Two former members of iconic 70s rock band Slade are to headline at Shifnal’s first ever Arts and Music Festival this autumn.
Dave Hill and Don Powell, who continue to perform under the name Slade, have been confirmed at the festival which takes place from September 18 to the 25.
Festival committee chairman Tony Stringfellow, told the Journal that he knows flamboyant guitarist Dave Hill which helped when booking the band.
Mr Stringfellow said he thought it was highly likely that the group, which now consists of Dave, Don, John Berry and Mal McNulty, would perform Slade’s monster hit Merry Xmas Everybody.
He said: “We have confirmed Slade for the Saturday night – they are booked.
“I have been involved with the entertainment world for a long time. I wrote a book on Mark Bolan and I get to know people.”
Noddy Holder and Jim Lea will not be appearing at the show.
Other performances during the festival include a plan for City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra to play. A day of dance, poetry and art exhibitions across the town will also be part of the programme.
Organisers are now calling out for sponsorship to help.
Mr Stringfellow said: “We are looking for more sponsorship. The festival will cost around £20,000 to put the festival on in reality. We will be getting ticket sales but whatever we make will go for next year.”
Other plans for the festival include an opening procession, storytelling, workshops and much more. And a Shifnal talent contest is also planned for the event.
For more information contact Tony Stringfellow on shifnalfestival@blueyonder.co.uk or 07905035513.
