WE have lift-off. Apollo Festival is back for its fourth year at York Sports Club, at Clifton Park, in Shipton Road, on Saturday when more than 40 acts will be spread over four stages.
John Power's Liverpool band Cast are the headline act on the main stage, backed up Dodgy; The Zutons' Dave McCabe with his group The Ramifications; York singer-songwriter Chris Helme; The Supermodels; The 5:15's; Kymberley Kennedy; The Jackobins and DJ Daniel Guest.
Shed Seven frontman Rick Witter returns with his Premiere Stage, showcasing his pick of the best unsigned and breakthrough acts: The Chessmen; Marquis Drive; Apollo Junction; Boston Shakers; Pelico; Velcro Teddy Bears; Cry Baby; Aftermath; Chasing Vegas; Mallrats and Minster Conspiracy.
Apollo Festival headliners Cast
The Access To Music stage plays host to Bravado Cartel; Beth McCarthy; The Y Street Band; Naked Six; Van Der Neer; Josh Robbins; Stevie Mould; Amy Ellis and Grace & The Fruits.
Playing there too will be Psycoustic; Faux Pas; Elle Slater; Floral Gun; Red Light Revival; Samber Warren; Joe Green & Lorna Ingelby; Laura Kindelan and Kitty Rowe.
The new Yorkshire Gig Guide stage presents all genres of music in the form of The Blind Dead McJones Band; Plumhall; Chris Martin; Captain Of The Lost Waves; Mila Lee; Ricky Fleming; Pete Bentinck; Ed Stones & The BD3; Joe Solo; Trigger Thumb and Chrissy Stewart.
Festival director Stuart Kelly says: "We’re into our fourth year now and following an amazing 2015, we want to once again bring the best music and atmosphere to York. Last year was an incredible experience and the support we have received could not have been better. We want to ensure that 2016 brings this and more to the city.”
Inspiral Carpets performing at the 2015 Apollo Festival
Maintaining Apollo Festival's reputation as a family festival, an array of activities for children of all ages will be available.
For the first time, too, the organisers are allowing fans to bring their own food. "Following feedback after the festival last year, we've taken this decision, and families, in particular, will find the whole experience easier," says Stuart. "There will still be food vendors within the site as well.”
The funfair is returning in response to popular demand in the Kids Quarter. "With the promise of new rides, it will be an instant attraction for toddlers through to teenagers," says Stuart.
The 2016 Apollo Festival poster
New for 2016 will be zorb balling, joining such activities as archery; arts and crafts workshops; music, dance and theatre workshops; hook a duck; bouncy castles; face painting; hair braiding; fun fancy dress and photo booths. Look out for the retro sweets, candy floss and ice cream stalls too.
Apollo Festival is supporting two charities in 2016: Epilepsy Action and Martin House Hospice. Festival tickets cost £20 for adults; £10 for 13 to 17 year olds; £8 for four to 12 year olds, and free entry for those aged three and under. All prices online are subject to a booking fee.
Tickets are on sale at apollofestival.co.uk or in person at York Sports Club; Evil Eye cocktail bar, Stonegate; The Ainsty pub, Boroughbridge Road, and Leeds record store Jumbo Records, in the St John's Centre.
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