24/04/2012

CRAGFEST - cancelled due to wet weather

A message from the organisers - 'Whilst March was wonderful it hasn't stopped raining since and the showfield is becoming waterlogged. The area by the main stage has standing water, it's raining now and is forecast to rain this weekend and through the Cragfest weekend. With 3000 people due on the site, we cannot endanger the condition of the showfield and the historic ring and racetrack, so after consulting with the owners we are faced with no alternative but to cancel the event.'

CRAGFEST is the the first music festival to be held in Upper Wharfedale in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. The three-day, family-friendly event will be held beneath the dramatic Kilnsey Crag, near Grassington, over the weekend of 25 to 27 May. the festival was dreamed up by local couple Gillian and Phillip Rackham who have three daughters and felt there few attractions for young people and families in the area. With the help of a few like-minded friends they have created an event which they hope will attract visitors from all over the north.

Headlining will be Toploader, who released a new album last year, also on the bill will be The Saw Doctors (currently on their biggest US tour), Dan Donnelly, Mad Dog Mcrea, The Lancashire Hotpots, Amsterdam and The Dunwells, plus a showcase of local talent with The Robinsons, Jen Armstrong, M.A.S.K. and Mid Life Crisis. There will be a dramatic main stage “The Rock” as well as the “River Bar” acoustic tent for more intimate performances.

The festival will be staged beneath the towering Kilnsey Crag, which will be dramatically lit during the three days. It is on the site of the annual Kilnsey Show, which attracts thousands of visitors each year, so there’s room for 500 tents as well as lots of accommodation in the area nearby.

And it’s a bargain at £40 for the three days (reductions for children), camping is £10 with free parking, a bar with a selection of real ales at pub prices and quality catering from local suppliers. It is an event for the whole family, with children's entertainment, holistic therapy, light shows and lots of other attractions nearby from fishing to riding or just revelling in the beautiful location.

“We’re not trying to create another Glastonbury,” said organiser Gillian Rackham. “The bands have been chosen to appeal to all age groups and we thought the event would give everyone something to look forward to as well as boosting the local economy and introducing some more people to the Dales at a great weekend event.”

“We wanted something for local people but we are hoping to will attract visitors from far afield to introduce them to this beautiful part of the Yorkshire Dales. We are hoping for at least 2,000 people and if it is a success we will make it an annual event.”

For more information, visit the website, www.cragfest.co.uk

Tickets can be booked on www.ticketline.co.uk/cragfest, from the Cragfest Facebook page or bought locally at Grassington Hub Information Centre.

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