Family focus for Milford Music Festival in a return to its local roots
THE team behind Milford’s annual music festival has announced this summer’s event will be more family-focused with a greater emphasis on promoting and supporting local musicians.
Under changes due to be implemented this year, live music on the village green will conclude by 9pm each night, with further entertainment planned for various community venues. The festival will take place from 8th to 14th July, with this year’s theme inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Flower Power movement and the first moon landing.
Milford Music Festival chairman Nova Milesko said: “We are moving the fun off the green to the local venues in the later evenings which means we will lose the most profitable part of the day for bar takings.
“We are doing this to make the festival about the village, not money, and to make it weatherproof. We want to take it back to its roots of showcasing local music and being a family-friendly festival. There will be an intentional shift this year to make the festival safer, and better.”
However, the new schedule means the festival team need to raise money throughout the year in order to finance the week-long event.
Plans include holding a number of fundraisers, ranging from lectures and recitals to comedy and casino nights. “We love arts and music and wanted to promote it year-round in this wonderful village,” said Nova.
“We are asking anyone who loves the festival to come along and support our events, and also to consider becoming a “friend” of the festival which gives you discounted tickets to our events and a 10% discount at many local businesses, cafes and restaurants throughout the year.”
The first special event will take place on 27th February, when UK government climate change advisor Tom Bailey will deliver a talk on simple lifestyle changes which can made a big difference to the planet.
Entitled Flower Power-1.5, the event will mark the 50th anniversary of the Flower Power movement, and will see Tom sharing his wisdom and tips on reversing global warming.
The event will also feature live music, a Q&A session and nibbles. It takes place at Milford Community Centre at 7.30pm and tickets are £10.
On 1st March the festival team will host a fundraising lunch event at Milford Community Centre from midday. Two courses cost £6 and there will be entertainment from local comedians and musicians.
On Saturday 9th March Super Funk in the House will take place at the community centre, featuring an evening of music, dancing and buffet food. Tickets are £15.
A 1969-themed casino evening will be held at the centre on 18th May at 7.30pm. Tickets are £17.50 to include a casino, buffet, DJ and disco.
For more information about becoming a festival friend or any of the special events, visit the website at www.milfordfestival.com.
