Newton Music Festival is returning for its third year, with 90s Liverpool band Space set to headline. The event will take over Mesnes Park in Newton-le-Willows on Saturday, August 1, alongside the Newton Town Show.
Line-up and tickets
The festival runs from 4pm to 11pm, with tickets starting from £25. This year's line-up includes up-and-coming bands Fever Dream Kills, LEAZES and Casino Club. Festival organiser Alexandra Myhill told the ECHO: "People over 40, will remember the music festival from when they were young."
She added: "We wanted some 90s heritage with a mix of up-and-coming bands. That’s what inspired us to pick the bands that we have and also keeping it northern, all the bands picked are northern rooted. It’s important to showcase that northern talent. You won’t find a festival ticket or a gig ticket for that kind of price anymore with those headliners."
Venue and capacity
The festival is held in Mesnes Park, a 32-acre green space, with a capacity of 2,000 people. Past headliners include local band The Ks. Myhill said they "had to reduce our capacity this year because of the Ks last year, and we didn’t want to overstretch ourselves."
One of this year's acts, Fever Dream Kills, has only been together for seven months but has secured slots at major festivals. Lead singer Stars Walker said: "We have played Isle of White festival, we are playing Y Not, and Tramlines. Festivals are the highlight for the majority of bands. Getting to play Newton is just as magical for us as any other."
Up-and-coming bands
LEAZES, a band from the North East, also expressed excitement. Guitarist Sam said: "Newton music festival feels like the first major festival we are getting and it’s an immense feeling. Festivals have that amazing buzz, they’re some of the best shows you can play."
Sound City Liverpool has agreed to be part of the festival. Myhill said: "They’re coming along and bringing their big deck chair and listed us as part of their summer of music."
Organiser's plea
Myhill revealed one of the main challenges is "encouraging people to use it or lose it." She added: "We get a lot of feedback saying they enjoy it from their back garden but that obviously doesn’t pay the bills. So we would encourage people to come out and enjoy the day."
Newton Town Show
Alongside the music festival, the Newton Town Show will host free events from 11am to 4pm, including a mobile petting zoo and a classic car show.
