MOONFEST is back. Determined to put last year’s bungled attempt behind him, festival organiser John Green says he can’t wait for a second chance this year.
Moonfest 2009 is planned to be a one-day event on Bank Holiday Sunday the 30th August at Storridge Farm near the Brook Lane Industrial Estate. The event is still pending a licence but organisers have already finalised the line-up which will feature Justin Hawkins of ‘The Darkness’ fame with his new band HotLeg, local heroes The Volt and Frome- based dance act Eat Static.
Organiser John Green said, “It’s going to be absolutely brilliant. Expect eclectic family fun and just a lovely day out.”
The festival will feature two large marquees hosting 23 acts with music planned to run between midday and 4.00am. John said that the ‘Moonfest marquee’ would host the “louder and better known bands” whereas the smaller ‘eclectic marquee will be “very chilled out with an unplugged acoustic style to it.”
John Green said that he had been in discussions with Wiltshire Police for the last five months and was confident that a repeat of last year’s events was not on the cards.
Moonfest 2008 was scheduled to be headlined by singer Pete Doherty but the controversial rocker was cancelled at the last minute after Wiltshire Police obtained a court order banning him from playing. Following this, organisers decided to cancel the whole event with the story appearing in both the national and international press.
The three-day festival was then replaced by a smaller one-day event featuring local acts and singer Justin Hawkins with HotLeg.
John Green said, “Talks with the police have gone really well. They’ve been very supportive and helpful. We’ve got a really good relationship and all the responsible agencies are fully on board.”
Helicopter displays
The day will also feature daring displays from two of the world’s most highly respected helicopter stunt pilots.
World freestyle helicopter pilot, Dennis Kenyon, will be appearing for the last time before the 73-year old retires. The veteran pilot works regularly for high-octane action films including Black Hawk Down and many of the James Bond series.
“His display is simply awesome, only what you would expect from a world champion who has flown in countless films,” said John.
Keeping with an exciting helicopter theme, world class model helicopter display pilot Paul Heckles and his team will be putting on an aerobatic display …..at night. John said, “This really has to be seen to be believed. Moonfest is the only public display for Paul in 2009 so be sure not to miss it!”
Tickets for the event will cost £20.00 for adults and £10.00 for children under 16. Children under the age of 14 will be admitted for free. Al children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets will be available from Chantry TV in Westbury High Street, phone 01373 822709.
For a full line-up and further ticket information visit www.moonfest.co.uk.
