With the Acoustic Festival preparations well underway for the 2012 event on 25th May weekend, here is a few words from Festival Director Mike Stephens:

Yes it’s that time of year again… we have a great acoustic / un-plugged bill again this year at Uttoxeter Racecourse…… huge marquees, dome tents, a 130ft real ale tent and outside stages. With Folk – Morris – Roots – Blues – Poets and spoken word in the Top Hat tent, plus 9 dance troupes and children’s activities. And with the average age of 45 and a 50/50 gender split, it tells you it’s a feel-good safe weekend for all. Yes it’s clean, very clean with posh loos, and of course the caravan site / camping / crafts and foods of the world all add to the mix.

We have the wonderful acoustic guitar feast featuring 16 guitarists in concerts and workshops within the festival itself. The legendary Uli Jon Roth can be seen unplugging his ‘rock – axe ‘ and performing classical Vivaldi amongst his set whilst, fellow rockers Thunder will also wind down their set to songs and stories. Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze), Mike Peters (Alarm + Big Country) and Ian McNabb ( cicle Works) return playing their familiar tunes and Joan Armatrading will receive a life-time achievement award for her contribution to the acoustic music scene. 
 

The folk roots legends of the 60’s and early 70s Tir Na Nog , Stackridge, and the Incredible String Band founder Robin Williamson, play alongside todays explosive folk rockers, Seven Little Sisters, Press Gang, Rusty Shackle and the silky tones of Patsy Matheson. The weekend comes to a conclusion on Sunday evening with the anthems of ‘ House Of The Rising Sun’, ‘ Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’ from The Animals and ‘ Walking On Sunshine’ from Katrina. A good weekend expected for all. 

You can check out the 2012 event HERE!