Craven plans mini-Glastonbury

From the archive, first published Thursday 7th Dec 2006.

A SMALLER version of the Glastonbury music festival is being planned for Settle next year and is expected to attract more than 60,000 people over three days.

The Settle Music Festival has been dreamt up by a food expert with a history in the music business, who says he hopes to include headline bands like the Scissor Sisters and Snow Patrol.

Mark Dale, head chef at the Malham Tarn Field Centre, has worked in the music and hospitality industry for more than 20 years. He was involved with the Reading Festival in the 1990s as well as with Womad (World of Music, Arts and Dance).

Mr Dale will be assisted by Martin Lewton, of Settle-based Theatre North, who will provide the arts and drama input, Steve Finch, of Karst Media, who will help with the logistics side as well as setting up a website, and David Smurthwaite, head of economic development at Craven District Council.

The venue for the festival is yet to be finalised, but it will be on the outskirts of Settle where residents will not be affected by noise. It will also be near connecting main roads and other transport services.

The dates are to be Friday August 31 and Saturday and Sunday September 1 and 2.

Mr Dale said: "There used to be a community event in the town several years ago, but that no longer happens. Putting on an event like this will provide people with what they want, as well as benefit the local community.

"Glastonbury, for instance, generates £5 million in to the local community for service providers, such as erecting fences, electricity etc. We hope to encourage local groups to come on board and offer to help out in a variety of ways - litter picking, for example - which will benefit them by receiving a donation from the festival."

Mr Dale, who is also involved with the Settle District Chamber of Trade and the town's regeneration team, said there was also massive potential for traders through food stands and stalls at the event, as well as local bed and breakfast establishments.

The organisers also want to hear from local bands interested in playing at the event, as it is planned to have several stages providing entertainment at the same time.

"There will be a wide variety of performers from buskers to jugglers, comedy events to A-list headlining bands to music enjoyed by people aged 60 and above," added Mr Dale.

"I have been speaking to local musician John Helliwell, who is saxophonist with Supertramp, and he is interested in taking part with his latest band Crme Anglaise. He has also offered to help out in an advisory capacity through his many contacts."

Organisers are expecting people to stay for the whole weekend in specially- created campsites, as well as attracting local people on a daily basis.

The team has been in talks with the local authorities, including the county, district and town councils, police, highways, sound and health and safety advisors who are all supportive of the event.

They are also looking at gaining sponsorship or donations towards the festival and expect to receive support from arts councils and other regeneration groups.

"The feedback from local authorities as well as the general public has been very positive and we are expecting it to be a very successful annual event which will benefit the whole community," Mr Dale concluded.

Anyone interested in helping out or providing a service at the festival, or any local bands who would be interested in playing there, can get in touch with Mr Dale through the festival's website at www.settlefestival.co.uk where there is an email link.