Latest news with #Melksham
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Town to host first throwback festival
Big name music stars, including Tinchy Stryder, So Solid Crew, and Artful Dodger will perform at the first Wiltshire Throwback Festival this year. The 18+ festival will take place at Oakfield stadium, Melksham, from 20 -21 June. An application for the two-day festival was approved by Wiltshire Council's licensing sub committee on Wednesday, after other organisations withdrew their objections. Nico Menghini, co director of festival organisers Jarboom told the Local Democracy Reporting Service "We're ecstatic, especially considering the amount of work we've put in to satisfy the authorities." More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire Wiltshire Highways and Wiltshire Police had expressed concern about congestion and parking. The police also said the organiser's security plans were insufficient and there was no drugs or alcohol management plan. Melksham Town Council had also said that they were worried about the noise it would create. In response, the festival directors submitted plans drawn up by professional consultants, including medical assessment, fire risks, noise management, drugs and alcohol, waste management and security. Mr Menghini said they were "very close" to selling out the 3,000 tickets allocated for each day and "we're already in the early planning stages for year two". "We went with the throwback theme because everyone loves a bit of nostalgia and being reminded of happier times," he said. Friday's line-up includes Liz Mitchell - one of the original singers Boney M - along with ska band Bad Manners, glam rockers Doctor and the Medics, and 80s kids TV star Timmy Mallet. On Saturday, the line-up includes 80s and 90s chart-toppers from the hip-hop, R&B and UK garage scenes, including So Solid Crew, Tinchy Stryder, Artful Dodger, and Blazin' Squad. Boyband 911 are also on the bill, while early 2000s TV presenters Dick & Dom will be DJing. "Dick & Dom especially were a no-brainer for me – I knew I had to have them at the first festival," Mr Menghini said. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Thousands party at Shindig festival's new venue What's on at the new-look Shindig Festival? Sports clubs hope to host festivals at stadium Wiltshire Throwback Festival Local Democracy Reporting Service
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Wiltshire Throwback Festival to go ahead after securing license
Big name music stars, including Tinchy Stryder, So Solid Crew, and Artful Dodger will perform at the first Wiltshire Throwback Festival this 18+ festival will take place at Oakfield stadium, Melksham, from 20 -21 June. An application for the two-day festival was approved by Wiltshire Council's licensing sub committee on Wednesday, after other organisations withdrew their Menghini, co director of festival organisers Jarboom told the Local Democracy Reporting Service "We're ecstatic, especially considering the amount of work we've put in to satisfy the authorities." Wiltshire Highways and Wiltshire Police had expressed concern about congestion and parking. The police also said the organiser's security plans were insufficient and there was no drugs or alcohol management plan. Melksham Town Council had also said that they were worried about the noise it would response, the festival directors submitted plans drawn up by professional consultants, including medical assessment, fire risks, noise management, drugs and alcohol, waste management and Menghini said they were "very close" to selling out the 3,000 tickets allocated for each day and "we're already in the early planning stages for year two"."We went with the throwback theme because everyone loves a bit of nostalgia and being reminded of happier times," he said. Friday's line-up includes Liz Mitchell - one of the original singers Boney M - along with ska band Bad Manners, glam rockers Doctor and the Medics, and 80s kids TV star Timmy Saturday, the line-up includes 80s and 90s chart-toppers from the hip-hop, R&B and UK garage scenes, including So Solid Crew, Tinchy Stryder, Artful Dodger, and Blazin' Squad. Boyband 911 are also on the bill, while early 2000s TV presenters Dick & Dom will be DJing."Dick & Dom especially were a no-brainer for me – I knew I had to have them at the first festival," Mr Menghini said.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- General
- The Guardian
Second Lib Dem MP withdraws support for England and Wales assisted dying bill
