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Issue:- 11/12 November 2009

The last November Southport Weekender, but not the last Southport Weekender!

THE biannual music festival held at Pontins, just outside Southport, was held yet again from 6 November through to 8 November 2009. It is now the UK's longest running music festival and it has evolved massively from its beginnings as a small Soul Music Weekender. The event normally attract a 5000 capacity crowd to the indoor event and it now stands as the most musically diverse music weekender in the UK. It attracts people from as far as New Zealand, the USA and even Russia and China, yet locally little is still acknowledged or understood about this phenomenal event. It is even seen as one of the most important event on the world's music calendar by MTV and many top music names. It was awarded the title, 'The
Worlds Most Friendliest Music Event' via MTV. The crowds who arrive find a summer festival vibe, but without having to gamble with the British weather. Inside they find an awe-inspiring mass of musical tastes, split in to arenas, including the largest purpose built indoor dance room in the UK, known to many Weekender fans as the Powerhouse. Sadly this year, both the May and November events have seen a drop in numbers attending for the first time in its history, probably due to the economic climate, so the decision has been made to cancel the 2010 November Weekender and focus all attention on the May Weekender in 2010. Having said that, this year's events have been fantastic for every one attending. November was no exception to the high standards of musical talent and entertainment, with top live acts, like Mica Pari and India both performing in concert. It was not just singers and DJ's, the amazing Jazzanova band, featuring Paul Randolph and Azymuth played to packed out rooms; not forgetting the Sunburst Band as well! Also taking to the stage were Zed Bias Experience which featured Omar, Tawiah and Jenna G... I cannot leave out these two good acts either, Donaeo and Yasmeen. Unlike many three day events, Southport Weekender's history and diversity makes it an act in itself, but credit must go also to the many DJ's including many of the Weekender regulars like Norman Jay, Max Rees, Snowboy, Kev Beadle, Bob Jeffries, Terry Jones and Ansy Davies, to name just a few. Without them, the event would not be so much fun.

As they have scrapped the November event, expect a massive run on tickets for May 2010's event. With all focus now on the May 2010 event, and given the quality of the world's leading DJ talent and live acts which have previously contributed, expect to see some even more stunning accompanied live acts and guest PAs attending. Watch the battle to play at the next prestigious event commence very soon...! So book your tickets now by going to southportweekender.co.uk. Take note, India told the audience at this event:- "This is best soulful music event and this music is real music, unlike that on X-Factor." So don't miss out! Just take a look at the thousands of people on the Weekenders' forums, who had wanted to go in November, but were unable to attend and are now vowing never to miss another! For now we have a small taste of the event through the photographs our editor, Patrick Trollope, has taken at the event, with lots more being in next week's issue. To see this week's pictures, click on here now!

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