Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Music fans flock to Staffordshire for 2008 Festival Fun

Whether you’re a fan of Rock, Pop, Classical or Folk, Staffordshire has a musical offering for everyone this summer. The county plays host to an array of music events and festivals over the coming months, from internationally renowned orchestras for lovers of the classics to sing and dance-along pop concerts for the whole family.

Staffordshire’s festival spirit gets into full swing with a musical treat with a difference, grab yourself a ticket to the Cannock Chase Concerts on the 27th and 28th June which feature as part of the Forestry Commission’s 2008 Forest Tour. The Forest Tour was launched in 2000 and aims to encourage people to see their local woodlands in new and exciting ways. Already lined up for the event are Liverpool-based "blues grass rootsy stompy" music quintet The Zutons, ‘Madchester’ Indie band, The Charlatans and the legendary Status Quo.

Commenting on the Forest show, Status Quo's Francis Rossi says: "We are really looking forward to playing in the forest. Fans can rest assured they'll be rocking all over the woods!"

So, if you want to see some of Britain’s biggest recording artists performing in what has to be the most fabulous setting, get your tickets for Cannock Chase - where the natural acoustics will resonate the music around the forest and create the most magical experience for everyone.

The Lichfield Festival opens on the 3rd July, when the city hosts a summer celebration of music, dance, drama and poetry. The ten day event is centred around Lichfield’s impressive medieval cathedral and celebrates an array of world- wide talent, with over 400 artists taking part from across the globe. In particular, the festival celebrates the diversity of musical talent in Staffordshire with performances by the Rosie Kay Dance Company, Sabri Ensemble, Polarbear, and Lichfield’s Festival Chorus.

Lichfield is also home to the Fuse ‘Event in a Tent’ Festival, a fantastic weekend of music and arts held under canvas in Beacon Park from the 11th to 13th July. Now in its seventh year, the free family community arts festival goes from strength to strength with a culturally diverse mix of events, performances and activities for all ages. Experience the electric atmosphere as 1000's of people gather in the delightful surroundings of Beacon Park to hear music from around the world, as well as the voices of local performers who are encouraged to show off their weird and wonderful talents in the acoustic tent. Remember too that all the fun takes place in marquees - so you do not have to worry about the good old British weather!

Festival fever flows into August with the Shugborough Music and Fireworks Weekend bursting into the grounds of this ancestral estate on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd August. This truly British weekend is set in the beautiful surroundings of the magnificent 17th Century Shugborough Estate, giving a real sense of extravagance and occasion at one of Staffordshire’s best music and fireworks events of the year.

Friday night welcomes a tribute to Rock and Pop with acts that are guaranteed to get you on your feet. Don your big wigs and sideburns and dance the night away to some of the greatest hits of the 70s and 80s. Abba Magic gets the party underway with a sensational tribute to this legendary group with much-loved hits including Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia. Making a star appearance and performing some well known tracks is iconic Rock legend, TV presenter and author Toyah Willcox with her band of musicians, while Disco Inferno takes to the stage to perform many classic disco party songs including YMCA, Car Wash and Celebration.

On Saturday, it is champagne and flags at the ready for the traditional British Proms Spectacular. A fantastic aerial display by a World War II Spitfire is the prelude to the internationally acclaimed City Concert Orchestra, conducted by Adrian Jackson with a breathtaking choreographed Firework Finale concluding the revelry.

The month of August continues to be one of celebration with the arrival of the 13th annual V Festival at Weston Park on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th. This nationally acclaimed festival, held in the grounds of one of Staffordshire’s most stunning stately homes, features over 60 performers including big names such as The Stereophonics, Girls Aloud and The Chemical Brothers and solo artists Alanis Morissette and Amy Winehouse, all performing across five stages at this ultimate festival weekend.

The V Festival has one of the most eclectic line ups of the UK's festival circuit which, combined with the fantastic atmosphere that the festival goers bring and the location and beauty of Weston Park, makes it a must go to event this summer.

If you are looking for one place that has it all this festival season, a trip to Staffordshire won’t disappoint. For more info on Staffordshire events, accommodation and facilities please visit www.enjoystaffordshire.com.

For further info and high res images please contact enjoystaffordshire@sealcommunications.co.uk