Tinchy Stryder tops Wirral festival line-up

Tinchy Stryder is set to headline the Wirral’s first major music event in May. The ‘Sunset Festival’ is the first of its kind on the Merseyside peninsula, and will run for three days during the May bank holiday weekend from 28th to 30th at Thors Rock, Thurstaston.

An enticing line-up, including The Automatic, producer Wiley, and current UK Number one Tinie Tempah have all been confirmed for the event. D Ramirez, Darren Emerson - a former member of Underworld - and Example are also all set to feature in the event which promises 11 hours of music a day playing from 1pm until midnight.

The festival itself will be located at Whites Farm in Thurstaston, which is home to 200 acres of countryside. Placed uniquely on the Wirral coastline, all of North Wales can be seen clearly in the distance from the main arena. With fantastic views and sunsets to behold, the location is set to provide a great backdrop to the musical talent on show.

Events Manager, and equal partner in the festival, Andy Carr said: "We're really excited and pleased about the upcoming festival. The musical talent we have on show is to be rivaled anywhere. The idea is to bring back the orignal festival feeling, if you like, where all ages are welcome and everyone can have a good time. We think we're on the right track with the Sunset Festival.

"The event is not only about famous DJs and artists coming to the Wirral, it's also about the uniqueness that comes with a festival. There will be nine local acts also performing on the same stage with the UK's biggest talents, and this is what we think will make the event hugely popular, and also an unforgettable experience for young upcoming musical talents."

There had been initial concern about the location and validity of the festival after local residents raised fears that an event of this nature would cause more trouble than good, and ruin the serene nature of the Thurstaston area.

Mr Carr said: "It took us seven months' preparation to make this event a reality. We worked in coalition with local authorities such as the police, fire, and environmental health to ensure we would be granted full licences for the festival and we are extremely confident that everything is in place for it to suceed."

Despite the licensing committee giving the festival its approval, there is also a hearing due to take place in April following a resident complaint but organisers are confident the event will go ahead.

"It must be made clear that its only a single resident who has complained about the event, but once again we feel we have everything correctly in place and there is no chance of a cancellation," Mr Carr added.

The festival will be fitted out with four music arenas where guests can pick the performance of their choice. These will be known as the ‘Main Stage’, where ticket holders can catch a glimpse of Wiley and Tinchy Stryder. The ‘Dance Arena’ which will be host to the likes of Darren Emerson and D Ramirez. The ‘John Peel Tribute/Live Tent’ will host The Automatic and Ebony Bones, and the ‘Sunset Club Arena’ will have Mastiksoul and Zoo Brazil on show.

The three-day event also offers guests the chance of a full festival experience, with camping areas also designated for people who choose to stay for the whole weekend.

Mr Carr said: "With it being the only musical festival on Merseyside this year, bar the Mathew Street Festival, it is a perfect chance for the public to come and enjoy a unique musical experience. The camping aspect is already appearing to be hugely popular and with so many pending ticket requests we hope this event will really take off in the years to come."

Tickets for the festival went on sale last month and the 7,500 capacity restriction is expected to be a sell out. Also on show will be dancers, carnival acts, and street entertainers all present, as well as a fancy dress theme and fairground rides.