THE organisers of Stourbridge’s first-ever One Heart One Way music festival say the event “surpassed all expectations”.
Music lovers from near and far descended on the town for the big event on Saturday May 25 which saw Stourbridge stars Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, who enjoyed chart hits in the 1990s, headlining at the town hall, with fellow 90s indie stars Jesus Jones also rocking up for a set.
As well as the sold-out gig at Stourbridge Town Hall - Claptrap the Venue, The Duke William pub, The Talbot Hotel and The Mitre pub also hosted performances throughout the afternoon.
There was also live music on a large outdoor stage by the town clock, running from 11am to 5pm. The ever-popular Bhangra Smash-Up and Stourbridge singer-songwriter Timothy Parkes were among the acts on the bill.
Jonn Penney, lead singer of Ned’s Atomic Dustbin, who wanted the event to be a celebration of Stourbridge’s musical heritage to help inspire the next generation of musicians, said afterwards: “What a day!
“It has way surpassed all my expectations."
He told the News: “I’m so delighted our instinct that the town had an appetite for a music celebration such as this has been affirmed.
“It was a very, very special day and our show was one that will stay with me for the rest of my days.
“We’d like to thank everybody that made it happen and everybody who came along to make it such a happening!”
The event drew thousands of people into the town, with some having travelled from as far as the USA to see legendary indie band Ned’s Atomic Dustbin whose fans are some of the most loyal music supporters in the world.
Kelly Martin, manager at Stourbridge Town Hall and lead organiser of the festival, said: “We are phenomenally pleased with the way the day played out.
“The atmosphere across town was fantastic from start to finish. We cannot be happier with the engagement of so many local people and visitors from far and wide, including US, Austria, Cech Republic, Switzerland and all corners of the UK. There were thousands of music fans in town through the day.
“The level of support for our local venues was immense. The whole day saw all five of the venues involved busy from the first note to the last, hosting 30-plus artists, the vast majority of whom were local.”
She added: "“The event would not have been possible without the support of numerous town centre businesses, and we feel it has demonstrated what is possible when businesses across the town collaborate.
“It was an idea that has been in the making for a number of years and it was amazing to finally be able to bring it to fruition this year with the help of some funding from The Commonwealth Games Legacy Fund for the curation of community events.
“We have had an influx of positivity expressing an overwhelming call to make it happen again.”
Let us know what you thought of the event.
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