Interest in this Saturday’s Livestock music festival at Forty Hall farm has reached record levels with almost 1,500 advance tickets sold for the annual event.
The community-organised, not-for-profit festival features more than 20 acts on three separate stages, complete with bars, food stalls and children’s entertainment.
Among those being welcomed back this year are the ever-popular ska-pop outfit the Kubricks, topping the bill on the main Feelgood stage; Spirit of Springsteen, Yossarian, California Screaming and Boom la Tete.
More than two-thirds of the performers are new to Livestock, they include Sydney-born alternative rock singer Suzie Stapleton; Josephine and the Artizans, a unique blend of hip-hop, rap and symphonised operatic chorals; Mojo Rising, who kick off proceedings with their reworkings of disco, soul and funk classics; Black Water County whose frenzied multi-instrumental, dual-vocal folk-punk live show is the stuff of legend; and the irrepressible nine-piece Funking Barstewards -- personal favourites of the late, great Edwin Starr - who will take you through a 1970s disco journey.
“The quality and variety of this year’s Livestock is second to none,” says festival organiser Leon Wilkin, who helped found the event seven years ago. “We look set to break our attendance record.”
Among the regular visitors to Livestock is Cllr Christine Hamilton, the former mayor Enfield and a massive music fan. “I’m so looking forward to it,” says Christine. “I’ve been to every one. The talent is simply incredible so come and have an amazing day in beautiful surroundings.”
Being very much a community event, Livestock has decided to donate part of its takings to a charity, Friends of Enfield Music Service. A division of Enfield Council, Enfield Music Service, supported by the Arts Council, offers inspiration and opportunities for children and young people throughout the borough, working with schools and families to provide the best musical experiences in a range of settings. It includes instrumental lessons to thousands of children and young people, including those with special educational needs.
Another innovation this year is a raffle, proceeds from which will go back into the festival and its monthly spinoff, Music from the Black Barn, also at Forty Hall. Without giving too much away, there are plans for a Tottenham Hotspur legend to hand out the prizes.
Advance tickets are still on sale from livestockuk.com
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