Virtual performances lined up for Alnwick Music Festival as it moves online

The festival committee made the difficult decision to cancel the town centre event as government guidance continues to advise against the gathering of large crowds.

Festival planners are working to stream three evenings of musical entertainment on August 8-10, bringing the live festival into people’s homes.

Each evening will consist of a headliner and will be supported by a selection of local talent.

All performances will be free to watch, though there will be opportunities to donate and support the artists.

Confirmed acts include top folk bands Merry Hell and The Tannahill Weavers, banjo supremo Dan Walsh, Alistair Anderson, Dan Hartland, Ian K. Brown and Pistol Pete Wearn. The popular festival staple of workshops, including ukulele and bodhram lessons, will be streamed throughout the weekend.

Dave Wearn, festival committee member said: “Alnwick Music Festival had big plans for 2020 – a return to our town centre location in the Market Place for free daytime entertainment, followed by ticketed evening events in Northumberland Hall.

“Then the lockdown happened, and even though some restrictions are now being lifted, the ban on festival size crowds meant that the committee had no choice but to cancel.

“However, the team that last year persevered with the festival on the wettest weekend of the year, when events throughout the county were washed out felt once again that ‘the show must go on.”

Further information will be on the Alnwick Music Festival Facebook page.

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