This Is Guernsey

Brixton outfit Alabama 3, who headlined Glastonbury’s left field stage, have been announced as the main act at this year’s Vale Earth Fair, a major coup for the event’s organisers. (0592688)

This year’s headline act for the Vale Earth Fair has been confirmed as cult country techno rockers Alabama 3.

The nine-piece Brixton band founded and led by Larry Love and the Very Reverend Dr D Wayne Love will be taking to the castle stage at 10pm on Sunday 24 August.

The band’s ironic blend of punk rock blues and country techno plus outrageous live performances has seen them win critical acclaim and led the producers of hit US series The Sopranos to choose the track, Woke Up This Morning, from the band’s 1997 album, Exile on Coldharbour Lane, to accompany the show’s opening credits.

‘We’re thrilled that we’ve managed to secure such a quality act,’ said Vale Earth Fair Collective member Rob Roussel.  ‘The group’s eclectic sound and satirical take on life are a perfect fit with the Vale Earth Fair, plus they are long-time supporters of the Burma Campaign and Amnesty International – charities we’ve supported for many years.’

The Vale Earth Fair, Guernsey’s longest running music festival, is now in its 32nd year and still holds true to its original aim – to showcase the best of local, UK and international live music while raising awareness and money for various humanitarian causes.

‘Over the last few years, the event has become increasingly well known on the festival circuit,’ says collective member Rachael Cumberland Dodd.

‘Its reputation as a unique and diverse music event goes far beyond the Channel Islands.

‘This year we have been inundated with bands asking us if they could play. It seems that acts that have previously played here have recommended the event to them. The acts seem to love the home-grown vibe, the lack of commercialism and our ethical values,’ said Rachael.

Sharing the stage with Alabama 3 are Reggae funsters Titan System, London funk/hip-hoppers Future Shape of Sound, runners-up of Channel 4’s Unsigned series Hijack Oscar, Jersey-based indie band The Author and Guernsey’s own dark disco-collective Gay Army.  Other acts playing on two other stages and arenas will be announced shortly.

*The event takes place on Sunday 24 August from noon until midnight. Tickets will cost £10 in advance and will be available soon from No. 19, Sound City, Saiko and other local outlets. Tickets on the day will cost £15. Under-14s go free.