Reverend And The Makers to headline Chase Park Festival

Chase Park Festival 2016

Saturday 6th August 2016
Chase Park, Whickham, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear, NE16 4QA, England MAP
£9, FREE to those with a disability (and carers)

Daily capacity: 3,500

Sheffield's indie dance stalwarts Reverend And The Makers have been announced as headliners for the sixth Chase Park Festival an accessible music and arts festival showcasing emerging and established North East acts returning on Saturday 6th August 2016 at Chase Park Neuro Centre, Whickham, Gateshead, in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Festival Organiser Alistair McDonald, said, "We're delighted to confirm the line-up for Chase Park 2016 and we believe this is our strongest yet. There's a real mix of established and emerging bands and different styles of music. I think everyone who comes will really enjoy it. We have a few bands in there that people might not be too familiar with, but they are going to surprise a few people. Reverend and the Makers are the epitome of fun and reflect what Chase Park is all about, family fun in the sun for everyone!

"The beauty of attending a festival is being able to see loads of different bands that you like and also be exposed to new artists that will come as a welcome surprise. I think that people are going to have a great time at the festival and the calibre of artists is exceptionally high. I really love the atmosphere at Chase Park and because the event has no barriers it really lends its self to an audience of like-minded music fans, families and people of all abilities!"

The family-friendly, open-air festival will feature two stages of live music from acts including Stornoway, Ben Ottewell, The Cornshed Sisters, Barry Hyde, SoShe, Jake Houlsby, The Sound Beams, and Mirrors.

The festival was created by student Paul Belk who was left in a wheelchair after his drink was spiked, who aims to create an event for wheelchair users and disabled people, though he wants it to be viewed like any other festival.

Eight years ago whilst backpacking around Thailand and Laos his drink was spiked by morphine by two men who robbed him and left him in a coma in the street. Paul spent much of his rehabilitation in Chase Park Neuro Centre, and decided to host the event there.

The event became the first outdoor festival in the UK to receive Silver Accreditation by Attitude is Everything for being an arts event accesssible and inclusive for deaf and disabled people.Last time saw it achieve the Gold level of Attitude is Everything's Charter of Best Practice, one of only three festivals nationwide to receive the accolade.

Alistair McDonald added, "We have always strived to balance the line-up in terms of high profile bands and also giving emerging artists with disabilities the chance to share the bill with some heavyweights from the music industry.

"We have chosen a number of artists with disabilities who we feel really deserve the exposure. We are running an artist development programme with the UK's leading music development agency Generator this year to ensure these guys get the most out of their involvement with the festival.

"Our event is unique in where people of all walks of life can come together and really enjoy themselves. For less than £10, you will see loads of amazing music, in beautiful surroundings, the best BBQ outside of Texas from Longhorns and a myriad of tastes and flavours that make up the wonderful spectrum of beers from Wylam Brewery. We sold out last year so if you want to ensure you are able to enjoy this year’s festival, get your tickets quick."

The whole idea behind the event is to be inclusive for everyone regardless of ability. Factors such as remote locations, high expense, access and poor facilities can often mean many mainstream outdoor music festivals can often exclude people with disabilities. Chase Park Festival also aims to helping break down cultural barriers and stereotypes often associated with people with disabilities by engaging with the whole community. The festival uses music as the foundation to get people from all walks of life together to enjoy a fun-packed carnival atmosphere.

Using special raised trackways the event is accessible to all and enables people to get to the stage whatever the weather, There is also a drop-off point that aids access to the stage, and to specialised mobility equipment should it be needed.

Expect also a holistic therapy tent, craft stalls, face painting, and an array of food and drink.

buy tickets now >

Tickets for the event will be free for under 5s, people with a disability and their carers and the general public can snap them up for £9 (or just less than £10 including the booking fee), and a family ticket for two adults and up to four children is priced at £22.

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