Member Article

Funding returns to revive niche North East music festival

North East care specialists Keiro has re-established a much loved North East music festival, following funding from the Arts Council.

Chase Park Festival will return for a fifth year this summer after having a break last year, from its previous consecutive four-year stint, due to lack of funding.

The family-friendly, open-air festival houses two stages for emerging and well-known music acts, as well as established North East talent and disabled artists.

Aimed at attracting music lovers of all abilities and in helping break down cultural barriers and stereotypes often faced by people with disabilities, the return of the successful event will result with it being awarded the Gold level of Attitude is Everything’s Charter of Best Practice.

This award is in recognition of the wide range of access facilities and inclusive initiatives that the festival has embraced in welcoming deaf and disabled audiences, artists and volunteers. The only two other festivals to hold the Gold accolade are Glastonbury and Liberty Festival.

Keiro’s CEO Boda Gallon said: “We are delighted that Arts Council England has invested into such an invaluable event for people of all abilities in the North East and that its return will result in such a prolific accreditation.

“It has always been a successful and an exemplary event highly praised for its access for all, and we are excited to bring it back with a celebration of original live music showcasing talent from some of the best new and emerging artists in the UK again this year, as well as a UK multi-chart topping headliner.

“We are so honoured and excited to be receiving the Gold accreditation from Attitude is Everything for our work in creating access to live music for people of all ages and abilities.

“The fact that we are only one of three festivals in the country to have received such an accolade is a massive achievement for the North East.”

Attitude is Everything CEO Suzanne Bull MBE said: “Chase Park Festival is a shining example of everything we stand for. I’m delighted to see the return of the festival and for us to be in a position to award the Gold level of our Charter of Best Practice.

“We hope all festivals will aspire to what this festival has achieved to date in improving access for all gig-goers and artists. It is fantastic to have a city park-based festival offering a wide range of access facilities including changing places facilities, viewing areas, and access for deaf and hard of hearing people, as well as playing a key role in championing accessible events in the North East”

Organisers are confident that this year’s event will succeed its previous record which has seen over 3500 music fans attend the event.

Boda added: “This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever and we are looking forward to announcing the full line up in due course.”

The open air festival will take place on Saturday August 8 in Chase Park, Whickham. Gates will open at 11:30am and acts will begin at 12pm.