New festival down on the farm

A NIGHT under the stars with rising stars is promised as a new festival comes to North Yorkshire this summer. Fletchers Farm Fest promises to provide a unique day's entertainment under the shadow of Captain Cook’s Monument. More than 20 musical acts spread over two stages from the UK, Ireland and the US will rock the Fletchers Farm site for 12 hours from midday on Saturday, July 18.

Headliners are Celtic-Americana four-piece The Screaming Orphans, a genre-breaking, chart-topping, all-sister band from Ireland, who combine original pop songs with a unique take on traditional Irish music. The band have toured globally and recorded with the likes of Sinead O'Connor, Peter Gabriel, The Chieftains, Joni Mitchell and World music star Baaba Maal. Screaming Orphans have released 14 albums and have topped Billboard, iTunes Pop and World Music charts.

Opening the main stage will be local BBC Tees Introducing-supported band Be Quiet, Shout Loud, followed by good time tunes from Eddie Parrish and The Councillors. One of Teesside’s brightest new bands, SWEARS, will bring their brand of alt rock to the main stage before London duo Ooberfuse, and indie bands complete the afternoon with appearances by La Dharma and London bands Butterfly and Officer.

Teesside lads and UK festival favourites, The Balcony, promise a special end to the daytime entertainment on the main stage before Shaun Kelly and The Returned Gifts. Later, Newcastle’s finest The Jet Reds mix a set of their best originals with some indie anthems to get the crowd well and truly warmed up for the headline act, The Screaming Orphans.

The festival will also feature local food stalls and bars; on-site camping is available and there's free parking. Only assistance dogs allowed.

Tickets available from: eventbrite.co.uk