7:40am Sunday 24th June 2012
By James Nadal
A NEW outdoor summer event in the heart of Marlow, set to attract thousands, is not a rival for the regatta, organisers say.
But Live at Riley is exploiting a gap in the market created in part by the lack of a music concert at this year's regatta.
Battle of the bands, a new addition, was axed, while the traditional Saturday night gig did not take place either.
Organisers of Live at Riley say it is not a rival for the regatta but the lack of a music concert at this year's riverside revel has opened a gap in the market.
They hope its plentiful supply of musicians will cater for those who may have missed out and want it to become another main fixture in the summer calendar.
Bands aplenty will make their way into Riley Park on July 8 to perform for the fledgling event which is costing the trust which owns the land roughly £10,000.
Live at Riley follows on from music festivals held in the past two years run by Marlow FM.
These were attended by thousands, Riley Park Trust Chairman Tony Shannon said, and he hopes to attract as many if not more to the new event.
He believes it will not only help raising vital cash for regenerating the park but also be a boon for traders.
He said: “We think there's a gap in the market, because the regatta has dropped it (the music concert/battle of the bands).
“I think the fact Marlow FM put on two events and were extremely well attended and then the regatta have coincidentally decided not to proceed with that side of the event, we felt it could e good for the trust and regeneration.”
However, he stressed it is not attempted to go head to head with the regatta.
“We haven't set out to be rivals or in competition with anybody, we are trying to work in partnership with people,” he said.
“We are putting a lot of effort into it. We're hoping to get on the calendar and do something like this every year.
“We also think it will be good for the community and town traders, with people going into the town during the day when the festival is going on.”
He joked: “We'll kick-start the economy for George Osborne, but we are not getting any quantitative easing from the bank of England.”
He said music is fundamental to the event, with about 16 bands playing.
A whole range of entertainment is planned for the day, intended for families, including land zorbing, food stalls, a handmade makers market and a bus bar.
The trust has teamed up with event organisers One Limited.
Mr Shannon said: “They've done something for a similar sized park in Thame, which was very successful and are very professional putting together.”
Organisers have secured a prize from Jaguar of two track days.
Winners will attend Jaguar Race Circuit and spend four hours driving the latest models at high speeds with a qualified race/test driver.
They will also get the chance to do the slalom course in a high power Jaguar and attempt to drive the skid pan which is an artificial ice track.
For tickets and more details see web link.
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