The Big Busk @ The Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Knighton Rock Festival

The main show to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Knighton’s very own rock festival kicks off in Knighton Community Centre at 7.30 on August 21st with the irresistible rhythms of Zimbabwean band Chimanimani, followed swiftly by one of Britain’s truly great Ska bands and most enduring live acts, The Beat.
 
However, come along at 3.30 and, British summer permitting, you can relax in the sun listening to some live acoustic performers on the small outdoor stage while enjoying a drink from the bar or some Thai food or paella from the catering stalls. Later in the afternoon you can join in with a singing and dancing workshop put on by two members of Chimanimani. And if you can play a musical instrument, bring it along and you can having fun at the "Big Busk"!
 
Knighton’s Big Busk is based on an event staged by singer Billy Bragg at the reopening of the refurbished Royal festival Hall in 2007. The fun will start with a rehearsal in the Community Centre bar around 4.30 for anyone who brings along an instrument - guitar, saxophone, tambourine, maracas - whatever you like. All abilities are welcome! At the rehearsal, participants can all join in on a selection of well-known numbers ("Sweet Home Alabama" and "Wild Thing" were mentioned at a recent planning meeting), led by two former members of fondly-remembered local band Tempus Fugit. Once the assembled band of musicians is judged to be "rehearsed", there will be an adjournment for drinks and more Thai food, until around 6.00pm, when we hope to assemble the biggest busking group ever seen in Knighton. The less musical amongst us can of course have fun singing along.
 
What a nice way to spend a sunny afternoon before Knighton’s gig of the year. Just don’t forget your musical instrument.