CHEPSTOW’S Castell Roc Festival Reveals 2015 line-up
Held every summer at Chepstow Castle, the line-up has a variety of acts from big-name artists, West End shows and national and international acts. The festival, running over 10 evenings, kicks off on Friday 21st August with an evening of rock before going on to cover genres including electronic, folk, ska, R&B and jazz over the following evenings.
Starting with “Monsters of Roc”, an evening for all rock fans to enjoy, the line-up will include some of the finest rock tributes all hitting one stage, casting you back to the 80’s when rock ruled the world. AC/DC tribute “Hells Bells”, “Letz Zep” and “The ZZ Tops” all on one stage – definitely a night where air guitars’ are obligatory.
The next evening sees a spectacular show “Mod:Ska Gold” co-headlined by Bruce Foxton’s “From The Jam” and “Bad Manners” who will be performing the likes of “Going Underground”, “That’s Entertainment” and “A Town Called Malice.”
The London West End’s “The Simon and Garfunkel Story”, follows on Sunday 23rd August, telling the story of the famous duo.
“Goldie Lookin’ Chain” arrive in town on Wednesday 26th August with their brand of “not-too-serious” hip-hop armed with shell suits and bling, followed by “Bellowhead” an 11-piece band who fuse folk, funk, rock, jazz and classical genres, on Thursday 27th. Their 2010 album “Hedonism” is the highest-selling independently released folk album of all time and have become famous for their energetic live performances.
“A Night Of Queen” is back by popular demand on Friday 28th after a sold out show last year. Performed by “The Bohemians” and described by Brian May himself as “utterly brilliant”, the show will include all the big hits and guitar anthems rolled into one.
Saturday 29th August sees “ELO Again”, giving you a taste of ELO in their heyday. The show pays tribute to the beautifully crafted songs of Jeff Lynne and ELO including the likes of “Mr Blue Sky”, “Livin’ Thing” and “Telephone Line”. The whole experience is a professional re-enactment of an ELO concert with live cellos and the infamous blue violin mixed with great sound reproduction, light show and visual effects.
Closing the festival is “Blue”, the British R&B group. With three No. 1 albums in “All Rise” “One Love” and “Guilty”, the group is back after a five year sabbatical.
Many will have already enjoyed shows at the Castell Roc Festival in recent years. In a short period of time the Festival has grown to be the town’s largest annual show attracting thousands from both near and far to experience show’s not usually seen away from city centres.
Gearing up for 2015, one of the organisers of Castell Roc said: “We had a truly astounding year in 2014 with some very special artiste’s such as Rhydian Roberts, The Beautiful South, Abba Mania (from the West End), The Wurzels and some fabulous tribute bands along the way.
“Each and every night was a roaring success with both local people and many from further afield travelling to Chepstow to enjoy not only the shows but the town as a whole.
“Plans for 2015 have been extraordinary. We have been inundated with hundreds of artists looking for slots. The interest has been absolutely amazing, which can only be put down to the truly gorgeous venue mixed with the wonderful atmosphere created by the public.
“Being born and bred in Chepstow, it’s so nice to see people come, see and enjoy the town. We are blessed to have Chepstow Castle and we are very grateful that CADW who own it and the residents of the town are supportive of what we try to achieve, which has always been focused on providing some great entertainment for the town and keeping the town firmly on the map.
“My thanks must also extend to each and every one of Chepstow’s “Castell Roc Team” who are without doubt the unsung heroes of the shows as needless to say without their efforts, the shows simply wouldn’t happen.
My only suggestion is to grab tickets in advance. Tickets for the shows are strictly limited and we know that last year saw many people wait until the last minute, only to be disappointed.”
Tickets can be bought online via www.castellroc .co.uk or from Hannah’s Music on Moor Street, Chepstow – 01291 627712.