Vale Earth Fair - Sunday 24 August, Noon-midnight (Vale Castle)
Organised entirely by volunteers, the Vale Earth Fair Collective has been staging the event since 1976, raising funds and awareness for humanitarian causes while celebrating local and international talent.
Held within Vale Castle, this year’s festival is expected to draw between 2,000 and 3,000 people.
Collective member Jade Kershaw says preparations were going smoothly, with the team feeling optimistic thanks to promising weather and strong ticket sales.
‘We’re just excited to take over the castle and see everyone enjoying themselves,’ she said.
Organisers have been hard at work, with the physical set-up at Vale Castle beginning earlier this week ahead of the Sunday festival.
But the real preparation is a year-round effort.
‘As soon as we finish, we’re back on to the next one,’ said Miss Kershaw.
The event will run from noon until midnight and is set to showcase a wide range of musical genres, poetry and prose, as well as family-friendly areas and food and drink stalls. The line-up features a mix of emerging and established acts, including performers from the UK and Dublin, plus local favourites showcased on the different stages. Artists include Dub Pistols, The Lovely Eggs and The Risk.
Beyond the music, the Vale Earth Fair is a ‘local festival with a global conscience’.
All profits go to charities such as The Burma Campaign UK, the Linda Norgrove Foundation and Safer. Last year the festival raised more than £21,000.
Sustainability is also central to the event, with efforts to offset carbon emissions, use biodegradable products, and promote Fair Trade. As the collective gears up for its 50th anniversary next year, this Sunday promises to be a vibrant celebration of community and creativity.
Information and tickets are available at www.valeearthfair.org.
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