PRESS RELEASE: 10th March, 2009

The Proclaimers, Alabama 3, James Hunter, The Beat and The Blow Monkeys are the first headline acts to be announced for Rhythm Festival 2009

We are delighted to announce the first major acts for the 4th Rhythm Festival, to be held over the weekend of August 21st to 23rd at Twinwood Arena, Clapham, Bedfordshire.

Addictive Scottish brothers The Proclaimers headline the opening night on Friday 21st August, with Alabama 3 (full band) occupying the same slot on Saturday 22nd and sweet bluesman James Hunter and his band on Sunday 23rd.

Other acts so far confirmed for the weekend include:
Friday 21st August
Glenn Tilbrook & The Fluffers (Squeeze singer, guitarist and main songwriter), Gandalf Murphy & The Slambovian Circus of Dreams (USA),  Billy Jenkins’ Blues Collective

Saturday 22nd August
The Blow Monkeys (Dr Robert & original line-up), The Beat, Jacqui McShee’s Pentangle, Adrian Edmondson & The Bad Shepherds, The Demon Barbers (winners of the Live Act category of the 2009 Radio 2 Folk Awards).

Sunday 23rd August
Alvin Youngblood Hart (USA), The Strawbs, Martin Turner's Wishbone Ash.

Over 30 more acts are to be announced over the coming weeks for what will be Rhythm Festival's best line-up ever.

Says Rhythm Festival organiser Jim Driver: "We've had some great acts at past Rhythm Festivals, including Jerry Lee Lewis, Donovan, Levellers, Dr John, Seth Lakeman, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Steve Cropper and The Saw Doctors, but I think 2009 tops them all. And, of course, Rhythm Festival is much more than just the music and we've got lots of other exciting diversions planned too!"

Tickets
Adult (17+) Weekend tickets are already selling well and are priced at £90 (£82.50 until 31/03/09), with one child free with every adult ticket-buyer; 5 and unders go free. Camping is from £25 per tent, £30 per campervan/ caravan. Tickets are available from the website http://www.rhythmfestival.net (no booking fees). Telephone booking from Stargreen Box Office 020 7734 8932 - booking fees for telephone purchases are capped at £10 per order.

Background
Now in its fourth consecutive year, Rhythm Festival is regarded as the "Rolls Royce of music festivals", attracting families and festival-goers expecting more than the latest fad bands, greasy hamburgers and lagers at rip-off prices. All caterers are vetted before approval, three bars sell a wide range of wines, beers and lagers, with around 20 real ales and natural ciders available at prices comparable to those in local pubs.

Aside from the three music stages, Rhythm Festival 2009 will feature Comedy, Burlesque, children's entertainment and a whole range of value-added attractions yet to be announced.