Grooves on the Green

Ashley Cross is more ready than ever to party as Grooves on the Green, Dorset’s best community music festival, returns next month.

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, and in recognition of the community’s grateful thanks for their efforts in the pandemic, the festival is giving away 50 tickets each day to NHS workers*.

“Grooves is a fantastic day out for all the family,” says event organiser Jan Crump, who started the festival in 2000 as a way of bringing the vibrant Ashley Cross community together.

“Obviously, for all the right reasons, last year’s festival couldn’t happen but now we’re back and more determined than ever to create a weekend to remember. We’ve got the very best of the area’s live music talent on our Main Stage and loads of amazing entertainment, stalls and attractions.”

Compered by Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Allan Turner-Ward, the music line up is headlined by hugely popular hard rockers Saints of Sin, whose fans include legendary DJ Johnnie Walker, on Saturday; and ukulele-wielding crowd pleasers Mother Ukers on Sunday.

The hoedown stomp of undiluted party starters Jimmy Hillbillies, Jazz Wrann & the Ruby Welts’ catchy Cajun flavours, socially charged folk fusion collective Mischa and his Merry Men and rockin’ singer songwriter Chris Payn complete Saturday’s line up with powerhouse country rock trio The Outlaw Orchestra, new outfit The Party Shack, teenage singer songwriter Emma Hardy and good time rocker Jordan Watts taking care of Sunday.

“Grooves is for everyone,” explains Jan, “for music fans, bands and artists, mums and dads, grandparents, little kids, people even bring their well-behaved pets. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Ashley Cross such a lively neighbourhood.”

As well as the brilliant live music on the Main Stage there’s a full programme of family entertainment on the second stage starring the award-winning Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey the Dragon – with tricks to amaze, gags to amuse and a few belly laughs thrown in, audiences are guaranteed a fun time with lots of participation, ventriloquism, comedy and magic.

Other attractions include children’s rides and games, trampolines, arts and crafts, toys, clothing and jewellery.

Back again this year is the famous Groove Garden with its own seating and bathroom facilities and a private gin bar; while the Real Ale and Cider Tent is stocked with the very best that Dorset can offer. There’s also a mouth watering array of quality food stalls with the emphasis on local produce and artisan makers as local businesses pull together to support the community spirit.

And once again Grooves will be supporting local charities – in the last five years it has raised more then £30,000 for Diverse Abilities.

“As ever, the people and traders of Ashley Cross have been amazing,” adds Jan. “Everyone has pitched in and there more choice than ever before. This will be the best Grooves yet, but without their efforts in volunteering, helping and sponsoring the weekend Grooves on the Green just wouldn’t be the same.”

NHS workers can claim one free ticket using the code NHSHeroe. For more event information and advance tickets visit www.groovesonthegreen.com.