Hacienda Classical kicks off Hardwick Festival

A SPECTACLE that brings together orchestral and dance music to put a new twist on the sounds of one of the most influential club scenes will be kicking off this year’s Hardwick Festival.

The annual event – held at Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield –  has now been extended to three days, launching on Friday 18 August with Hacienda Classical, celebrating the music which was born out of Manchester’s legendary The Hacienda.

And the performance – which has already played to rave reviews everywhere from Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage to the Royal Albert Hall – is a must, having been described as everything from “poignantly powerful” to “magnificently mesmeric.”

The Hacienda was instrumental in the careers of greats such as Oasis, Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses and The Chemical Brothers and it’s the music of this era which has been revived and reworked in a lavish production.

Hacienda DJ Graeme Park will spin the club classics, supported by the Manchester Camerata Orchestra, which has collaborated with everyone from New Order to Lewis Capaldi.

Opening night will also see Craig Charles’ Funk and Soul, with the internationally renowned DJ bringing a live version of his BBC Radio 6 show.

Classic tracks, new releases and wall-to-wall funk and soul hits are on the cards, provided by Charles who is described as “a one man party machine.”

Homegrown northern funk will head up the Treehouse Arena, where Smoove and Turrell will be performing their mix of funk, soul, hip-hop and electronica.

Also appearing at the Treehouse is DJ Luke Una, who formed with fellow Unabomber Justin Crawford and founded Electric Chair, a cornerstone cult night in the UK’s underground club scene.

He’s gained an international following by combining the legacy of Manchester’s music scene of the 80s and 90s with what modern audiences demand.

Completing the Treehouse line-up is veteran DJ Pete Wharrier playing everything from “ soul drenched electronica, from electro funk and nu-jazz through dirty disco to deep house, smooth techno and afro beats.” 

The strong line-up sets the scene for a weekend of big name appearances including Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Kooks, Johnny Marr, Freya Ridings and Melanie C – with more than 50 acts performing.

A top DJ line up, family friendly entertainment, a fun fair and street food village contribute to making Hardwick Festival one of the region’s top music events.

For ticket information visit www.hardwickfestival.co.uk