Huge three-week festival of sport and entertainment coming to Tamworth Castle Grounds this summer

A bumper three-week line-up of entertainment, live music and sports is being planned for Tamworth Castle Grounds this summer, promising daily fun for all the family.

The programme, called ‘Castle Summer Fest’, will take place from July 22 to August 13. It will include three large concerts by world famous artists, smaller live music shows, screenings, broadcasts, a whole host of sports events and demonstrations, the UK’s largest inflatable obstacle course, a silent disco, mass bingo, a 5K fun run, an attempt to break the world piggyback record and much more.

The aim is that there will be something taking place every single day in the grounds during the three-week period for families to enjoy. Many of the daytime activities will be free of charge, supported by a programme of ticketed events which it is hoped will attract audiences from a large area.

As well as the family entertainment, there will be a sporting theme to the event to tie in with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Organisers, Tamworth Borough Council’s Arts & Events team, are inviting local sports groups and organisations to get involved during the three weeks by hosting classes and demonstrations to raise awareness of their work in the town.

The highlight of Castle Summer Fest will be three large-scale open-air summer concerts. The first will be on Saturday, July 23, with The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra performing ‘Music from the Movies’, alongside special guests Russell Watson and The Overtones.

Singer, songwriter and musician Jack Savoretti will take to the stage on Friday, August 12, supported by Mel C, also known as ‘Sporty Spice’ of Spice Girls fame. (Tickets for this event go on sale on Saturday, May 28^thvia Ticketmaster).

Summer Fest will close on Saturday, August 13, with a huge party in the park celebration of the 1980s featuring the real deal singing sensations from one of the best musical eras.

Here and Now, the Very Best of the 80s will see Belinda Carlisle, Howard Jones, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Boney M, The Fizz, Toyah and Katrina of The Waves all performing on the Tamworth stage, after the crowds have been suitably warmed up by well-known Greatest Hits DJ Pat Sharp – also fondly remembered for hosting the Fun House TV show.

All event information and links to ticket sales are available via the Tamworth Arts and Events website. This will be regularly updated as additional events are confirmed.

‘Tamworth is the place to be this summer’

Cllr Robert Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “After the last couple of years with the pandemic and not being able to carry out the town’s usual popular programme of events, it seemed fitting to go all out this summer with a big celebration and link in to the Commonwealth Games coming to the region.

“Castle Summer Fest will be huge, with a real mix of events, offering something for everyone, including well-known artists performing in the town as well as demonstrations from the local sporting community. We hope lots of groups will come forward to take part and showcase what they have to offer.

“The idea is there will be something on every day throughout that three-week period in what we hope will be a real boost to the local economy in bringing visitors to the area.

“It’s also a good opportunity for town centre business to take full advantage of the additional crowds by coming up with events and promotions that will link into the Summer Fest programme and Commonwealth Games sporting theme.

“Tamworth is definitely the place to be for a summer of fun this year.”

• Any sports clubs or organisations interested in taking part can contact Karen Moss for more information at Karen-Moss@tamworth.gov.uk.

Town centre businesses, including the hospitality industry, are invited to find out more about the plans at an information session taking place in Tamworth Assembly Rooms on Tuesday, June 7, from 6pm to 7pm.