Now That’s A Festival
When: Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th August
Where: Wood Lane, Rainham Road, North Central Park, Dagenham
Highlight: Alesha Dixon, Peter Andre, Five, Blue and many more
Tell me more
Some unnamed secret organisers have shot a brand new contender into the London and Essex Festival game this August. To us at Licklist HQ there are two simple reasons why this 'Now That's a Festival' is a no brainer. Number one, it’s a bank holiday and if you’re student probably the only chance your have left to close out Summer, plus plenty of time to rest-up before heading into the new week. Second, the line-up, the acts are like an old school version of V Festival, and it’s a whole lot cheaper! Like really, a considerably large amount cheaper. You’ve either heard good or bad things about the famous Dagenham but it seems to be on the up, especially since the hit 2010 Made in Dagenham movie is now a popular West End show staring British beauty Gemma Arterton. It’s location get top marks as well, also known as the suburbs of East London , it’s just 11.5 miles from Charring Cross and 9.5 east of the city itself. But more about the boring transport logistics later.
Acts, Acts, Acts
If the line-up hasn’t put the largest cheeky grin in the inside of your mouth then I really don’t know what will. The Saturday is lead by none other than Britain’s Got Talent star Aleesha Dixon showing us why she has the right to take her judging panel spot. This is followed by old school pop princess’s and now reality tv stars Atomic Kitten, yes we didn’t know they had decided to re-launch their music careers either. Full of surpises! The Sunday takes our pick with the nations favorite all around good guy Peter Andre followed by 2002’s R&B lads Blue, looks like sorry really will be the hardest work if you don’t get a ticket! But there’s more, 1998 pop boys FIVE will be embracing the stage, recently reunited after ITV’S ‘The Big reunion’ Show. Accompanying the headliners over the weekend includes the likes of East 17,Sister Sledge, Che Chesterman, Aaron Floyd and The Arg Band led my Towie regular James Argent. Finishing the line-up stars is Ghanian music duo and X Factor runners up Reggie and Bollie, recently signed to Simon Cowels record label ‘Syco’.
Tickets and Transport
Advance tickets are just £25, what a bargain. If you’re working hard to save those pennies this year than save £5 by getting them now on good old Groupon https://www.groupon.co.uk/deal s/gl-now-that-s-a-festival. If you fancy a slight upgrade or something a little more memorable then why not upgrade to a VIP ticket for just an extra £25. This will offer you express check inn, a free car-parking pass, use of a covered viewing area – perfect if the weathers are right off, and access to VIP bars. Alternatively, if you haven’t made your mind up yet than tickets will be available on the door for £30 (subject to availability). The site actually has three car parks so if you’re planning on taking a car, it’s likely your have no bother finding a space. However it is suggested that you pre-book your parking online which will only cost you £4 for the day. If you’re catching the train then that’s pretty simple.,the Distric line stops at Dagenham East and Dagenham Heathway. Going via Romford is also advised as it’s just 18 minutes away with bus routes 175, 103 and 174 going from Romford station to central Park.
Handy Tips
We all love to be in the know, and with help from Licklist you can. We recommend going with plenty of cash, which you can then change up for bar tokens so you’re not actually wondering around with notes all over the place. There will be cash points on site but these may charge. You can collect your drink tokens from the main arena or VIP area token stalls. If you think you’re too far to attend this Essex delight then fear not, both Dagenham and Romford have premier inns. Or if you fancy making a fancy weekend of it it’s just 6 miles away from London Newham, which is home to a Hilton and Crown Plaza for that recovery luxury.
The Festival is in partnership with Essex date night hotspot ‘The Brickyard’ which also offers tickets. Looks like everyone’s getting on board this fresh event and with prices starting from £25 it really is a “goer”.
Be sure to check out their Twitter handle for regular news and updates.
Licklist team