A second Liberal Democrat MP has said they have changed their mind over the assisted dying bill and will vote against it at the next Commons stage, in another sign of a wider, if so far slight, ebbing away of support for the measure. In an email to constituents, Brian Mathew, the Melksham and Devizes MP, said that while he had backed the bill at its second reading vote, in April, scrutiny of the plans had left 'several concerns I feel have been inadequately answered'. His announcement follows comments last week by Steve Darling, the Torbay MP who is also the Lib Democrat work and pensions spokesperson. Darling said that while he had backed the bill in April he was now 'marginally against' it, but had not yet decided whether he would vote against it or abstain. About eight other MPs who either supported the private member's bill, led by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, at its second reading or did not vote have said they will now oppose it. However, at least two who abstained in April are now supporters, while the Runcorn and Helsby byelection earlier in May resulted in a Labour MP who opposed the plan replaced by a Reform UK one who backs it. Given the second reading of the bill was passed with a majority of 55, the numbers thus far indicate it should also get through the third reading, scheduled for 20 June. A week before, on 13 June, MPs will debate amendments to the bill for a second day. The first day of debates on amendments drawn up during a lengthy committee stage resulted in some changes being agreed, including an opt-out for all healthcare workers from being involved in assisted dying, extending the exemption from just doctors. That debate also featured angry complaints from some MPs opposed to assisted dying after the prominent campaigner Esther Rantzen argued many in their camp were fighting against the changes to the law because of secret religious views. In his message to constituents, Mathew said he had heard 'eloquent and challenging viewpoints' from all sides, and he changed his stance over the bill following the recent weeks of debates. 'I share the concerns of many constituents that individuals facing terminal illness will take the decision based on concerns that they have become a burden upon their family,' he wrote. 'This is a serious concern for me; I worry that in someone's final days, this question will loom heavy when it does not need to.' This was all the more the case, Mathew said, when the palliative care system as it stood was so bad. Speaking ahead of the first day of debates about amendments, Leadbeater warned that if MPs voted down her bill at third reading then 'the conversation ends' on the subject, with dreadful consequences for many terminally ill people. She dismissed the idea that if the bill was defeated, the subject could return as government legislation or a royal commission, noting the long gap between the last time assisted dying was debated in the Commons, in 2015, and her efforts. 'What worries me is, if the bill doesn't pass, the conversation ends, and that would be really dreadful for so many people, for so many reasons,' she said.
BBC News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Melksham sports clubs hope to host music festivals at stadium
A football and rugby stadium may host regular live music events over several days if the clubs are successful in securing planning Town Football Club and Melksham Rugby Club hope to host music events at Oakfield Stadium lasting between one and four days, with a build and break phase before and after each clubs want permission to erect temporary structures including stages, bars and marquees, with the hope of hosting the Wiltshire Throwback Festival as its first live music event on 20 and 21 is anticipated the festival will attract up to 3,000 people per day, with the line-up including Boney M's Liz Mitchell, So Solid Crew, and Tinchy Stryder. The Local Democracy Reporting Service reports the festival will find out on Wednesday if it has secured the live music and alcohol licences needed for the event to go of the Wiltshire Throwback Festival aim to arrive on site on 16 June and begin erecting structures the following down the stages and other temporary structures from 22 June.A number of risk assessments were submitted to Wiltshire Council last week, covering medical assessments, fire risks, noise management, waste management, drugs and alcohol, and security. The traffic management plan, updated following consultation with Wiltshire Police and the highways authority, anticipates 875 cars parking at the site each day, along with 375 taxi drop-offs and roads will be closed to all but residents to prevent festivalgoers parking Community School's car park will also be used for drop-offs and would finish at 23:00, with Timmy Mallet, Artful Dodger, 911, and Dick and Dom - who will be DJing - among the other 80s, 90s, and 00s acts billed on the festival's line-up.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wiltshire in Pictures: Stunning Salisbury blooms
