Author: Rob Milnes

EMERGING TALENT, CALLUM BEATTIE  – MUSIC HEADLINER  – ON FRIDAY AT Haslemere Fringe 2024

Scottish singer-songwriter Callum Beattie, who’s gaining increasing recognition for his uplifting guitar-driven pop anthems, will headline the music on Friday 5th July at the Haslemere Fringe.

Callum’s story is one of truth and persistence. Growing up in a working-class background, he started performing solo on the pavements of Edinburgh more than a decade ago. After years knocking on the doors of London record executives, this Scottish-based talent is finding that by remaining true to himself he can communicate with audiences in a way that few can match.

His debut album ‘People Like Us’ became a phenomenon during the pandemic, hitting the top spot on the Scottish charts and breaking out nationally with the hard-hitting home truths behind ‘Salamander Street’ and naked emotion of ‘Daddy’s Eyes’.

His new album ‘Vandals’, featuring the lead single ‘Heart Stops Beating’, is unrepentant and ruthlessly honest. The sound of a songwriter finally able to speak to his truth after years on the sidelines.

Describing his new album Callum says “When I write songs, I’m imagining that people are screaming them back to me at festivals… I like anthemic music, and I guess this new album is exactly that.”

Fringe Festival Coordinator, Paul Ashton says, “Callum’s recent gigs in Scotland have sold out within minutes of going on sale. In April he’s touring the UK with Barenaked Ladies after which his popularity is bound to soar. It’s exciting to be able to introduce such a hard-working and emerging talent to Haslemere.”

Friday night will also feature comedy from, among others Milton Jones, known for his witty one-liners and a regular on ‘Mock the Week’, Paul ‘the Sinnerman’ Sinha, and comedy magician, Mandy Muden.

Further artists, including more emerging young talent, will be announced soon.  Follow Haslemere Fringe on social media to keep up-to-date and buy tickets at www.haslemerefringe.co.uk.

ABOUT HASLEMERE FRINGE FESTIVAL:

The Haslemere Fringe is a volunteer-led, family-friendly festival which takes place every two years on Lion Green, just off Wey Hill in the heart of Haslemere.

The event features several stages with something for audiences of all ages including over 50 live bands, emerging new talent, dance acts, comedy, poetry, children’s entertainment, local artisans and more.

In 2022, headliners included Kitchen Disco legend Sophie Ellis-Bextor and iconic rock/pop bands The Lottery Winners, The Feeling and Toploader, as well as comedy from Seann Walsh, Cally Beaton and a guest appearance from John Bishop.

To watch a video of the 2022 Fringe and find out more go to www.haslemerefringe.co.uk

CHARITY
The Haslemere Fringe Festival is a not-for-profit event and our partner charities for the 2024 Fringe are mental health charity, Mind, and local charities The Hunter Centre (Supporting people living with Dementia) Haslemere, and Talk To Me Counselling Service (Haslewey).

MEDIA CONTACT:
Debbie Bowyer:         07863 115984
Email:                           media@haslemerefringe.co.uk
Web:                            www.haslemerefringe.co.uk
Facebook:                   HaslemereFringeFestival
Instagram:                   haslemerefringefestival

Award-winning comedian, Milton Jones, well known for his witty one-liners, has been announced as the comedy headliner on Friday 5th July at the Haslemere Fringe Festival.

A regular on Mock the Week and described by the Radio Times as “fast, absurd and very funny”, Milton has also performed on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Road Show and Live at the Apollo.

Also joining the Fringe comedy line-up are Paul Sinha, known as ‘The Sinnerman’ on the popular TV Quiz Show ‘The Chase’, distinctive comedic performer Peter Brush, and deadpan comic Nick Everett who made the shortlist for the BBC Comedy Award in 2022. 

Completing the comedy line-up is ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ semi-finalist Mandy Muden who wowed the BGT judges with her striking personality, sharp wit and unique combination of comedy and magic.

As usual the evening will be hosted by popular local comedian, Andy Steadman, a singer-songwriter, comedian, writer and entrepreneur who can be regularly found ripping (gently) into audiences at some of the top comedy clubs across the country.

With more acts for the Fringe being announced each week, follow Haslemere Fringe on social media to keep up-to-date and buy tickets at www.haslemerefringe.co.uk. 

The Haslemere Fringe Festival is a not-for-profit event and our partner charities for the 2024 Fringe are mental health charity, Mind, and local charities The Hunter Centre (Supporting people living with Dementia) Haslemere, and Talk To Me Counselling Service (Haslewey).

ABOUT HASLEMERE FRINGE FESTIVAL:

The Haslemere Fringe is a volunteer-led, family-friendly festival which takes place every two years on Lion Green, just off Wey Hill in the heart of Haslemere.

