West Fest to be earlier this year (From Malvern Gazette)

West Fest to be earlier this year

10:20am Thursday 19th March 2009 in Search

ORGANISERS of West Malvern's popular West Fest music event have decided to hold it in July, rather than on August Bank Holiday Monday.

The festival, which last year attracted 5,000 music lovers, has been held on the bank holiday ever since the first one in 2004.

But the date for this year's event has officially been fixed for Saturday, July 11.

"Holding it earlier in the summer will mean we will have more daylight during the evening, and hopefully the weather will be warmer as well," said Alan Hoida, one of the organising committee.

The venue will be West Malvern Playing Field, as usual, and the event will run from 11am-10pm. During the event, around 16 bands will play, although the line-up has not been finalised.

This family event is suitable for all ages, and this year there will be even more organised activities and entertainment for children.

There will be arts and crafts stalls, as well as stalls selling food and drink, including a West Fest Ale, which will be brewed specially for the event by the Malvern Hills Brewery.

Ticket prices have not been confirmed but are expected to be around £5 for adults and £3 for under-18s, with family tickets at £10. Tickets will be available on the day only, with no advance sales.

The festival was first held in 2004, when about 600 people turned up. Last year's event attracted a crowd of about 5,000.

The event raises money for West Malvern community organisations, and on Wednesday, March 25, £7,150 will be given out to local groups at the Brewers Arms in the village.