Sunday 4th August 2013

CranfordLive! organisers are hoping for fi ne weather this year following last summer’s torrential rain, which led to the cancellation of the family-friendly festival at the last minute, like many 2012 events.

The fi rst event in 2011 was a huge success and raised a very useful sum of money for Cranford Village Hall, and the organisers are doing everything they can to stage another fantastic event this year, presenting a superb range of musical styles for everyone to enjoy in the magnificent Cranford Park setting.

If it does rain on the day this year, visitors can stay dry in a huge marquee housing the festival bar. Other tents where you can shelter are also planned, and there will be plenty of activities to entertain the children while their parents enjoy the music. New for 2013 will be a climbing wall and infl atable obstacle course, and there will be circus skills, face painting and crafts too.

Among the top bands at this year’s event are The Jeremiahs, a four-piece outfi t from North Cornwall who supported Reef earlier this year with their ‘thumpingly slick’ rock and soul sound. They include former Cranford and Burton Latimer resident Tim Pither. Tim’s elder brother Simon is also performing at the event, playing drums and singing backing vocals in Chamberlain, who call themselves ‘Kettering’s newest and best-looking band’ - performing a blend of guitarbased contemporary numbers and golden oldies.

Susan Valliant Speer, Cranford’s very own jazz singer, will be returning to the event after her highly successful set at the fi rst CranfordLive! in 2011, singing numbers from the Great American Songbook supported by her own band of top musicians. Also back on stage will be The Shamlas, a Motown, soul and pop band featuring Cranford’s Bob Stonebridge on saxophone. Other acts include: The Abrahams, a ‘progressive rock skiffl e beat combo’ from Kettering; The Jebs, Bedford-based guitar band; and Londonbased singer-songwriter Mitch Daniels.

CranfordLive! begins at 12 noon with a display by the Scottish Pipe Band in the main arena, and the music continues non-stop until 8pm. Local ales, wine, a Pimm’s bar, hog roast, and home-made food and cakes will be available.

Entrance is £5 per person, under-16s free, parking free. Sorry no dogs.

Pictures by
Jon Stonebridge

More information on the CranfordLive facebook page or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CranfordLive! Music Festival

CranfordLive! Music Festival

CranfordLive! Music Festival

CranfordLive! Music Festival