By Claire Bullivant
There may have been a few showers but that didn’t dampen any spirits as the stars shone bright at this year’s Solihull Summer Fest.
The two-day event returned to Tudor Grange Park over the weekend for its fourth year and played host to over twenty acts including Level 42, The Vamps, Ms Dynamite, The Proclaimers, Bad Manners, Go West and The Human League.
One festival goer, Charlotte Steward from Solihull told the Observer: “It’s all been amazing. I’m here with my mum and my grandma and we’ve all had a brilliant time. My grandma has been rocking out all day. Mum and I can’t keep up!”
Charlotte’s 68-year-old grandmother Joyce O’Brien added: “This is my first ever festival and certainly not my last. I’ve loved every second. I’m already looking forward to next year.”
Speaking exclusively to the Observer, founder of the event Ian Rogers said: “An incredible amount of work and commitment is dedicated all year round from the festival team to ensure the event builds in credibility every year.
“It really felt that in spite of the questionable weather that the 4th festival to date was really embraced by everyone that attended.
“As a Silhillian myself, I love that local residents can experience a music festival on their doorstep, whilst in turn, many people travel from all over the country to the event allowing Solihull to showcase itself as the wonderful town it is.”
Highlights of the event included a rendition of ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ by The Proclaimers which got everyone up, stomping their feet and singing along.
Bad Manner’s star Buster Bloodvessel also provided a show stopping moment when he started doing the ‘Can-Can’ dance like it was still 1981.
The crowd cheered in appreciation with many getting up from their deckchairs to join him.
However, it was when Human League lead singer Phil Oakey addressed the crowd with “Who here is from Solihull?” that the roar from the crowd reached a crescendo.
Oakey explained how he had attended Catherine-de-Barnes Primary School when he was nine and went on to Solihull School.
“It’s great to be back in Solihull, my hometown,” he said.
The Observer also caught up with 12-year-old Solihull star Liam Price who recently rocketed to fame on ITV’s The Voice UK Kids hit TV show.
Liam has since been in the news after a woman from Merseyside claimed she “narrowly escaped death” after hearing Liam sing a note so high it smashed her front window.
Luckily no glasses were smashed when Liam took to the festival stage on Sunday, but the crowd were left in awe at Liam’s undeniable talent as he belted out hit after hit.
Along with live music from some of the country’s biggest bands and performers, the two-day festival enjoyed a great range of street food vendors, bars, children’s entertainment, fair rides and an exclusive VIP area.
This was the first year the festival was sponsored by Birmingham Airport which celebrates being 80-years-old this year.
To find out more and stay updated about next year’s event go to: www.SolihullSummerFest.co.uk
