Hereford AppleFest Kick Off

Hereford AppleFest Kick Off, 12-9pm, Hereford High Town

Head to Hereford High Town on Saturday 30 September for the Hereford AppleFest Kick Off featuring live music, performances, children’s activities, exhibitions, trails, the Saturday market and more!

Live music starts from midday on the Encore Stage and features something for all the family, including local acts, bands, choirs, and community music – headlined by the UK’s #1 Ska tribute band 2 Rude at 8pm (see timetable).

Whilst you’re there visit the CAMRA Cider Marquee for local artisan ciders and apple juice, take in HCA Art & Design students’ displays around the site, stumble upon pop-up performances from HCA Performing Arts Students, and experience Catcher Media‘s apple film.

There will be plenty of free activities to keep the little ones busy until 5pm! Located at the Kids’ area outside M&S you’ll find a hefty bunch of apple themed craft activities provided by the Carnival Arts Group, such as wand, necklace and crown making, bunting, drawing and a chalk wall.

The Saturday market will still be there too, located along Commercial Street.

Noise Hotline for Kick Off event in High Town, Hereford, 12-9pm – 07487 516861

Encore Stage Timetable:

12.00  Official Opening by the Right Worshipful the Mayor of Hereford, Cllr Jacqui Carwardine

12.05  Choral Diversity – Choral Diversity Choir firmly believes in the mantra, “If you can talk, you can sing,” embracing the idea that everyone should have the opportunity to find their voice and experience the joy of singing! All are welcome, whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply love singing in the car. Based in Leominster, Choral Diversity has been running since 2016 under the direction of Beth Melling.

Members have the exciting opportunity to perform at various events throughout the year, showcasing a diverse repertoire that spans feel-good contemporary tunes, pop, musical theatre, classical, and more! Notably, the choir has raised over £24,000 for various charitable causes.

12.45  HCA Music Students

13.30  Livewire – Encore’s inclusive popular music development programme for anyone 11-21 interested in music.

14.15  Hereford Sixth Form College Music Students

15.00  Cider City Jazz – Cider City Jazz are a 6-piece Jazz Band from Herefordshire. The band formed in 1995 from a collective of musicians who came together from across the county and who all just could not get enough of the sounds of Duke Ellington, George Melly & Louis Armstrong. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses an authentic jazz sound with their own blend of mirth and merriment that will make you want to smile, laugh and dance your night away.

16.00  Vocalise Choir – Formed only two years ago, they’ve gone from strength to strength under their Musical Director Joanne Lowry, already performing in the biggest city venues…..The Courtyard Theatre and Hereford Cathedral and returning for this year’s AppleFest! They have gained success at the HPA Festival and in other local competitions and are very much looking forward to the year ahead. Vocalise choir have joined Gareth Malone on his “Sing Along Gareth” tour where they performed alongside 4 stellar singers, a live band and of course Gareth Malone himself.

16.40 13 Rivers – A 5 piece band from Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, performing original music and Rock Covers since 2019. They have recently released their first 3 singles on all streaming platforms.

17.45  XL5 – One of the best party bands in Herefordshire offering an eclectic mix of high quality hit songs from all genres. Performed by four accomplished musicians and a theatrical frontman with a big voice, XL5 have a wealth of live and studio experience and have played together as a band for the past twelve years. Having successfully provided entertainment for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events and festivals nationwide, XL5 have earned a reputation for leaving their audience with a memorable experience.

18.50   RUBBLE – A multi-genre rock covers band.

19.55  2 Rude – For most ska fans 1980 had to be the year. The music of The Specials along with Madness, The Beat, The Selecter and Bad Manners were the sounds on your radio. Britain was a bleak place back then, and the music that brightened those days was the sounds of the great 2 Tone bands.  It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, it was a movement that united people and continues to this day.

Driven by a passion for this movement, 2 Rude were drawn together at the dawn of 2009 and have not looked back since. The band plays the very best of the 2 Tone era, recreating the live sound of bands like The Specials, Madness, The Beat, Bad Manners and more. The band is made up of 7 first class musicians with a caliber that is second to none and a combined number of gigs literally in the thousands.

In the period of time that 2 Rude have been on the scene they have grown in stature, playing sell-out shows and headlining festivals, and leaving audiences breathless and shouting for more. The band have shared stages with the likes of Bad Manners, The Selecter, From The Jam, Aswad, Soul II Soul and Midge Ure as their stature has grown, and have even played with Roddy Byers of The Specials on several occasions.

The band’s repertoire is literally bursting at the seams, with songs representing the very best of what a real live ska band is. Being a band in great demand with a whole string of bookings, their live show has to be seen to be truly appreciated. 2 Rude are as authentic as a fist full of ska, and will not disappoint.