Music and arts festival returns for second year

Last year's event was a "great success", the council said

A free music festival in Derbyshire featuring two stages, food stalls and workshops is returning this weekend.

The Glow Music and Arts Fest is being held in Ilkeston, with the main stage in front of the Town Hall in Market Place.

The event will showcase up-and-coming local talent, ranging from rock and indie music to electronica and folk.

Organisers thanked the community for their support, saying this year's incarnation would be “bigger and better".

Indie rockers

Attractions will also include stalls selling Jamaican and Indian food, along with ice cream and refreshments, and on Sunday there will be music workshops and an “art walk”.

Organisers said the headline act was local indie rockers The Public Eye, along with alternative rockers Shadows of a Silhouette and fellow Y Not festival veterans The Blooms.

Local shop owner Paul Opiah, who also edits the Ilkeston Life newspaper, helped put the festival together.

He said: “The family-friendly event proved to be a huge hit when it debuted last year – offering a perfect chance for local people to get together and have fun.

“The 2024 version will be even bigger and better as it continues to reflect the thriving local music scene in Erewash.

"It is superb that the town hall is again supporting us with a community grant."

Community boost

The council said it was matching its £1,500 funding from last year, which was coming from direct grants.

Erewash’s deputy leader Becca Everett, who is lead member for community engagement, said: “Last year’s Glow festival was a great success. I look forward to having a great time there once again.”

“This kind of boost to the borough – involving a lot of people giving up their time to benefit the wider community – is just what our Fast Funding grants are designed for."

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