Towersey Festival 2014 line-up announced

· by · in festivals, folk, music, towersey. ·

– Oxfordshire festival celebrates Golden Jubilee
– Richard Thompson headlines 50th festival 

Richard ThompsonFamed independent festival Towersey celebrates its 50th anniversary this August (Thursday 21 to Monday 25 August 2014) with what promises to be a very special five-day event.

Among those taking to part in the festival’s half-century birthday celebrations are folk legends Richard Thompson, Seth Lakeman and Lau.

They’ll be joined by Norma Waterson, Eliza Carthy and Martin Carthy, Michael McGoldrick, John McCusker, Georgia Ruth, Dick Gaughan, John Smith, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, The Urban Folk Quartet, and many more, including The Bootleg Beatles, who’ll be headlining the opening night spectacular.

It was way back in 1965 that locals, looking for ways to fund urgent renovations to the village hall, decided to launch a festival. From a one-day event, it was soon expanded to three days and a major, arts festival was born.

Music has always been at the heart of the festivities, but the modern day Towersey Festival also embraces poetry, comedy, theatre, circus performers, visual arts, films, workshops, dances, storytelling and great food.

Towersey’s Children’s Festival is a major attraction, featuring everything from drop-in craft activities to baby reflexology, while other highlights include Shooting Roots, a programme of activities dedicated to, and run by, young people, and a Real Ale and Cider Festival, featuring a range of artisan beers and ciders, many from the surrounding area.

“We’re very proud indeed to be celebrating Towersey Festival’s Golden Jubilee,” says Festival Director Joe Heap, whose grandfather was one of the festival founders. “The annual event has grown considerably since those early days, but it remains one of the most welcoming and friendly festivals in the UK.

“We’re looking forward to marking 50 years with some very special guests and announcements, and also welcoming friends both old and new.”

A cornerstone of British music since the 1960s, guitarist and songwriter Richard Thompson found fame as co-founder of Fairport Convention. His songs have been recorded by such acts as The Corrs, REM and Elvis Costello with The LA Times describing him as “the finest rock songwriter after [Bob] Dylan and the best electric guitarist since Hendrix.” He was made an OBE in 2011.

Over the last decade, Seth Lakeman has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including the Mercury Prize nominated Kitty Jay. 2014 sees the violinist and multi-instrumentalist release his sixth studio album, Word Of Mouth (out Feb 3).

A stunning live act, three-piece Lau have won the Best Band title at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards four times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2013), their subtle blend of traditional instruments with loops and effects pushing the folk genre into new exciting directions.

Tickets for the full festival start from £55-£120, with under 5s free. Camping available. Day tickets (Fri-Mon) £10-£40.

For further information and to book tickets, call 023 8071 1818 or see: www.towerseyfestival.com

LISTINGS

Thursday 21 August to Monday 25 August 2014
TOWERSEY FESTIVAL
Various venues, Towersey, Oxfordshire OX9 3QF
Tickets:
Until 31 May 2014:
Weekend Season (non camping): £120 adult; £105 concession; £84 youth; £55 child; free under 5s.
Weekend Season (with camping): £145 adult; £130 concession; £109 youth; £55 child; free under 5s.
Day Tickets (Fri) £30 adult; £20 youth; £10 child; free under 5s; (Sat/Sun/Mon): £40 adult; £30 youth; £20 child; free under 5s.
From 1 June 2014:
Weekend Season (non camping): £135 adult; £105 concession; £95 youth; £55 child; free under 5s.
Weekend Season (with camping): £160 adult; £130 concession; £120 youth; £55 child; free under 5s.
Day Tickets (Fri) £30 adult; £20 youth; £10 child; free under 5s; (Sat/Sun/Mon): £40 adult; £30 youth; £20 child; free under 5s.
Showground day tickets (only available on the gate): £8 adult; £3 concessions; under 5s free.
Camel Camp: luxury Camel Camp Touareg tents also available for up to 6 people. See website for details.
Discounts: Buy 10 Adult Full Weekend Season tickets for the Price of 9.
Car Parking: Free.
Bookings:            023 8071 1818
Web:                    www.towerseyfestival.com
Twitter:               @towerseyfesti
Facebook:           Towerseyfestival

NB: Concession = students, Job Seekers and those 60+.  Proof of status must be shown on ticket collection. Youth = 12-17 yrs inclusive. Child = 5 -11 yrs inclusive. Under 5 = FREE. Car Parking free (space permitting).
Towersey and Thame Residents: Special price full festival tickets are available to residents of Thame and Towersey. Please call 01629 827016 for discount details. This offer is only available by phone.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

ABOUT TOWERSEY FESTIVAL

  • Towersey Festival appeals to a wide audience and is popular with all generations; in many cases, three generations of a family will be in attendance.
  • Though close to major transport links and the market town of Thame, the festival rests in a stunning rural setting. The 7 mile Phoenix Trail – a disused railway line transformed into a walking and cycle path that runs through the village – is a great way to see the local countryside.
  • Over the last 10 years, the festival has raised £250,000 for local charities, trusts and organisations.
  • Since its inception the festival has survived hurricanes and droughts!
  • The festival attracts around 10,000 people over five days.
  • Leading acts who’ve appeared at Towersey in the past include Bellowhead, The South, Chas’n’Dave, The Blockheads, The Unthanks, Billy Bragg, Kate Rusby and Show Of Hands.
  • Towersey Festival has a first class reputation as a destination for camping and caravanning.

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