Article date – 05 June 2018
Westfield Street Music Festival 2018 – with key sponsors including Nicholson Group and Ale & Beers Supplies Ltd – saw 14 bars on Westfield Street, as well as Imperial Bar, The Terrace and the Secret Garden on Ormskirk Street, and The Running Horses in Water Street, open their doors to music lovers and families who enjoyed an afternoon of live music, courtesy of bands and solo acts from the town and across the region.
Following the success of last year’s event, over 50 acts performed across town centre venues, with many young and up-and-coming artists and well-established bands playing to the gathered crowds, and generating a fantastic festival atmosphere.
Samba sensation Brouhaha, and Brazilian drumming troupe Katumba, also returned to St Helens – entertaining the crowd with a colourful carnival parade along Westfield Street.
Hailing the day a success, St Helens council’s portfolio holder for arts and culture, Councillor Gill Neal said:
“With this year marking the 150th anniversary of the borough’s formation, a lot of thought and effort has gone into making West Fest 2018 extra special.
“All that hard work put in behind the scenes has definitely paid off given the fantastic turn out and seeing so many people, including travelling rugby supporters, visit our town centre to support local music talent.
“I’d like to thank all of our organisers, partners and sponsors for supporting this great event; creating a fantastic community atmosphere and helping to demonstrate our commitment to culture.”
Co-event organiser and owner of Bar 44, Ste Lawler, added: “Westfield Street Music Festival is a very positive event for the town which is a chance for people to see the amazing array of talent that comes from the borough, while giving local musicians a window to perform at a very busy festival.
“The borough’s arts and culture scene is thriving at the moment, so events like this are a great opportunity for us to shout about this this.
“With the dedication of organisers, partners and sponsors, Westfield Street Music Festival has the potential to grow even bigger.”
At this year’s event, representatives from the Daniel Fox Foundation were in attendance to raise awareness of the #NoMoreKnives campaign and to promote their FoxyFest event, scheduled to take place on Saturday 11 August at St Helens Rugby League Club.
Other key sponsors for this year’s event included Cable Taxis, 1st Step Joinery, Louis William Jewellers, Tickle Hall Cross Solicitors, and OD’s Designer Clothing.
