Pop artists set to launch new fringe festival in Cannock Chase
Pop artists will appear at a new fringe festival which is coming to a Staffordshire town – giving local venues and artists an opportunity to collaborate and promote events.
Forest Fringe will launch in the Cannock Chase district this month when The Premier Suite, located in the town centre plays host to 80s pop star Tiffany.
The festival, which runs between May 27 and July 27, will give local venues and artists an opportunity to collaborate and promote individual events across the area as part of an initiative to celebrate the ‘buzz’ created by the Forest Live event which takes place at Birches Valley.
Another special event will close the festival when local legend Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple and Trapeze fame takes to the stage at The Premier Suite for an intimate Q&A and acoustic gig.
The festival will also attempt to raise the profile of the town's own music and entertainment scenes.
Audience development officer Paul Smith, based at The Museum of Cannock Chase said: “Cannock Chase is rich in cultural heritage, and through the Fringe, artists of all ages and genres are invited to take part in this pop-up style fringe festival and stage their own small events in their own unique venues – anything from acoustic artists to poetry nights.
It's great that venues such as The Premier Suite are getting behind the fringe festival and supporting us.”
Venues and visitor attractions across the area are invited to participate by staging their own small event during this period.
Supported through funding from Arts Council England, excitement is building ahead of the launch of the event with 80s star Tiffany at The Premier Suite.
Tiffany is married to businessman Ben George who hails from Cannock. So it will be a return to her old stomping ground when she hits the town on May 27.
The American singer Tiffany surprised drinkers at the same venue in 2016 when she leapt on stage for an impromptu warm-up gig ahead of the Let's Rock Birmingham event last March.
But drinkers were amazed when, at their regular 80s and 90s night, one of the famous faces of the time gave a real live version of her hit I Think We're Alone Now.
With more events still yet to be announced, revellers are urged to follow latest on the Forest Fringe Twitter account @CCForestFringe for details of events.
For tickets to the launch event call 01543 572092 or visit www.premier-suite.co.uk for more info.
To get involved in hosting or participating in a fringe event, email Paul Smith at pas70@me.com
