Big Bike Bash - Local musicians answer call to play on The Stray

Harrogate Borough Council with the support of the Harrogate Advertiser is looking to showcase local talent at The Big Bike Bash next month.

As well as exciting plans to recreate some of last summer’s amazing Tour de France spirit in the town with cycling on the actual route taken by the likes of Mark Cavendish, there will also be an Event Village with a live music stage.

Since the Advertiser highlighted this great opportunity for the district’s musicians to showcase their talents in last week’s paper, we have been inundated with interest.

One of the bands even suggested it deserved a slot because its own name was based on The Stray!

Among the acts who are keen to play The Big Bike Bash, which runs from June 19-21 are Knaresborough’s celebrity DJ Rory Hoy who wowed the crowds at the Fan Park in last year’s Grand Depart.

Young Harrogate band Summer City who won the AMP Awards in 2011 got in touch to say they would love to perform.

The director of Harrogate Youth Jazz Orchestra, Fiona Waddington, also offered to lend support while Matt Henry of local band The Bootsen Cats said they would love to play a “home grown event.”

Meanwhile, Derek Patterson of Stray Dogs brandished their credentials by saying “we are truly local, even using the words The Stray in our name!”

Harrogate Borough Council leader, Coun Richard Cooper said: “We are really pleased by the interest which has been generated for the first ever Harrogate Big Bike Bash this summer. It is set to be a great event for both the local community and visitors.

“As well as the race itself, there are a whole host of activities planned for the whole family. Local businesses have been keen to become involved within the event village.

“We have been approached by a number of local bands hoping to showcase their talents on the entertainment stage, but we would still be keen to hear from other performers interested in taking part.”

Other acts volunteering their services so far include alt-rock band Day Old Hate, singer-songwriter Matt Anderson, Jonathan Skinner’s rock band The Omega Era, bluesy country band Stockyard Crossing, popular Elvis and rock n roll performer Les Lomax and DJ Jeff ‘Superworm Disco’ Wormald.

Anyone interested in playing should email [email protected] or [email protected]