FESTIVALS have a reputation for being a raucous affair, but not Forever Young, the most tame, most unrock'n;roll festival anywhere, held in the gardens of Grimston Court Care Home.
"No tellies are thrown out of windows, no guitars smashed on stage, and there are no demanding riders from bands," says organiser Big Ian Donaghy. "It even finishes at 8pm in plenty of time for an early night. The only drugs could be an odd tube of Ibuleve gel from too much dancing!"
Beth McCarthy and Big Ian Donaghy at last year's Forever Young event
Now in its third year, Forever Young, brings all ages together with a mutual love of music and dance. "It couldn’t be simpler," says Ian. "Two big tents filled with hay bails for comfort and home-baking and a lot of beautiful music, all in aid of Age UK York and St Leonard’s Hospice.
"There'll be an 84-year age range in performers and a setlist as diverse as Gilbert & Sullivan and Kaiser Chiefs, with a menu of four choirs, the Allstarz community big band and The Grand Old Uke Of York ukulele collective, plus a free fluorescent kids' party. So eery minute is filled with activity from 12 noon to 8pm.
Call to the bench at Forever Young. "That sentiment sums it up really," says Big Ian Donaghy
Saturday's youngest participants will be the Wigginton Singstars, performing songs from The Greatest Showman film soundtrack, led by soprano Jessa Liversidge. Look out too for York rock'n'roll stalwart Steve Cassidy, soulful Jess Steel & Oliver MCClaren, the Heather Findlay Trio and singer-songwriter Beth McCarthy, among others.
Big Ian, the Huge frontman, will be playing ringmaster, knit ting everything together, leading to the grand finale when performers spanning ten decades take to the main stage.
Forever Young organiser Big Ian Donaghy at last year's event at Grimston Court. Picture: David Harrison
One stage will be named after Big Ian’s great friend and Forever Young fundraiser Sarah Frank, who died earlier this year and was an invaluable member of the Forever Young community.
Entry is free but all-day car parking costs £5. "All raffles, tombolas and cake-stall takings will go to the two charities, so for every cuppa and slab of cake, each will receive £1 each," says Ian.
A sign at the 2017 Forever Young festival at Grimston Court
"There'll also be a 'busk stop' for people to perform under the big oak tree in the grounds. Add to this interactive dance classes led by Emma Havercoft, face painting and dad dancing, raffle prizes for helicopter rides and chances to perform with Kieran White on piano, and Forever Young promises to exceed expectations once again."
Is it really a festival, Ian? "It's more a garden party with music and lots of tea and cake," he says.
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