MOLOTOV Jukebox headline the biggest-ever Alresford Music Festival which returns this weekend.

 

The festival at Arlebury Park on Saturday will see 25 live bands during the day with five stages of live music and theatre.

Over 3,500 festival-goers enjoyed the all-day family party atmosphere of the festival last year and this year organisers say it is set to be even better.

Fronted by Natalia Tena,who you may recognise from Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, Molotov Jukebox is arguably the highest profile act the festival has signed as headliners.

Fusing an unrivalled onstage presence with the sunny sounds of carnivals from around the world, the band is an explosion of colour and energy. Molotov Jukebox fans describe the band as ‘gyp-step’ (a mix of dubstep and gypsy styles).

Other talent includes The Undercover Hippy, The Electric Swing Circus and OMG It’s the Church.

An extended layout means more for everyone – five stages of live music and theatre, a packed festival village, plus a huge choice of local and international food stalls.

The Ringwood Fine Ale bar, plus Prosecco, cocktail and cider bars will be quenching everyone’s thirsts.

In the family arena there will be free family entertainment all day, including a silent disco, bungee trampolining, zorbes and a climbing wall.

Award-winning children’s author Ali Sparkes will be entertaining in The Globe theatre tent and The Ginormous Teddy Bears Picnic will be held from 12.30pm in support of the Murray Parish Trust.

There will be a huge graffiti wall to paint as well as T shirts to design.

Performances from Mayflower Musical Youth Theatre, music and craft workshops, a magic show and street theatre are also in store.

Free travel is being offered to and from the festival, with shuttle buses running between Alton and Winchester train stations to the site from late morning until midnight.

There’s plenty of camping in Arlebury Park (tents only) on both Friday and Saturday nights, plus a dedicated motorhomes site only 600m from the festival entrance (limited capacity – first come first served). Camping is £5 per person per night.

The festival raises funds for the AMF Foundation which directs it to music-centred charities.

This year the event is backing Winnall Rock School, national charity Key Changes and international charity Harmony of Hope.

Sponsors include First Option Software, Thomas Miller Creative, SQA Consulting, Mint Signs, Belgarum, CleverTouch, Cold Control, The Swan Hotel, The Horse & Groom, The Globe and The Bell.

Gates are open from 10am to midnight. Under fives go free. Visit: www.alresfordmusicfestival.com