for a real treat.
“We’ve also been delighted by local companies such as PPS Print and RA Baker Glaziers sponsoring our efforts and would like to say a big thank you to them too – including ESP of course!”
The weekend events start each day at midday. In addition to the quality musical entertainment, there will also be performance poetry, morris dancing, a barbecue and plenty of real-ale flowing – with Oakham Ales brewing a special one-off Randall Rootz Ale for the weekend.
For more information, give a ‘like’ to the festival’s Facebook page at facebook.com/RandallRootzOfficial