The Young Acoustic Roots Competition is coming once again to Wath Festival, with a revised format for 2010.

The competition, started by Pete Thornton-Smith of the BPAS Group, is in it's 6th year and is designed to offer young musicians the opportunity to perform in a festival setting.

The entrants need to be within the ages of 12 - 21 years and all acoustic styles are eligible. The competition will take place on the afternoon of Sunday 2nd May at Wath Festival and the finalist will win the chance to perform in the evening concert that night. The event is sponsored by The Music Room & the BPAS Group.

Application forms and demos must be received by the closing date 16th April.

Full details and application forms can be downloaded in pdf files below or obtained from Pete Thornton-Smith at the BPAS Group on 01709 739093 or pete@thebpasgroup.co.uk.

DOWNLOAD
APPLICATION FORM PAGE 1
APPLICATION FORM PAGE 2
YOUNG ACOUSTIC ROOTS FLYER

Another article from the Sheffield Star newspaper in the preparation for the upcoming festival, looking at the history and careers of our headline acts: Stacy Earle & Mark Stuart and The Bad Shepherds.

"It's a bit grim out there, music-wise at the moment. But that is just because the acoustic scene is catching it's breath for what promises to be a wonderful year ahead. Not least on the horizon is the wonderful Wath Festival, which has been bringing great acts to the country since it was established in 1972..."

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Wath Festival is South Yorkshire’s biggest festival of music and dance and was established in 1972 by the people of Wath for their community. It takes place each year in the heart of Wath-Upon-Dearne on May Day bank holiday weekend. Nearly 40 years on the event has gained recognition for being the friendliest festival in the region.
 
Wath Festival committee are already making plans for the 2010 event taking place on 28^th April to 3^rd May this year. 

Festival headliners this year include Adrian Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds. The actor and comedian famous for his roles with Rik Mayall in The Young Ones and Bottom, has turned his talents to playing folked-up, punk songs with fellow band members Troy Donockley and Andy Dinan. The group released their first album in April 2009 and have earned themselves a BBC Folk Award 2010 nomination in the ‘Best Live Act’ category.
 
Other acts appearing over the weekend include the Heidi Talbot Trio featuring Boo Hewerdine and John McCusker, Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart from the USA, Ella Edmondson, Chris Sherburn and Denny Bartley, Sarah MacDougall and Tim Tweedale from Canada, John Tams and Barry Coope, Steve Tilston and Dave Bowie and the Lonnie Donegan Band.
 
2009 saw Wath Festival branch out into three venues for concerts and workshops at the Montgomery Hall and marquee, Sandygate House Hotel and Wath Rugby Club. There was a whole host of performers who took to the stage this year including the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, The Demon Barbers, Karine Polwart and Chris & Kellie While.

As well as the big names Wath Festival has a reputation for supporting local performers and the up and coming names like Ray Hearne, Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts, Charlie Barker, Jon Gomm, Roger Davies, WW.Combo and Holly Taymar.
 
Local school children, morris teams and musicians provided colourful street parades in the town centre and 2009 saw the new ‘Wath’s Got Talent’ competition… and we can tell you it certainly has! The young people of Wath got to showcase their abilities in a skill of their choice.

Without the support from the local and national community Wath Festival could not have continued to grow in size and reputation. Here’s hoping that the 2010 event will follow the success of previous years.

For more information, artist/ festival committee interviews please contact:
CHARLIE at THE PARTNERSHIP MEDIA