On Friday 17th August the clouds finally broke as Frank Turner opened the main stage in epic style and brought some extra sunshine to Somerset at the Strummer of Love Festival.
The Clash City Rockers stage was lit up as Frank Turner launched the festival with his unique brand of rousing folk-punk. Coming on the back of his performance at the opening of the London Olympics, his high-energy solo set left the crowds raring to go!
Frank said: “I’ve been looking forward to Strummer Of Love all summer, it’s a win, win situation. I love Joe Strummer and the people who run the event are some of my best friends. It’s a little damp but that wouldn’t have stopped Joe and it hasn’t stopped me! We are all going to have a great time this weekend.”
Strummer of Love, a one-off, unique festival to commemorate the late, great Joe Strummer is taking place at the Blackdown Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the middle of the Somerset countryside this weekend.
Festival organiser Trish Whelan said: “It’s been an incredible start to the festival with the atmosphere buzzing and everyone getting into the true festival spirit. We’ve already enjoyed a truly wonderful show from Frank Turner kicking off the first day. With the likes of Seasick Steve, The Pogues, Basement Jaxx and Joe’s best friend Mick Jones and his Justice Tonight band yet to come it’s set to be a truly sensational weekend.”
Taking place on the weekend of 17-19 August, the event marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Joe Strummer, the legendary Clash front-man, and features a host of globally renowned performers.
Strummer was a tireless community activist and remains a powerful and inspirational force whose art, convictions and energy spans the decades and unites generations.
In honour of Strummer’s world views proceeds from the festival will benefit the work of Strummerville: The Joe Strummer New Music Foundation, which was set up in the singer’s memory by his friends and family following his untimely death.
Published on 18 August 2012 by Wayne Feltham
