Stranraer will be treated to a rare performance this
Saturday night from Ska legend Neville Staple, the former Specials frontman has
been booked to headline Park Fest which takes place in the town’s Agnew Park.
The booking has been made possible with financial assistance
from Stranraer Town Centre Regeneration Through the Arts Commission.
Sid Ambrose who manages the commission on behalf of Dumfries
and Galloway Chamber of Arts and Dumfries and Galloway Council explained” l was
approached by Park Fest organiser Mandy Greene and asked if l could help to
secure a headline act to lift the profile of the event, we were able to combine
budgets and identified the Neville Staple Band as an act who would be a high
profile headliner.”
When asked her opinion on the booking Mandy Greene replied ” After talking to Sid
about getting a ska band for the Park Fest stage, we are more than chuffed to have the daddy of ska
himself, Neville Staple and his band perform
in Stranraer, l am really looking
forward to seeing their set which will have the whole field bouncing.”
Neville Staple has enjoyed 35 years of playing distinctive
Jamaican style Ska music to audiences at festivals and gigs around the world.
His well-documented career includes involvement with The Specials, FunBoy3 and
the special beat. Described as “The Original Rudeboy” Neville continues to win
over audiences whenever his band performs. Park Fest attendees can expect a not
to be missed performance from Neville and his band.
Catching up with the star performer himself he said this
about his imminent appearance “I’m really looking forward to coming up to
Stranraer. It looks like a great place. We'll be taking a 12-14 hour round trip
by road to be there, so I'll be expecting fans to share some energy, with some
dancing and singing along to my new tracks and some classic tunes too."
Now in its 5th year Park Fest has become one of the most
popular annual events in Stranraer. It is described by Mandy Green as “A pocket
sized musical festival which is a fundraiser for the RNLI and also aims to
raise the profile of Stranraer Lifeboat. Staffed entirely by volunteers, Park Fest
is a relaxed two day smorgasbord of local and international musical excellence.
From local traditional music star Robyn Stapelton to the skanking four four
beat of Neville Staple, Park Fest put the e into eclectic and is as good an
excuse as any to don your grooviest party pants and head to the toon."
Park Fest kicks off tonight at 7.00 pm with the Young Guns
stage which aims to promote local talent, Saturday sees a diverse line up
appear from 12 noon till late. Tickets are £18 for adults and can either be
purchased on the door or by visiting the Park Fest website here
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