Continued good weather has made for some good snaps this week - but a Wiltshire resident has also been in the presence of royalty and another has celebrated her 111th birthday. Salisbury Cathedral's Flower Festival has seen the ancient space filled with stunning and creative blooms and displays. Wrestling's return delighted a crowd in Swindon, and a new hotshot has signed for Chippenham Town. Floral bonanza: Salisbury Cathedral's Flower Festival is on this week, finishing on Sunday. This year the event is called The Spirit of Water. More than 500 arrangers put together more than 30,000 blossoms for the festival, which was expected to attract about 15,000 visitors. Returning hero. Having trained in the town many years ago at the renowned 4FW (Four Front Wrestling) training, Eddie Ryan returned last weekend as the reigning Kingdom Pro Wrestling Heavyweight Champion. Known as 'The English Lion', he was part of the line-up at the Deanery Theatre (below). Royal recognition: Steve Coles, 72 from Melksham, has been helping young people by volunteering for the Duke of Edinburgh Award for 55 years, partly through his work with the sea cadets too. This week, he got to meet His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh at a Buckingham Palace celebration. Time for tea: A group that helps tackle loneliness has just celebrated 50 years of monthly tea parties. The Royal Wootton Bassett group of Re-engage has so far held 600 tea parties, prepared more than 7,000 scones, eaten at least 10,000 egg sandwiches and sipped more than 12,000 cups of tea. Rising star: Year 10 pupil at Lawn Manor Academy in Swindon, Bubacarr, has signed for Chippenham Town. He spent five weeks on trial before being offered a contract - the fastest time any player has done this for the club's under-16s team. He currently plays as a striker for Swindon Town Football Club's Boys advanced team, recently scoring seven goals in a tournament in Barcelona. A contrasting scene; Weather watcher Katrina captured a brief moment of dark cloud over Salisbury's water meadows and cathedral in what was otherwise a sunny day. Very big birthday: Anne Baker has been celebrating her 111th birthday as the oldest woman in Wiltshire. Her son David told the BBC it is not as easy for her to converse anymore but she is still sharp, often solving crossword clues. Mental health week: Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind organised a number of events for the national awareness week, including an art activity at Gorse Hill, Swindon. Wonderful weeds: Considered a pest by some, the beauty of thistles was captured by weather watcher Thistledown with this photograph of a sea of purple flowers in Great Bedwyn. Evening strolls: As the days become longer, it has become a little easier to take moon pictures and warmer for a walk too, as weather watcher Nelly PS did in Froxfield. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Wiltshire in Pictures: VE Day and bank holiday sun Wiltshire in Pictures: Sunshine and school success Wiltshire in Pictures: Flowers and Easter flames Wiltshire in pics: Magical murals and an Easter donkey Wiltshire in Pictures: Blossoms and celebrations Wiltshire in pictures: Sun, wonky roads and pigeons Wiltshire in Pictures: Let the music play Wiltshire in pics: Spring equinox and indoor moon Wiltshire in pics: cows, Crufts and challenges Wiltshire in pictures: Sunshine and Shrove Tuesday Wiltshire in pictures: Crocuses and a tiny newt Wiltshire in pictures: Bird life and art hunt Wiltshire in Pictures: Romance in the animal world Wiltshire in Pics: Football, floods and remembrance Wiltshire in Pictures: Tunnels, murals and sunrises Wiltshire in Pictures: Toothbrushes, tigers and barges Wiltshire in pictures: animals enjoying the snow Wiltshire in pictures: Cold snap brings frosty scenes Wiltshire in pictures: Presents, bats and meerkats Wiltshire in Pictures: Star Wars and 'Fudgehenge' Wiltshire in Pics: Prince William and Storm Bert Wiltshire in pictures: Remembrance and light shows Wiltshire in pictures: Royal visit and mason's award Wiltshire in pictures: Halloween and sacred stones Wiltshire in pictures: Daleks, bats and pigs Wiltshire in pictures: Welcoming the troops home In pictures: Dragons, cows and Jane Austen Wiltshire in pictures: Culture and murals Wiltshire in pictures: Spinal tattoos to air tattoos Wiltshire in pictures: Exotic animals and Stonehenge Wiltshire in pictures: Silhouettes and bras Wiltshire in pictures: Reunions, sunflowers and maize Wiltshire in pictures: New sports hub and wartime cakes
