Partygoers expected at family festival in Branksome, Poole

The Poole St George’s Day Family Music & Beer Festival at the St Aldhelm’s Centre in Branksome gets underway on the evening of 20 April and runs from noon the next day until closing time at 11pm.

“We want to create a good-natured patriotic event that the whole family can take part in the same way people celebrate St Patrick’s Day,” says organiser Ben Dyas of Immense Events.

“St Aldhelm’s is a terrific venue and means we can all have a great time inside and out of the April weather, with the music and bar in the main hall and a marquee for kids’ entertainment in the grounds.”

At the bar there will be more than 15 real ales and ciders, many locally produced, and food stalls will offer hog roast and burgers.

The Friday night music will be headlined by Oasiss, the highly rated tribute to the Britpop behemoth fronted by Liam and Noel Gallagher. The main support act will be the widely tipped Bournemouth-based literate rock band Hello Hawaii with solo acoustic covers specialist Chris Collins opening the night.

Saturday afternoon’s entertainment will feature free children’s activities with Jamie Jigsaw, Professor PR Punch & Judy and the Mad For Animals Show.

The music bill is set to be topped by perennial local festival favourites Lady Winwood’s Maggot and the irrepressible ukulele covers merchants Mother Ukers. Hightown Parade singer Chris Payn will play a solo set following sets by 60s’ covers act The New Beats and acoustic covers outfit Sweet FA.

“We had a terrific first festival two years ago on Baiter Park, but the weather was against us,” adds Ben. “We wanted to bring the St George’s Festival back so we’re really pleased to find St Aldhelm’s – tickets are going to be strictly limited by the capacity though, so book early to be sure you don’t miss out on Poole’s first party of the season.”