A GROUP of volunteers has stepped in to revive a town centre music festival that was scrapped last year.
Hundreds of live acts performed in venues across the town centre as part of LIVE in Barnsley and it quickly became a firm fixture in the local live music festival calendar over the past five years, attracting thousands of revellers to the town.
But a shock announcement from organisers late last year said it would not be going ahead for 2018 and that ‘all good things must come to an end’ with last year’s event being the last.
In the months since that announcement, a collective of local music promoters and musicians have got their heads together and decided to fill the void left by the festival’s departure with their own ‘Barnsley Live’ festival - and they have the blessing of LIVE in Barnsley founders Dave Pearsall and Steve Clifford.
The new group at the helm is Chris Scarfe from One over the Eight music promotions; Bob Wynne, Ari Rannus and Romy Harris from the Rhythm Inc music school; and Stuart Robinson, Ryan Thompson and Matt Smith who have all been involved with the Coalfields festival at Darton.
Chris, 36, spoke to the Chronicle on behalf of the new group and said a date for the revived festival has already been set.
He said: “We’re doing it, It’s definitely happening - Saturday, June 16 is the date.
“I think it’s absolutely essential for the town to keep it going particularly after the last few years of building it up and making it a success and a fixture on the calendar for live music and then seeing the disappointment from people (when it was axed).
“When I saw what had happened I initially thought this is too big and not something I want to get involved with but then different promoters and musicians got in touch asking If I was interested. The only way I was going to say yes was if we were all involved because it’s a big job to take on.
“There’s a few of us so that means we can spread the workload.
“The response since we announced we’re doing it has been really positive and people are cheering about it.
“Initially we thought we would make it a bit smaller but all the venues have been contacting us and it’s not fair to start picking and choosing between them so we’re thinking about having 17 or 18 venues and that’s bigger than last year.
“There’s a lot of work involved. We’re going to do our very best and at the absolute minimum there will be 12 or 14 venues taking part.
“Dave Pearsall has been to speak to us and told us a few things and that he’s on the end of the phone if we need him.”
Chris said a band application form is expected to be released today and venues confirmed in the coming weeks.
The organisers are also looking at getting new ambassadors involved. Feargal Sharkey - of The Undertones fame - was previously a patron for the festival when it was LIVE in Barnsley along with former MP Michael Dugher who is now head of UK Music, the body which represents the British music industry.
Mr Dugher said it was great news Barnsley was to keep a town centre music festival.
He said: “LIVE in Barnsley has become incredibly important to the borough and it’s put Barnsley on the nation’s musical map.
“I loved playing at it every year and saw how it went from strength to strength. When I was an MP, I was really proud to support LIVE in Barnsley and be its patron, along with Feargal Sharkey. ‘Barnsley Live’ will continue to have all my support.
“I hope the new organisers will continue the excellent job of their predecessors in using the festival to provide opportunities and to showcase local talent.”
