Republic founded on fresh music (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Republic founded on fresh music

4:50pm Thursday 28th July 2011 in Leisure By Warwick Payne

IT was one outdoor music concert where dry weather was not needed, so needless to say the sun was shining.

Bands from across the Winchester district played in St Maurice’s Covert just off the city’s historic High Street.

The music lasted for more than five hours on Sunday (July 24) starting at 11am, and featured a host of bands under the Republic banner.

Republic organises workshops at the Tower Arts Centre in Winchester for young and aspiring musicians to hone their skills.

No fewer than nine acts, with performers aged between 13 and 19, took to the stage.

They included Owen Hackett, Ellie and Louise, Red Sky Experiment, Voyager and Richard Wilkins.

The bill also included Party for Zeeland, Chris and Johnny, Infliktion and Keys to the City.

Along with Republic, the event was also backed by Winchester City Council.

The authority’s acting head of economy and arts, Alison Woods, said: “Most of the organisation for this event has been done by the young people themselves under the very able supervision of Ben Ward, co-director of the Railway Inn, who founded Republic.

“These youngsters are setting us a fine example by playing an active role in their local community and staging an event which we can all be proud of.”

For more details about Republic email info@musicrepublic.co.uk or call Ben Ward at the Railway Inn, Winchester, on 01962 867795.