Ashley Cross, Poole
15th & 16th July 2017 – 11am to 7pm
Poole’s best-loved community music festival, Grooves on the Green has once again pulled out all the stops to bring the community together.
A thoroughly 21st century affair, the festival was launched in 2000 in an attempt to provide a focal point for the residents and businesses of Ashley Cross, a place they could come together, relax, have fun and build on the sense of community that characterises the area.
“Grooves has always been about celebrating everything that we love about Ashley Cross ñ itís lively and switched on, but with a relaxed vibe that young families love just as much as people that have lived here much longer,” says event organiser Jan Crump, of Le Bateau.
“It remains a great day out for the family with loads of brilliant live music on two stages and some superb street food from local producers. We want everyone to enjoy the best of Ashley Cross, which is why we finish early in the evening so people can go off and enjoy the local bars and restaurants.”
As well as adding the new Groove Garden bar area, this year Grooves can boast an expanded choice of food with a quality hog roast, Bratwurst Sausages, lamb, venison and beef burgers, chicken wraps, nachos and wood fired pizzas. For those with a sweeter tooth thereís New Forest ice cream, candy floss and all manner of old-fashioned sweets.
“The Groove Garden features its own private gin bar,” says Jan. “It’s hosted by our good friends at Saxe Coburg and also boasts comfy seating and private bathroom facilities.”
The music line-up is topped by Reef frontman Gary Stringer. Best known for the bandís global hit “Place Your Hands” he now pursues a successful solo career alongside vocal duties in the reformed line-up of Reef and will play a Sunday afternoon set on the main stage.
Other highlights include Sunday headliners, The Baker Brothers playing tracks from their latest album “High Rez” and the irresistible ska sound of the Guns of Navarone who are sure to get some of that old moon-stomping underway on the Green.
Saturdayís line-up is topped by BOMO Swing whose global beats are winning fans across the south, with first-rate support from alt-country singer-songwriter DD Allen and covers experts The Royal T’s.
Diverse Abilities Plus host the free Kidzone for under-5s, which is always a hit, and the whole family can get its groove on at the same time in the ever-popular silent disco. The Buckholme School craft stall will offer cookie icing and cake decorating; thereís balloon modelling, a magic mirror photo booth, Poole Rugby Club Juniors and an inflatable assault course.
As in previous years £1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Dorset disability charity, Diverse Abilities Plus, which has received more than £15,000 over the last four years from its association with Grooves on the Green.
Grooves on the Green runs from 11am until 7pm each day and a limited number of early bird adult tickets are available now for just £5, with early bird weekend tickets on sale online and from Le Bateau, Ashley Cross, price £10 to include a free drink before 1pm. Tickets for the Groove Garden at £12 in advance to include festival entrance.
Line Up
Main Stage
Saturday 15th July 2017
The Bomo Swing
The Jimmy Hillbillies
The Royal T’s
DD Allen
Mischa & His Merry Men
Andy Grant Trio
Red Roses
Sunday 16th July
Baker Brothers
Guns of Navarone
Sirpico
Gary Stringer & Amy Newton of Reef
The Mother Ukers
Wilson
Chris Payn
Second Stage
Saturday 15th July 2017
Anthony Lewis
Paul Kinvig
Philip John
Carlos Heath
Phil Dewhurst
Lee Rasdall-Dove
Sunday 16th July
Matt Underdown
Krista Green
Charlie Hole
Sam Norton
Tim Somerfield
Si Genaro
Links
http://www.groovesonthegreen.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/grooves.ashley.cross
