A family-friendly music festival will entertain crowds of all ages this weekend. TAZ USHER meets performer Pauly Zarb to find out more.
A silent disco, gin garden and tributes for big names Tom Jones, P!NK and INXS are all promised for ticket-holders of an action-packed Berkshire festival.
The Red Sky Festival will be making a comeback this weekend after its successful run last year. Acts include local bands Skangsters and Dirtbag who will share the stage with tribute performers including Kylie Minogue, Bruno Mars, and Tina Turner. And joining them will be international best-sellers Doctor and The Medics and T’Pau who are the headliners for the festival.
Pauly Zarb, who ran last year’s festival, will also be performing over the weekend. He said: “Red Sky is a growing festival and such a fantastic event. There’s a huge amount for families to do and great food to enjoy. The mixture of main acts and tributes also means that there’s something for everyone.” Pauly will perform his set from 19.15-20.15 on Saturday.
As well as rehearsing his own act, Pauly has also been directing eight-piece tribute band INXS in preparation for the festival. The original Australian rock group were a huge hit during the eighties and are best known for their chart-toppers Need You Tonight and Never Tear Us Apart.
And Pauly’s act hopes to evoke an equally energetic crowd. He expressed: “We’re the only British tributes for INXS so we’re hoping to bring something authentic to the table. We’ll be performing all of the songs.”.
Unlike typical music festivals, this funfest will also include unique features such as a gin garden and wellbeing zone. So, if you want an hour to detach from the crowds, these options are available to you.
And for kids, there is a fun fair and youth acts to look forward to. From 12.30-13.00 on both days aspiring musicians will perform live to audiences. Pauly, who organised the opportunity for youngsters, said: “It’s a chance for kids to showcase their talents and perform on a major stage. I teach a lot of the performers myself so I’ve been preparing them for the event.”
The musician will also be performing alongside his seven-piece Australian act at the Wokingham International Street Concert on June 1. Here he will be joined by youth acts including his own children.
Red Sky Festival is a weekend event running from 25-26 May. Tickets start at £30 for adults and under 13s go free. Camping is available. For more details, or to book, call 0871 220 0260 or log on to https://www.redskyfestival.co.uk.
