Free summer fun at Rhyl music festival

Heather Small - the voice of M People – will be performing at a free festival in Rhyl this summer.

The Council, with support from Rhyl Town Council, is hosting the event, which also features Showaddywaddy and Doctor and The Medics, at Rhyl Events Arena on Sunday, August 12 from midday until 6pm.

Heather Small was the lead singer of M People, known for a string of hits in the early 90s including One Night in Heaven, Moving on Up and Search for the Hero.

She released her first solo album, Proud in 2000, and in 2008 appeared on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, finishing in 9th place.

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “I am delighted to welcome such a fantastic line-up to the Rhyl Events Arena Festival.

“Events like this help the community come together and celebrate, which is part of the Council’s work to support well-being and community cohesion, as well as attracting visitors to our county and increasing economic prosperity.

“This is going to be a great event for Denbighshire and I would encourage residents and visitors alike to come and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere on the day.”

Councillor Win Mullen James, Mayor of Rhyl, said: “Rhyl will once again be hitting all the right notes with its summer festival event. The fact we can attract people like Heather Small is testimony to the town’s growing reputation for hosting great events.

“Rhyl Town Council is pleased to be supporting the music extravaganza, alongside the air show and our own community events too. We’re looking forward to a summer of fantastic entertainment.”

Doctor and the Medics, who played the event last year, are best known for their cover of Norman Greenbaum's Spirit in the Sky, a No.1 hit in 1986, while Showaddywaddy had a number of Top Ten hits in the 1970s including Under the Moon of Love, Three Steps to Heaven and You Got What It Takes.

Clive Jackson, of Doctor & The Medics, said: “Festivals mean a lot to me as they bring people and communities together to celebrate and enjoy music. We can't wait to get back to Rhyl to perform. We will be playing a set full of great 80s songs everyone knows that have all been given the Medics treatment.”

Other acts performing include Dusty Springfield tribute act Maxine Mazumber and local soul and funk band Yubaba.

For further information contact Rhyl Tourist Information Centre on 01745 355068 or the Pavilion Box office on 01745 330000.