Shoreham’s Wild Life Festival just days away

SHOREHAM will become a music mecca this weekend when some of the globe’s top music acts flock to the area to take centre stage at the new Wild Life Festival.
The big top being set up at Shoreham Airport for the Wild Life Festival PHOTO: Eddie MitchellThe big top being set up at Shoreham Airport for the Wild Life Festival PHOTO: Eddie Mitchell
The big top being set up at Shoreham Airport for the Wild Life Festival PHOTO: Eddie Mitchell

Shoreham Airport is currently being transformed to accommodate all the action, with the bright, blue big top stage and main stage already erected.

The festival, which is a first for the county, will be taking place on Saturday and Sunday and is expected to draw tens of thousands of music-lovers to the area.

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Among the line-up of stars includes chart-toppers Rudimental and Disclosure, as well as singer-songwriter George Ezra, whose debut album, Wanted On Voyage, shot up to number one – with his breakthrough single, Budapest, taking the world by storm.

Work well underway to build one of the main stages at the Wild Life Festival, in Shoreham. PHOTO: Eddie Mitchell SUS-150106-111127001Work well underway to build one of the main stages at the Wild Life Festival, in Shoreham. PHOTO: Eddie Mitchell SUS-150106-111127001
Work well underway to build one of the main stages at the Wild Life Festival, in Shoreham. PHOTO: Eddie Mitchell SUS-150106-111127001

Many in the area are excited by the festival bonanza, which will feature dozens of top acts over the two days.

However, some, like Mash Barn Adur district councillor David Lambourne, have reservations about the festival.

Mr Lambourne said: “I personally hope that it goes very well. The airport needs to make some money and they need to keep going – it has to be viable.

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“However, I am very concerned about the traffic impact and the potential of noise pollution.”

Wild Life Festival 2015 SUS-150127-164810003Wild Life Festival 2015 SUS-150127-164810003
Wild Life Festival 2015 SUS-150127-164810003

Mr Lambourne, who sits on the council’s licensing committee, said he was worried that the influx of festival revellers could cause havoc on the town’s roads and those of neighbouring communities, too.

He was also not entirely convinced the festival would bring any benefits to the wider economy of the area.

Mr Lambourne added: “I will be working with the local residents’ association to ask businesses if they have seen a boost in trade.

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“I don’t think it’s going to benefit the area. But I will happily eat my words if it does.”

The festival was announced in January and originally included a performance from Grammy-winner Sam Smith.

However, the singing superstar last month announced he had to cancel his show because of a haemorrhage on his vocal cord.

At the time, Smith said: “I am very upset to announce I have been battling to get my vocal cords better the last ten days but unfortunately they haven’t recovered and I am going to need surgery.

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“I’m so gutted to be missing all the shows and events I was meant to be playing at.

“The doctors say I will be back in six to eight weeks and I cannot wait to sing for you all soon.”

However, in spite of this, the festival still has a top line-up of artists, with more than 60 set to perform during the two days.

The action on each day will be split over four stages.

On Saturday, the Main Stage will feature acts including Rudimental, Mark Ronson and George Ezra, while the Wild Life Big Top will play host to the likes of Gorgon City.

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Sunday’s billing is equally jam-packed, with headliners including Disclosure, the Wu Tang Clan, Years & Years and Radio One dance DJ legend, Annie Mac.

Gates open at 2pm on both days, with the final performances ending at 1am on Saturday and midnight on Sunday.

A shuttle bus service will be in operation for revellers on both days.

For full details, see here.

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