Viola Beach’s hometown of Warrington will officially pay tribute to the band and their manager this weekend by staging an all-day music event.
Starsailor, along with 13 local artists, will come together for the event at Warrington’s Bank Park tomorrow (September 17).
The event, which is part of this year’s Warrington Festival, will also feature an exclusive video tribute to the band that has only been shown once before at the celebration gig at Parr Hall back in April. The video features unseen footage of the band performing some of the tracks from their posthumous album, Viola Beach, which went to No.1 last month.
The families of Viola Beach are supporting the event and say it will help provide a platform for other emerging talents. Ben Dunne, dad of River Reeves, said: “River and the band played at Warrington Festival last year and would be so proud to see how they’ve inspired many other local bands to perform on the same stage.”
Ian Piers Dakin, father of Jack Dakin, added: “Jack, River, Tom, Kris and Craig were all very proud and honoured to play at last year's festival, supporting Pixie Lott, in their hometown. It is an honour for all our family that this legacy has been put into place and they will be remembered by their music.”
Manager Craig Tarry’s parents and sister, Sarah, said: “Craig was not only their manager but a dear friend to Viola Beach and he believed in their talent and enthusiasm. He was excited to put Warrington on the music map and he knew Viola Beach would do exactly that.
“Craig lived life the way that we all should, passionately and wholeheartedly and we are extremely proud of Craig and Viola Beach.”
The concert kicks off at noon and will include sets from The Rainband, PSYBLINGS and Ellie Dibben.
Emma Hutchinson, chair of the Warrington Festival steering group, said: “This event is about giving local acts the chance to celebrate the legacy of Viola Beach by performing in their hometown.
“Having worked with the band at last year’s festival and at local venues in the town, we believe they were destined for big things and we’re really pleased to be able to provide a platform to celebrate their music.”
