A night-time free concert for teenagers featuring The Cut Up Boys and The Clameens is to be staged in the grounds of St Mary’s College on Northland Road in Derry on 15 August next.
Fest in the West – organised as alternative the 15 August bonfires – is the highlight of a four week programme of activities being putting in Ballymagroarty-Hazelbank, Glen and Rosemount areas of the city by the Outer West Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership.
London-based act The Cut Up Boys are one of the hottest live acts on the international festival and club circuit.
Blending together a range of musical genres including House, Drum n Bass, Trance, Electro, Breakbeat, Hip Hop, Indie, R+B, Hardcore and Dubstep, the their 14 albums for the Ministry of Sound have all gone gold, with six going to number one in the charts.
Their sensational albums and hundreds of Radio One mixes have guaranteed huge crowds of fans at their live performances from Dublin to Dubai.
Known as the “Kings of the Mash Up,” The Cut Up Boys are regarded as one of the hottest bands around.
Local group the Clameens already have a dedicated fan base.
Their style of upbeat pop rock , reminiscent of The Strokes and Kings of Leon, has made them one of the most hotly tipped acts from our shores evidenced by their having played support to the Undertones, Professor Green and Pete Doherty.
A number of top class Irish bands and DJs, including Conchur McCartney Aztek,DJ Mollyand, DJ Shay Whelan will also be taking to the stage in what promises be a fantastic night of music and entertainment for local teenagers.
The non-alcohol event will be staffed by SIA trained staff with a free shuttle bus operating from 4.30pm until midnight, buses picking up and dropping off in Rosemount, Creggan Road, Foyle Springs, Hazelbank and Ballymagroarty throughout the night.
Registration bands are available the Ballymagroarty-Hazelbank Community Partnership offices at 2 Dunluce Court, Resource Centre on Westway and Glen Development Initiative at Glenview Community Centre, Cedar Street.
Cathal Crumley, Community Engagement Officer for the Outer West Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, said Fest in the West grew out of discussions with community representatives who recognised that “it isn’t enough to just say no to bonfires.”
He added: “You have to offer an alternative — programmes that appeal to young people and families and offer exciting, entertaining, safe alternatives.
“The programmes that the Fest in the West Committee, the Outer West Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership and the three neighbourhood partnerships have put together reflect the types of activities that young families enjoy and the music that teenagers like.
“We listened to them and incorporated their input into the programmes.”
Fest in the West co-ordinator Mark Doherty the event was designed to create a fun and safe environment for young people to gather.
He added: “This initiative came about as a result of residents seeking alternatives to the annual bonfire mayhem which has been occurring in the weeks leading up to the 15th August.”
Dermot O’Hara, chairman, Outer West Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership, encouraged the young people to participate in as many of the activities offered by their local neighbourhoods and to go along to St Mary’s College grounds of the 15 August to enjoy “some great craic and music.”
He added: “Even better, come along and celebrate as a community — see what positive impact your participation can have.’