The Willowman Festival in North Yorkshire has unveiled a first wave of acts for 2016. Original punksters The Undertones will take to the stage along with ska legends The Beat.
They will be joined by reggae stars Misty in Roots and jazz funksters James Taylor Quartet.
These are only the first wave of acts to be announced with festival organisers working behind the scenes to bring in more acts in time for the summer.
The four-day family friendly festival will once again take place at the Hillside Rural Activities Park in Knayton, near Thirsk, over the Solstice weekend between June 16 and 19.
Billing itself as the UK’s best value four-day music festival, Willowman includes free parking, free camping and a range of real-ales at pub prices that would have your average CAMRA member smiling into their pint pot – all for just £70 (limited tickets at this price).
Festival goers can currently buy spring-saver tickets for £70 per adult before they eventually rise to £90.
Now in its seventh year, The Willowman Festival has gained a national reputation for offering a diverse line up of both new and established artists, while keeping ticket prices rock bottom.
Fans of The Undertones can expect to hear all their favourite songs including Jimmy Jimmy, My Perfect Cousin, Here Comes the Summer, Julie Ocean and of course Teenage Kicks which legendary DJ John Peel famously described as his favourite record of all time.
The Beat return to Willowman after performing at the first festival back in 2009 where they played a hit packed set including Mirror in the Bathroom, Hands Off She’s Mine and Too Nice To Talk Too.
Misty in Roots will continue a reggae theme at Willowman. Last year Bristol roots pioneers Talisman performed while in 2014 reggae legends The Wailers attracted a record headlining crowd.
An early supporting cast includes South Tyneside favourites Stan, Tyneside troubadours Fickle Lilly and Rob Heron and the Tea Pad Orchestra.
Last year Willowman Festival unveiled its new expanded acoustic stage and bar housed under a large Bedouin-style Berber tent which returns with an array of talent.
Festival director Steve Williams said: “Every year the festival has grown as we build a reputation for fun, friendliness and great music. The ale prices are pegged again at a sensible price for 2016.
“Judging by our early bird ticket sales 2016 is already heading for a sell out and we haven’t even unveiled our headline act yet. I think people are coming for the vibe as well as the music and a few great days away.
“We are finding more and more groups of friends are using the festival for annual get togethers, reunions and celebrations so come and join us.”
The last remaining second tier spring saver tickets are on sale for a budget-busting £70 (which includes four nights camping and free parking) at www.willowmanfestival.co.uk Tickets for children aged 11 and under cost £2 to cover the cost of administration and wrist bands, while young people tickets (ages 12 to 16) are priced at just £60. For full ticket prices please visit the festival website.
There will also be the usual range of sensibly priced food stalls, vintage clothing stalls and a luxury shower block. Children’s entertainment will once again be laid on and on the Sunday the now traditional closing Willowman parade will take place.
Published on 20 January 2016 by Ben Robinson
