TOP bands such as Razorlight, Scouting For Girls, Feeder, Buzzcocks and Lightning Seeds will be gathering over a three day live music festival weekend in August in Skipton.

The bands, all the ‘real deal’ and not tributes, will be on two stages in Aireville Park between August 6 and 8.

Georgia Hirst, one of the manager of the Gateways Festival, said: “It is being billed as a family-friendly festival with the chance for local bands to play too.

“The groups are all the real deal.

"They are not tributes and they are just as excited to be coming along to play in front of live audiences again as we are.”

The line-up over the three days also includes accompanying artists such as Top Loader, Dodgy, Artful Dodger, Andrew Cushin, Emily Capell, King No One and Bull.

The family-friendly festival will run for three days and will include a fun fair, stalls,festival-style food, live music and an outdoor movie night which will take place on the Friday.

Originally expected to launch last year but cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, event director Eddie Smith said he was looking forward to the delayed establishment in summer 2021.

Speaking about the decision to launch the festival in Skipton he said: “We saw there was a gap in the market for this type of event and agreed that Skipton was the perfect location.

"Aireville Park is perfectly located against a backdrop of stunning scenery and is in an ideal setting for families to relax and enjoy themselves.”

Explaining the name behind the festival, he continued: “Skipton is well known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’ so let’s just say the festival name was definitely influenced by this tag.

“The team behind Gateways have over 130 years’ experience within the events industry and are excited to welcome people to a safe and well organised event.

"We hope the public like what we have to offer and it becomes a regular fixture in the annual calendar of events."

Of the bands which will be taking to the stages, Buzzcocks need little introduction. Since forming in 1976 the punk rock outfit from Bolton are regarded as a seminal influence on the Manchester music scene paving the way for the remarkable success of the likes of The Smiths, The Fall and New Order.

The choice of movies to be showcased at their outdoor cinema on Friday, August 6 are yet to be confirmed. The decision has been left in the hands of the Gateways Festival followers, who have the opportunity to vote via a Facebook poll.

The organisers say that with a mix of incredible artists, brilliant family movies, a funfair, delicious street food, bars, stalls and so much more, Gateways Festival ensures an unforgettable weekend with your family and friends.

They have also said there will be no camping facilities, as often seen at other festivals, meaning hotel and bed and breakfast, plus camping sites within the area will all benefit from the added footfall.

Tickets have been on sale much of last year with sales coming from as far afield as London which will give the economy in Skipton, the Dales and surrounding towns a much-needed boost.

Mr Smith added: "With the festival running for three consecutive days we believe we’ve organised plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.

"Subsequently, the footfall expected to hit Skipton and it’s surrounding areas will not only attract business but will allow visitors to see how beautiful and entertaining Yorkshire is.

The feedback we’ve received on our incredible line-up has been outstanding, as we’re lucky enough to launch with two incredible headliners, Razorlight and Feeder, and outstanding talent from our other confirmed artists.

"We’re also in the process of organizing a “Battle of the Bands” style competition as we feel it’s extremely important to showcase the array of local talent that we know exists in the region and hopefully give them the platform they deserve.

"The potential popularity Gateways will ignite is not something to be underestimated. The event organisers and I have over 130 years’ combined experience within the events industry and are extremely excited to bring the family festival to Aireville Park. We expect it’ll become an annual event which will be around for many more years to come."

Tickets are on sale at £65 for an adult weekend ticket and £35 for a children’s weekend ticket, plus booking fee.

Day tickets and payment plans are also available.

To see the full line up and to buy your tickets now, visit www.gatewaysfestival.co.uk

For local bands to enter the 'Battle of the Bands' competition they need to visit: www.gatewaysfestival.co.uk/battle-of-the-bands/ for details

All applications must be submitted no later than 5pm on Thursday, April 8, so hurry.

The lucky bands will play on the same stages as the headlining and accompanying artists.

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