An afternoon and evening of live music and fun for all the family takes place on Saturday 18th July 09, from 1pm to 11pm at Niton Primary School.

The event has been organised by The Friends of Niton School as a fund raising event. FONS (hence FONStival) raises money which goes towards additional resources and both educational and fun activities for the children of Niton Primary School.

A seed of an idea which has developed into something very exciting, we have had some very generous input from some of the Island’s very best up and coming talent, which resulted in a fantastic family event last year and promises this year to be even better.

With expectations high this year and an amazing line up we are sure to reach our licensed limit of revelers.

So buying tickets in advance is recommended. Wrist bands can be purchased from Niton Post Office, or Niton School (in school hours) and cost £10 for adults and £5 for children aged 4 to 18.

The school guitar group will be opening the event at 1pm followed by a great lineup of Island bands including Contraband, local folk guitar duo, often to be heard at the Buddle Inn. Alan Ramsdale-Capper teaches guitar at the school.

Graham McCullough went down a storm at the Isle of Wight Festival last month and will be dishing up some acoustic and rocky blues to make your ears smile.

Michael Watson also made an appearance at the Kashmir Café at the Isle of Wight Festival this year.

Groove Cat (playing with The Adventurists tonight at the Ventnor Youth Centre) is fronted by Verity Goodwin who we’re told has the voice of an Angel.

Local lads Bright as Vegasare a four piece pop punk influenced band. They formed in October 2008 and have since had success amongst the Island’s upcoming bands, securing a place on the Isle of Wight Festival Platform 1 stage and a support slot with The Operators and Goodbye Stereo.

We’re big fans of The Shutes who’ll also be playing. Shindig Magazine said of them

“THE SHUTES make kaleidoscopic pop-psych to woo girls by. Tracks like “Hits Like Mourning”™ show that the young three piece know their way around a marketable pop song, while “To You”™ has a frazzled-epiphany-at-3am sound that recalls early Primal Scream and the livelier end of Spacemen 3. Mini Symphonies for the hedonists then, and ones to look out for in 2009!”

The Sessions were another band to play at the Isle of Wight festival this year and are guaranteed crowd pleasers.

VB readers will have heard lots about The Kurves. Originally a duo, Jamie and Chris, The Kurves were formed in August 2007. In less than a year The Kurves have written enough material for three albums, received airplay on Local, and BBC national radio – becoming Isle of Wight gig favorites in the process.

Remedy, a popular Island covers band to finish off the evening with plenty to sing and dance about!

Dan Burgess from Remedy…. And Pixel Audio is kindly lending PA equipment for all the bands to use to ensure quick change overs, throughout the day.

Don’t forget the kids
There’s also lots to keep the children amused too…. The wonderful dressing–up tent straight from this years Isle of Wight festival, an adventure trial, free bouncy castle, play equipment and Pink & Pop (Popcorn and Candy Floss stall).

And for the grown ups, BAR… BBQ and log burning stove.

FONStival 2008 Line up
1:05 PM School Guitar Group
1:25 PM Michael Watson
2:20 PM Graham McCullough
3:20 PM Contraband
4:15 PM Groove Cat
5:00 PM Bright as Vegas
6:00 PM The Shutes
7:10 PM The Sessions
8:25 PM The Kurves
9:30 PM Remedy

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