The non-profit making Deep South Music Festival returns to Port St Mary in August, and has named the Multiple Sclerosis Society as one of its chosen charities – along with the Scoill Phurt le Moirrey Shelter box appeal - for the 2014 event.
DSMF 2014, to be held at Stone Field, Ballacreggan, on August bank holiday weekend (23-24 August) is the Island’s ‘family friendly’ festival, with music, storytelling, magicians, Manx dancing and more, and begins with a Viking procession from PSM town hall on Saturday morning.
Headliners include Simon Townshend (of The Who, with older brother Pete) on Saturday and local singer-songwriter Chris Gray – who has opened for Roger Daltry, Scouting for Girls and The Coral amongst others – with his full band on Sunday. In addition, RTE Radio DJ Jacqui Carroll will be recreating her radio show DJ set Ready Steady Go.
“The support of the Arts Council and Year of Culture 2014 has meant that we have been able to bring in some terrific local performers to appear alongside internationally known acts at this year’s Deep South Music Festival”, says organizer Chris Carr.
“Last year,” continues Chris, “we hosted over 43 acts and in 2014 we expect to top this figure. We showcased 'Your Gold Teeth' - who went onto to be voted best band 2013 - and Mae Challis who was voted 'Next Best thing' in January 2014. So the festival really is fulfilling its promise to show and advocate all that is good in the music scene here on the Isle of Man. To reflect the growing diversity of the Island we have also invited performers from the local Philipino communities who will be appearing in the Alternative Tent.”
Once the Vikings arrive on site they will set up camp in their own area – with three fight re-enactments each day -and be joined by local wood sculptor Gavin Carter who will, with the help of young visitors, be carving a Viking monument. There will also be a marquee displaying the arts and culture of the Isle of Man – including workshops from the Guild of Crofters and Weavers.
Over 30 acts will perform on the Sure Main Stage, and in the Alternative Tent, as well as the Philipino and Chinese performers, there will be talks on the Island’s archaeological digs, Rushen Twirlers, Manx dancing from Perree Pane, Castletown Youth Band and others. There will also be fun fair rides, Segways, zorbs and bouncy castles and a beer tent courtesy of Busheys.
“The MS Society is thrilled to be chosen by the Deep South Music Fest,” says branch chairman Derek Patience. “It is often forgotten that MS is a debilitating condition which affects not just people with MS, but their whole family, so a family-friendly festival such as this is an ideal way to raise both awareness and funds – so let’s hope the weather is kind, and the festival is a complete sell-out!”
Tickets and wristbands (?5 per day - ?10 for a family day ticket for up to 6 people) are available from The Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, Patchwork Cafe (Port St Mary), Northern Lights (Ramsey), Thompson Travel (Port Erin) Castle Deli (Castletown) and Celtic Gold (Peel). Also available online at www.villagaiety.com.
Photo - Simon Townshend
