Comedian Milton Jones completes ‘incredibly strong’ Greenbelt Festival lineup
EMBARGOED UNTIL 9AM BST, FRIDAY 12 AUGUST 2011
Organisers of the Greenbelt Festival, which takes place at Cheltenham Racecourse over the August bank holiday weekend, have announced award-wining comedian Milton Jones will kick off the Big Top comedy lineup at this year’s festival.
Paul Northup who has programmed this year’s arts festival said, “We’re very excited by the late addition of Milton Jones, it completes an incredibly strong lineup for this year’s festival which already includes comedy from Mark Thomas and music from Ron Sexsmith, The Unthanks, Kate Rusby, Idelwild and Mavis Staples”.
Northup who will take up the role of Director of Greenbelt this autumn explained that, “comedian Milton Jones will be appearing on the opening Friday night of the festival as will the legendary musician Billy Bragg, acoustic duo Show of Hands, and the breathtaking aerial theatre company Ockham’s Razor. The rest of the weekend has a quality mainstage lineup, acoustic music, theatre, talks and a new family friendly area called The Village full of fun activities for children”.
“Saturday’s music lineup features Get Cape, Wear Cage Fly, Gentlemen’s Dub Club and Soweto Kinch on the mainstage; and the popular talks programme includes an appearance by Channel 4 economics reporter Faisal Islam, and outspoken American author Rob Bell.
Sunday morning starts with the UKs biggest communion service and the day continues with more fine music from Scottish outfit Idlewild, troubadour Duke Special, Beth Rowley, Gordon Gano and BBC 6 Music DJ Don Letts.
The festival comes to an exhilarating close on Monday with Britain’s Got Talent finalists Flava, controversial comedian Mark Thomas and on the mainstage singing legend Mavis Staples, The Unthanks, Ron Sexsmith and Kate Rusby”
Greenbelt Festival organisers are expecting over 20,000 people to visit Cheltenham Racecourse over the bank holiday weekend. Weekend and day tickets are still available with concession and residents discount prices.
For more information visit greenbelt.org.uk
===============
Notes to the Editor
Supporting image: http://www.greenbelt.org.uk/system/press/milton.jpg
About the Festival:
Greenbelt Festival takes place annually over the August Bank Holiday weekend, gathering together artists, musicians, speakers and performers, alongside 20,000 festivalgoers at Cheltenham Racecourse.
Greenbelt’s 37-year history is firmly rooted within a Christian tradition which is politically and culturally engaged. The festival is a family-friendly celebration, inclusive and accepting of all, regardless of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, background or belief.
Greenbelt 2011 : Dreams of Home takes place from Friday 26th - Monday 29th August. Early bird tickets are available until 30th April. Adult weekend tickets costing £99 (with a wide range of concessions available at £68).
Praise for Greenbelt:
“I was deeply impressed by the mood and spirit of the festival. Most people were Christians and almost all had some religious faith but there was absolutely no dogmatism. Everyone was welcome and there was a shared spirit of belief in justice and caring.” Clare Short
“I believe in dialogue, and that’s what Greenbelt is all about” Peter Tatchell
“People here are very questioning, not merely of other people, but of their own thoughts and beliefs too. It’s a very thoughtful festival” Robin Ince
“Greenbelt was an eye opening experience. Here was a Christian festival where I was made to feel welcome and included. Here were people, like me, committed to a better world, where poverty and injustice were no more and who were prepared to put their faith into action.” Mohammad Imran
“No matter who you are or where you come from or what you believe in, if you’re open-minded and care about the arts, or think for yourself and forge your own opinions, you’ll be at home in this place.” Art Rocker
Contact:
Phil Smith, Head of Business Development and Communications
T: 020 7374 2755 | W: www.greenbelt.org.uk | E: phil@greenbelt.org.uk
P: Greenbelt Festivals, 83 London Wall, London, EC2M 5ND
|
