The Peace Gardens Stage sponsored by Smoke BBQ returns for Tramlines 2017 with a jam-packed programme whilst world-class street performers will entertain the crowds at Barker’s Pool.
The Peace Gardens Stage has become a crucial part of Tramlines, showcasing Sheffield artists with a global flavour and musicians from various youth and community groups, presented by local DJ and promoter, Papa Al.
This stage will feature music from the Caribbean, Angola, Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Latin America, all played by Sheffield based musicians.
From the first act featuring the amazing dance moves of Angolan dancer Angelina Abel, to the closing party on Sunday headed up by the bombastic 11-piece Mango Rescue Team, Papa Al guarantees a two day show that will get the crowd moving and shaking. On Saturday there's ska beats from Smiling Ivy; pure Congolese dance music from Soukous Revelation; high energy tropical Afro-funk from the Forefathers; brass driven reggae and ska from Steel City Rhythm; roots reggae and lover's rock from Truly Apparent; blistering ska and reggae with Jungle Lion and headlining, infectious West African vibes from the nationally famous KOG & the Zongo Brigade.
Sunday tips its hat to Sheffield's youth and community activities and kicks off with rapidly ascending Barnsley based indie rock quartet, Sundance. It will also feature blues and reggae from the young Rogue Fiesta, the band who met at Boomtown Festival, Concord Youth Brass Band and the finals of the internationally acclaimed Dope 'n' Mean breakdance competition.
Meanwhile, locally based Musical Works presents a four hour showcase featuring performances by young adults with learning difficulties, together with some of Sheffield's finest hip hop and r'n'b artists. This will include 5 bands from Under The Stars, a music project for adults with learning disabilities. Also featured is Otis Mensah, a widely acclaimed Sheffield based hip-hop MC who is currently performing all over the country.
Barker’s Pool outside the City Hall will play host to some of the best street theatre performers on the circuit over the Tramlines weekend. As is previous years, this has been put together by Professor Vanessa Toulmin from Sheffield University, an expert on the history of circus entertainment in the UK and is delivered by Yellow Bus Events with their iconic yellow school bus used a base for the performers.
Roaming the streets of Sheffield and performing to the crowds at Barker’s Pool will be acts including Granny Turismo, a group of grannies gone bad who rampage around on souped-up shopping trollies. Also in attendance will be local madhatter, Maynard FlipFlap, St Joans Ambulance and many more wacky performers. This is a great place to bring families with many of the acts including interactive elements.
Whilst entry to the Peace Gardens is free, the area is subject to capacity and safety restrictions. Bag searches will be in operation and visitors will be unable to bring outside alcohol into this area.
The last remaining tickets for the wristbanded areas of the festival are still available from just £45 plus booking fee, but go off sale on Thursday 20th July so be quick! Tickets can be purchased from www.tramlines.org.uk
Published on 23 July 2017 by Ben Robinson