The event features several stages with something for audiences of all ages including over 50 live bands, emerging new talent, dance acts, comedy, poetry, children’s entertainment, local artisans and more.

In 2022, headliners included Kitchen Disco legend Sophie Ellis-Bextor and iconic rock/pop bands The Lottery Winners, The Feeling and Toploader, as well as comedy from Seann Walsh, Cally Beaton and a guest appearance from John Bishop.

To watch a video of the 2022 Fringe and find out more go to www.haslemerefringe.co.uk

CHARITY
The Haslemere Fringe Festival is a not-for-profit event and our partner charities for the 2024 Fringe are mental health charity, Mind, and local charities The Hunter Centre (Supporting people living with Dementia) Haslemere, and Talk To Me Counselling Service (Haslewey).

MEDIA CONTACT:
Debbie Bowyer:         07863 115984
Email:                           media@haslemerefringe.co.uk
Web:                            www.haslemerefringe.co.uk
Facebook:                   HaslemereFringeFestival
Instagram:                   haslemerefringefestival

The line-up for Sunday at the Haslemere Fringe is taking shape with the announcement that headliners Blue will be joined by legendary 80s band T’Pau.

T’Pau, led by power vocalist Carol Decker, enjoyed a string of hits in the late 80’s and early 90’s – most notably “China in your Hand” and “Heart and Soul.” Their debut album “Bridge of Spies”, released in 1987, sold over 1.2 million copies in the UK alone, going quadruple platinum.

The original band split in 1991 and Carol dropped out of the music scene for a few years, but in 1997 she decided to resurrect T’Pau with a new lineup. They have kept a steady touring schedule, including numerous 80s revival gigs, ever since.

Festival Coordinator Paul Ashton said, “Glastonbury has it’s ‘Legends Slot’, in Haslemere we like to get the crowd singing along during the Teatime Slot. Last year we had Betty Boo, this time we’re excited to have the amazing Carol Decker of T’Pau.”

Completing the line-up for Sunday evening will be modern funk diva, Tash Hills whose performance of upbeat, infectious and fun music at the last Haslemere Fringe went down so well, her track “Mirrorball Dreams” was featured on the 2022 Showreel!

If you can’t wait until July, Tash Hills and other Fringe bookings are due to perform at The Fringe Sessions at The Shottermill Club on 10 February (£5 on the door).

With more headliners to be announced in the coming weeks, find out more at www.haslemerefringe.co.uk.

ABOUT HASLEMERE FRINGE FESTIVAL:

The Haslemere Fringe is a volunteer-led, family-friendly festival which takes place every two years on Lion Green, just off Wey Hill in the heart of Haslemere.

The event features several stages with something for audiences of all ages including over 50 live bands, emerging new talent, dance acts, comedy, poetry, children’s entertainment, local artisans and more.

In 2022, headliners included Kitchen Disco legend Sophie Ellis-Bextor and iconic rock/pop bands The Lottery Winners, The Feeling and Toploader, as well as comedy from Seann Walsh, Cally Beaton and a guest appearance from John Bishop.

To watch a video of the 2022 Fringe and find out more go to www.haslemerefringe.co.uk

CHARITY
The Haslemere Fringe Festival is a not-for-profit event and our partner charities for the 2024 Fringe are mental health charity, Mind, and local charities The Hunter Centre (Supporting people living with Dementia) Haslemere, and Talk To Me Counselling Service (Haslewey).

MEDIA CONTACT:
Debbie Bowyer:         07863 115984
Email:                           media@haslemerefringe.co.uk
Web:                            www.haslemerefringe.co.uk
Facebook:                   HaslemereFringeFestival
Instagram:                   haslemerefringefestival

FIRST THE BAD NEWS
It is with great sadness that the committee of the Haslemere Fringe has decided to postpone this year’s planned event until 2021 because of the current unprecedented Coronavirus crisis. The move follows advice from the UK Government and Public Health England for everyone but key workers to stay at home to save lives and protect the NHS.

The decision was taken to safeguard the thousands of people who attend the bi-annual event and the many volunteers who help run the festival.

Great news from two of the long term collaborators of the Haslemere Fringe:

St Bartholomew’s C of E (Aided) Primary School in partnership with The Music Works is delighted to be opening a new music centre on the school’s site in Haslemere.   The Music Works is a community interest company whose mission is to help make music education as accessible as possible to all children in the local area.

