GREAT SUCCESS FOR SOLD-OUT ACCESSIBLE FESTIVAL
A North-East music festival aimed at including people of all abilities that took place this weekend has been hailed a major success by all involved after it turned out to be a total sell-out.
Thousands of people were treated to the sounds of some of the region’s finest artists at the Chase Park Music Festival in Whickham and music acts, charities and festival-goers were lining-up to praise the event that took place on Saturday.
The free annual festival is organised by Chase Park Rehabilitation Centre, a Gateshead-based healthcare provider that specialises in the rehabilitation of people with acquired brain and spinal injuries, alongside charitable organisation the Percy Hedley Foundation.
It aims to break down barriers and stereotypes associated with people with disabilities. The community-oriented event used music and entertainment as the foundation to get people from all walks of life together to great success.
Sunderland-based band Hyde and Beast who headlined this year’s event claimed it was: “A great fesitival for anyone and everyone.”
Dave Hyde drummer and vocalist from The Futureheads and Hyde and Beast went on to say: “We were over the moon to be playing this festival as it’s for a good cause in the sense it gets everyone involved. There was a great chilled out festival atmosphere and we loved playing to the crowd.”
The festival remains the largest fully accessible outdoor music event in the UK. The Arts Council England backed the festival this year and it was programmed by the UK’s leading music development agency Generator, which also runs Evolution Festival. Artists on the bill also included Cattle and Cane, The Crookes, Amy Holford, Collectors Club, Tom Doughty, Boy Jumps Ships and Let’s Buy Happiness.
Alistair McDonald, festival organiser and director at Chase Park Rehabilitation Centre, said: “We are astounded by the turnout this year. The festival is so important to a lot of people including myself. I’m so happy with the talent that we managed to showcase and hope the festival has been as wonderful for them as it has been for the audience.
“This is the third year for Chase Park Music Festival and I must admit it’s the best one so far. It just keeps getting bigger and better and the fact that it is free is an integral part of the experience. The festival is not just about giving an outdoor platform to emerging talent but it also allows everybody to enjoy the festival experience regardless of ability.”
Chase Park Rehabilitation Centre is recognised as one of the UK’s leading neuro-rehabilitation facilities. It primarily supports people with acquired brain and spinal injuries as well as people with complex neurological conditions and severe disabilities.
For more information about the event: http://www.whickhamvilla.co.uk/
