Ashington Festival set to be ‘better than ever’

The 2013 Ashington Festival, on August 17, is going to be better than ever this year and we’ve been working hard all year to pack even more in.

We listened to your comments last year and we’re delighted to have many more floats registered for the Carnival, which will once again finish on the field! And with many lowered prices on the attractions this year, everyone will have chance to do more for less.

We’re delighted to have many new and returning acts as well as new attractions such as our brilliant miniature steam railway.

This year the ‘Northover Fuels stage’ will also have an arena space and we have a terrific mix of acts throughout the afternoon and evening.

During the day we will be treated to the amazing high-wire antics of Bernie Bennett, as well as displays from the Zodiacs Dance Troop and Horndean Marching Band and music from the Jazz Smugglers (sponsored by Ashington Autos).

Saxon Weald are also pleased to present children’s entertainer Tom Foolery.

As we move in to the evening there’s a chance to sit back and enjoy the fantastic voice of soul singer ‘M.Harley’ before the ABBA girls kick off the evening’s party. Headlining the show, by popular demand, is the brilliant Freddie Mercury tribute act Paul Jackson straight back from his tour of Asia, he is sponsored by Winner Tool Hire.

Playing into the night, with thanks to Cubitt & West will be local band ‘Speedboatz’ with top tunes from the 60’s to the present era.

Supporting the band will be a disco. Of course we will also have our fantastic Firework display at 10pm sponsored by Charles Muddle Ltd.

We’ve kept the old favourites too, Harris Brothers Funfair, the fun dog show sponsored by Arun Vets, car boot sale, flower show, craft, charity and animal stalls and sideshows.

Food outlets include Thai, pizzas, wraps, jacket potatoes, crepes, burgers, hot dogs, doughnuts and ice cream. There’s also a licensed bar.

Our Carnival procession starts at 1.30pm.

The 2013 Carnival Princess is Matilda Richardson, 5, and her two attendants are Amber Teanby, 5, and Demi-leigh Brown,6. The pageboys are Douglas Murray, 7, Alfie Nellerl, 5, and Lewis Nicholls, 5.

The Carnival will start in Foster Lane and route via The Sands, Rectory Lane, London Road and Church Lane. Please note there will be No Parking along one side of Foster Lane, The Sands, Rectory Lane and Church Lane. Road closures will be in place on Foster Lane from 12 noon until 2.30pm, the bottom of the Sands from 12pm-4pm and the remainder of the route from 1.30-2.30pm.

A Free Car Park, kindly provided by Harris Brothers Fair, will be available under the bridge at the bottom of the village.

This will be signposted from both directions on the A24. Disabled parking, for blue badge holders, will be available in the Scout Hall car park in Church Lane or in The Community Centre’s Car Park in Foster Lane

We all look forward in seeing you all at the Festival in what we hope will be a fantastic day.

For details of the day please see our website www.ashingtonfestival.co.uk email [email protected] or call 01903 892633