Fandangos Productions, the organisers of Highworth’s beloved WrdeUp Music Festival which is taking place in early July, have today announced an exciting extension to the festival’s schedule. What was previously a two-day event, WrdeUp will now feature an additional day dedicated to grassroots music, thanks to the generous support from Arts Council England’s ‘Supporting Grassroots Music’ fund.
Dubbed ‘WrdeUp Grassroots,’ subject to council approval this new day of festivities will be held on the Sunday following the main event.
Entry will be free for those who have already purchased tickets for Friday or Saturday, while others can attend through a ‘pay-what-you-feel’ model, ensuring the festival remains accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances.
As well as programming a full day of grassroots music, the funding has allowed organisers to improve access facilities with the addition of a viewing platform and Mobiloo unit operated by Swindon Borough Council.
The additional funding has also enabled the launch of several local music programmes in partnership with community organisations. Highlights include beginner and intermediate jazz workshops and jazz-dance lessons offered through the newly formed Highworth Jazz Festival. Swindon DJ Paul Carroll will be hosting workshops at Highworth Warneford School, and three local schools will have the opportunity to perform on the grassroots day.
To further support local education, Fandangos Productions is donating £1,000 to Warneford School, helping them complete their fundraising for a new sound system.
On top of the financial donation, Fandangos is also introducing a work experience programme for local secondary school students, providing a behind-the-scenes look at festival production and operations. This initiative aims to inspire young people to explore careers in the events industry.
The WrdeUp Festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary, promises an exceptional experience for all attendees. The festival’s extended schedule is designed to offer new opportunities for budding musicians and performers while engaging new audiences in a vibrant festival setting.
Tickets for Friday and Saturday are selling fast, with the bonus of free Sunday admission included. Tickets can be purchased from the festival’s official website, www.wrdeup.co.uk, with discounts available for combined Friday and Saturday tickets, as well as family ticket options.
The full lineup for the grassroots day will be announced soon, adding to the already impressive list of performers for the Friday and Saturday including Alpha Circle, FatBoy Tim, Bez from Happy Mondays, The Black Eyed Peaz, Taylor Swift Tribute Show, Sugar Motown & her Soul Brothers, The Ukey Dukes, and many more.
Tom Falding, director of Fandangos Productions, expressed his gratitude to Arts Council England and the UK Government for their support in making this project possible.
The event extension is subject to council approval from Highworth Town Council and is being discussed at an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday, 28th May.