Their experienced Yamaha accredited teachers provide high quality music lessons and would like to offer local children a free introductory lesson.  To sign up, visit www.themusicworks.co/freelessontmw 

Using the world renowned Yamaha syllabus, students can learn Drums, Guitar, Keyboard and Singing from age 7+. Younger students can join our bespoke Ukulele course for ages 5+.  The centre will also include a recording studio with state of the art software and equipment, enabling children to make multi-track recordings of their music to a professional standard.

Head Teacher, Charles Beckerson is also a well-known local musician and has said ‘This music centre is a dream come true for me.  I am passionate about music and I’m delighted that we are going to be offering this incredibly exciting opportunity to the children of Haslemere and beyond.  Let’s bring happiness, joy and entertainment to the next generation by keeping excellent music very much alive in the 21^st century!’

For more information about who we are and what we offer, please visit www.themusicworks.co/faq

The Music Works, Derby Road, Haslemere, GU27  1BP

Info@themusicworks.co

01483 51 60 60

The multi-million selling British music star Sophie Ellis Bextor is to play out the last night, July 5th of one of the South of England’s best-known festivals – The Haslemere
Fringe. With massive chart hits including ‘Groovejet’ and ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ Ellis Bextor’s unique vocal style and stage presence have made her an international super star. Festival Coordinator Paul Ashton says ‘we’re delighted that Sophie Ellis Bextor has agreed to close this year’s festival which has grown every single time it’s held. We’re proud that artists of Sophie’s stature, now recognise this event as one of the leading festivals in the South of England’.

Known as ‘The Dance Queen’ and ‘Mademoiselle EB’ Sophie established herself as a vocal and dance talent with her debut album ‘Read My Lips’ in 2001 and has enjoyed continuing success more recently with her 2016 album ‘Familia’ which saw her back in the charts with her hit song ‘Come With Us’.  More names are due to be announced for the festival including local artists who are an important part of this volunteer led event. Local schools and youth clubs are also taking part in The Haslemere Fringe 2020, which is supported by local businesses and media organisations including BBC Surrey and Wey Valley Radio.

About Haslemere Fringe
This bi-annual festival takes place over the weekend of July 3rd, 4th and 5th and is held on Lion Green in the small town of Haslemere nestled between the Surrey Hills and the South Downs National Park with excellent rail and road links.

The event celebrates music, comedy, dance and poetry, promoting local musicians and other local artistic talent, as well as welcoming in past years famous artists including UK rock sensation ‘Scouting for Girls’ and soul legends ‘The Real Thing’. With over 50 live bands, Haslemere Fringe provides something for all audiences, including families. Children aged 10 or under are admitted free, and tickets for 10-16 year olds available from £4. The Festival Village, hosts stalls from a wide variety of local traders, artisans and craft workers as well as providing a delicious range of hot and cold food from local suppliers. In addition, and as you would expect, there are a number of bars serving everything from craft beers to coffee. As we are attracting thousands of visitors, The Haslemere Fringe is proud to support The Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice as official charity partner
for 2020.

Contact:
Debbie Bowyer: 07863 115984
Jamie Crick: 07921 483392

Email: media@haslemerefringe.co.uk 
Web: www.haslemerefringe.co.uk
Facebook: HaslemereFringeFestival
Twitter: @HaslemereFringe
Insta: haslemerefringefestival

Britpop icons, Sleeper, who enjoyed huge critical and commercial success in the mid 90’s with well over a million sales, is to play at The Haslemere Fringe Festival, closing Friday night as part of this hugely popular biennial event, which runs from Friday, 3rd – Sunday 5th July.

With music characterized by astute, observational lyrics and big, hook driven melodies, the band, comprising Louise Wener, Jon Stewart, Andy Maclure and Kieron Pepper (previously of The Prodigy), also had two tracks featured on the era defining movie ‘Trainspotting’: which was named as one of the best film soundtracks of all time by the likes of music mag, Rolling Stone.

Their album ‘SMART’, which featured the hit “Inbetweener” is 25 years old this month and Sleeper have re-issued the album to celebrate this benchmark, together with their new album, ‘The Modern Age.’

Sleeper has garnered front covers across the music press and appeared numerous times on key music shows of the time like TFI Friday, Jools Holland and Top Of The Pops.  The band has played the main stages of Reading, Glastonbury, V and Shepherd’s Bush Empire, along with a sell-out tour across the UK in 2019. 

To Haslemere With Love

The Haslemere Fringe is delighted to announce the unveiling of “Progress”, the first of four permanent works of art in Haslemere, a gift to the town from the Haslemere Festival and Fringe. The first of these will be placed inside the cauldron of the Planter in the Sky outside Boots the Chemist in the High Street. If you are walking past and see us, then stop for a chat, or passing in a car give us a beep!

For full details see:

https://haslemere-fringe.xboimzdzzd-gok67mm7r652.p.runcloud.link/planters