KEYNSHAM MuSIC FESTIVA l JunE 26Th – JuLy 2nd 2023

Planning for this year’s festival is now complete and we can’t wait to share it with you. A great deal of work by the team has resulted in our ability to put on what is looking to be our biggest festival ever.

We are excited to be able to showcase some truly amazing events and performances to bring our community together in what, for many of us, has been a difficult period.

Our sincere thanks to the Town Council who continue to be so supportive. We also owe a huge thanks to all the local businesses who have been so generous in providing us with much needed sponsorship. We will be highlighting them over the coming weeks, and we ask that you return their generosity by providing them with as much business as you can.

We also continue to rely very heavily on your donations at the gate so, please be as generous as you can. For full details and tickets, see our website, keynshammusicfestival.co.uk.

MuSIC FESTIVA l 2023 HIGHlIGHTS

What can you look forward to this year? As always, we hope we have catered for all tastes – here are some of the many highlights.

We have teamed up with the Keynsham Town Council Youth Service to bring a brand-new festival within a festival. The Nova Youth Arts Festival has been developed by young people for young people and will cater to 11- to 19-year-olds in their own stretch-tent. It will comprise areas for performance, workshops, exhibitions, and a place just to chill-out.

There will be a launch party on Friday 30th June and will have planned events all weekend.

Also joining us for the first time are Keynsham & Saltford Eco Festival including 20 to 30 stalls providing information, ideas, and fun ways to look after our planet.

Mozart’s Don Giovanni (in the Park on Thursday 29th June) by festival favourites Opera in a Box. A chance to see this famous opera performed in English in a Big Top – an evening not to be missed.

Comedy in the park – A host of local comedians in the Big Top (Thursday 29th June) with special guest Gavin Osborn! This event is raising money for not only the Festival but also for Julian House (who provide opportunities for homeless).

Seize the Day + Support – (in the Park on Friday 30th June). Having played all the major UK festivals, we are delighted to welcome the band to Keynsham!

Memory Café – on the afternoon of Friday 30th June, there will be a dedicated area for those living with dementia – together with their families and support carers. It will be a safe space to relax and meet other people in the same situation. It will be a space where memories of music and colour will play such an important role. Access by (free) ticket only.

FESTIVA l lINE-up HIGHlIGHTS

We also have a jam-packed weekend in the Park.

Saturday 1st July

Family Festival – celebrating all the best in local contemporary performance art, it will include entertainment that the whole family can enjoy together, workshops, climbing wall, circus, walkabout and street entertainers, and a community stage. Circomedia will again be showcasing their students’ work. This year we welcome back KLOGS who, together with the Phoenix Youth Theatre group, will be performing a wide selection of musical delights.

Especially for younger children, we are delighted to welcome Super Pirates. They will also be around on Sunday too!

You may remember that last year we saw torrential rain for the Family Festival! Fingers crossed that will not happen this year but, if it does, all the activities will be under shelter!

Artzones – there will be several dedicated areas where we encourage you to take part in the production of unique Keynsham art – artists will be on hand to help and guide you.

• Supported by the Keynsham Town Council Youth Team and local artist Nick Halahan from Olas Art, there will be a chance for young people to try their hand at spray paint art

• Everyone is welcome to help with the development of an art installation out of natural willow, open to all ages

• An ArtSpace Gallery where people will have the chance to see the work of our many talented local artists bath Gilbert & Sullivan Society – we are absolutely delighted to welcome for the first time, this renowned group of players who will be performing The Mikado. This promises to be something very special.

Wellbeing Village – bringing together more than 20 local practitioners to showcase and provide a chance to try out many ways to a healthier life – whether through mindfulness, diet, or exercise. This will be your chance to experience different forms of yoga, pilates and massage. Hear the mesmerising sounds of Tibetan ringing bowls.

Folk Festival – hear some of the best performers - be prepared to leave preconceptions behind because there will be some surprises. Enjoy an evening of high energy music and dance.

Duck Race – not one but two! This festival tradition is back thanks to The Southwest UK Lions Club!

Grounded Garden Stage – a laid back opportunity to soak up some acoustic performances.

Sunday 2nd July bars – The Old Bank Bar near the Bandstand Stage will be renamed “Simon’s Bar” in memory of Simon Sherwell who was such a big help in helping us to make local bars such a big part of today’s festival.

Four Music Stages – catering for all musical tastes, we have an amazing line up of top performers. You are going to be well and truly spoilt for choice.

Dance Stage – a mix of all forms of dance, from traditional to current contemporary styles. Due to such a success last year, we have another professional ballet performance! A special mention for the organiser of the dance stage –congratulations to Tricia Veale who celebrates 50 years of providing dance tuition to Keynsham!

Circomedia – aerial circus skills at their finest from up-and-coming performance artists.

Artzones – same as those running on Saturday .

Creative Arena – An afternoon for young people with the Super Pirates!

Duck Race – yes, that makes three!

Food Arena – we have food vendors to suit all tastes.

There are even more week events to announce so do keep an eye out on social media

Facebook (Keynsham Music Festival)

Instagram page (@keyshamfest) keynshammusicfestival.co.uk

I am sure you can all appreciate the time and hard work that our volunteers have put in to organise such an amazing festival. Please, please be generous with your donations.

See you all in the Park!

Mike May Chair, KMFA