The countdown has begun for St Albans’ first major music festival, with just a few weeks to go before Meraki arrives at the Redbourn showground.
Taking place from August 11-13, it should be be a real community event, with the majority of tickets sold to residents, and local trading partners providing much of the food and drink, including Ye Olde Fighting Cocks, Dylan’s and The Pudding Stop.
Meraki promises to be an experiential festival, with the showground split into various areas including The Enchanted Forest, The Serenity Spa, Mr Peeble’s Music House, The Mad Hatter’s Maze and The Virtual Reality Beach, offering much more than just live music.
That said, there is also a top line-up of musical talent including former Spandau Ballet singer Tony Hadley, Belinda Carlisle, Bonnie Tyler, Lemar, Sophie-Ellis-Bextor, Odyssey and Jason Donovan, plus an extensive array of local performers.
Just announced to be joining the bill is legendary DJ and club scene pioneer Judge Jules, who will be bringing his iconic style to the Saturday night.
With a focus on family-friendly events, the weekend will see TV’s Mr Bloom making a special appearance on the Friday, and the Flying Seagull Project performing a variety of shows across the weekend, including Perilous Pirates, Seagull Storytellers, Wild West Hoedown and Barmy Balloons.
Unlike many festivals, Meraki won’t break the bank, as organiser Kerry Marks explained: “Last year we met with a cross-section of local residents to find out what they wanted from a festival.
“Almost all of them said the same thing - that once they got through the gates of a festival it was always very expensive and that it is often stressful as children want to do multiple activities, which becomes a real financial strain.
“With that in mind, we are offering all-inclusive tickets that provide access to a wide range of free activities across the site - so once people are inside, they just need to focus on having fun.”
As the event’s official media partner, the Herts Advertiser will be providing festival-goers with all the information they need to know before, during and after Meraki, both in print and online.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here