Cotton Cloud music level set to hit new high

Rick and Max Lees are the inspiration behind Cotton Clouds which launches a 48-hour marathon of headline acts playing chart topping music at Saddleworth Cricket Club, Greenfield, from tomorrow, Friday (August 17).

A year ago, the brothers staged a small festival at the club which was so successful it was nominated for three accolades at the UK Festival Awards.

This year the event will be spread over two days giving a double-header of delights including The Lightning Seeds, Toploader, Sister Sledge, talented local musicians and small traders, with no big brands or expensive beers.

Rick and Max, aged 32 and 24 respectively, have played and worked festivals across Europe for 10 years.

“We always thought Saddleworth would be an ideal location for a festival. It’s an amazing setting,” said Rick.

“We teamed up with a local entrepreneur, Luke Stanley, and were finally able to put the wheels in motion. Last year’s debut event was quite a steep learning curve but, other than a few logistical issues, it went perfectly.

“This line-up takes us to a whole new level. There’s the legendary Sister Sledge and also lots of fresh new acts including The Orielles.

“We’ve tried to keep the line-up very diverse and introduce hugely talented local acts,” he explained.

The show is aiming to be a real family event with spotlights on Chali 2na, a hip hop legend from Jurassic 5 and Krafty Kuts performing.

“Cotton Clouds was nominated for Best Family Festival last year with 400 children attending. We’re expecting just as many, if not more to join us this year too,” said Rick.

The brothers have teamed up with Global Grooves, known for the Mossley Light Festival, who will provide drumming workshops and lantern making throughout the day for youngsters.

And as a bonus, children with their lanterns can join a procession through the festival grounds of giant illuminated sculptures, dancers and drummers.

The idea to create a Cotton Clouds beer came after they were approached by the dynamic Greenfield-based Donkeystone Brewing Company.

“We thought it’d be great to engage with a local business and create our own ale which would be on sale throughout the year. They did an amazing job and so far we’ve sold over 12,000 pints,” Rick added.

Tomorrow night’s tickets cost £25 plus booking fee; Saturday adult tickets cost £45 plus booking fee; children 6-13 years cost £25 plus booking fee; under 5s free. Friday and Saturday tickets cost £70 plus booking fee.

The acts - Friday night: main stage: Lightning Seeds, The Pigeon Detectives, Badly Drawn Boy,

Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts

Cavana

Gareth Brooks (DJ Set)

Saturday, main stage: Sister Sledge,

Starsailor

Toploader

Scarlet

Gareth Brooks

Billy Bibby & The Wry Smiles

Freeda

Tom Mouse Smith

Tim Peaks Diner Stage: The Orielles, Average Sex, Richard Youngs, Fuzzy Sun,

Trampolene

Deja Vega, The Mysterines , The Recreation

The Spinning Room Stage:

The Allergies, Hyde Park Brass,

The K’s,

The 99 Degree,

The Salford Jets,

Afghan Sand Gang,

South Island Son,

Ambiere

Tickets

Weekend Passes: allowing entry for both days of Cotton Clouds 2018 - Friday 17th - Saturday 18th August - are available now and are priced at: £70.00 plus booking fee, children 6-13 years cost £25 plus booking fee; under 5’s free.

Individual Day Tickets:

Friday £25.00 plus booking fee.

Saturday £45.00 plus booking fee.

Tickets can be obtained at Cotton Clouds Official Website: http://cottoncloudsfestival.com/buy-tickets/

Or tickets can be bought on the day at the gate.

Age restrictions: Friday - Over 14s only. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult over 21. Maximum of four under 18s per adult. ID required.

Saturday - All ages will be welcome.

Please note there are no children’s activities open during the Friday night event. Only the main stage, bars & food traders will be in operation. The Saturday event will feature a host of children’s activities including Arts & Crafts, Sand Art, Facepainting.