ERITH MADE FESTIVAL
SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER
THE 286 + CERI JAMES & THE RED FLAMES + THE WORRY PEOPLE
+ THEATREBOX
THE RIVERSIDE LIVE LOUNGE – PIER SQUARE, ERITH, LONDON
12PM-5PM
Erith Made is a weekend long festival on 9th and 10th September held at the riverside town of Erith, where South-East London meets Kent. Historically the municipal town has boasted the birthplace of artists, poets, philosophers, authors, gold-winning Olympic athletes, Formula One drivers, footballers, musicians, engineers, and Generals.
The Erith Town Partnership are, for the second year, are bringing back that spirit of independence of creativity across a number of the arts in a community-led charge across the weekend. The multi-venue event takes part across Erith Playhouse, Christ Church, Erith Rowing Club, The Exchange and Book Store, Riverside Shopping Centre, The Running Horses, St John’s Church and Pier Square.
They have announced the live bands for Sunday 10th September on Pier Square. The stage nestled at the entrance to London’s longest pier. In its heyday it was an entertainment hotspot; from archery to a bowling green, a maze and a broad walk and now, as it arches out in the River Thames, it showcases some of the finest musicians in South-East London and Kent.
The line-up features the majestic orchestral pop-rock of The 286, the country-folk-blues of Ceri James and the Red Flames and rock duo The Worry People.
The 286 are an orchestral rock band from South-East London. Spanning the genres of rock and classical music, The 286 write and perform their own songs which sound like a musical collaboration between The Beatles and Beethoven. They have played venues such as Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club and London’s Jazz Café and have supported 60s legends, The Zombies.
They have released three EPs to date. Their latest EP, released in August, ‘Rolling With the 286’ features the song Illusion and their impressive undertaking – with their our own arrangement -of Prokofiev’s iconic Romeo & Juliet – Emerson, Lake & Palmer also covered this classical piece in 1992 on their first album after reuniting – Black Moon.
You can also delve into their majestic previous singles, Walk in the Sky, Give & Take, Let the Rain Fall and Just Another Night.
The band have been lavished with critical praise which includes Folk Radio saying, “The 286 have created a musically rich and utterly charming love song that’ll tug at the heartstrings in all the right ways,” with Liverpool Sound & Vision bestowing this incredible statement, “The 286 are one of the finest bands to come out of London in over 30 years and it is with little wonder when they can produce music as substantial as this,” and Pop That Goes Crunch hailing their “Ful-fledged symphonic pop-rock with violins and cellos compliments the bass-guitar-drum approach…gorgeous.”
You can find out more about The 286: The 286 Website | The 286 Facebook | The 286 YouTube | The 286 Spotify | The 286 Instagram | The 286 Bandcamp
Singer-songwriter Ceri James grew up in South Wales but was born in London UK and is well known on the London circuit and beyond “I’ve had the best of both worlds”. He emerged during the 00’s from the New Cross music scene which was much publicised at the time by the NME. To date he has recorded 8 studio albums 3 EPs and 8 singles and has worked with the likes of Gordon Raphael (Strokes), Glenn Tilbrook (Squeeze) in the past but spends much of his time performing on the London folk circuit. He has toured in the UK, Europe and the USA and played venues such as Ronnie Scott’s (London), The Rainbow (LA) and on top of Antony Gormley’s plinth in Trafalgar Square. In the past he has received radio play on BBC Radio Wales, Resonance FM, Roots & Fusion Pure FM and many more. He fuses blues, country and folk.
He is most recent album is2022s ‘Urban Country Life’ and includes the singles Battle of Lewisham 1977 and Lovestruck Blues added to his cannon of fan favourites such as the glorious folk of When In Darkness/Games People Play and Another Chance.
Receiving rave reviews, RnR Magazine said his albums are, “chock full of interesting, semi-biographical and observational songs that draw the listener in, leaving us hungry for more back-story. James’ influences are steeped in classic British bands of the 60s. Hints of The Kinks and early Stones.” Whisperin’ and Hollerin’ rejoiced about “songs are filled with characters, and little stories about making music, life on the road…and packed with personality, sincerity and above all, energy.” God is In The TV exclaimed “Everything about the unassuming and succinctly expressed music and demeanor of Ceri James is, endearingly, personal.” With The Sound Lounge saying “There’s a wonderful, tuneful touch to Ceri’s songs, many with a punch-the-air anthemic quality with hooks & choruses. Throw in lyrics of social impact & protest & a joyous sense of fun & it’s soon easy to conclude that Ceri James has it all.”
Find out more about Ceri James: Ceri James Facebook | Ceri James Twitter | Ceri James YouTube | Ceri James Instagram | Ceri James Spotify
The Worry People are one of the most exciting new bands coming out of Kent. The rock-duo based in Ashford. They put have released 2 EP’s since the start of 2022 with the insatiably catching earworm Wait For You which was featured on Abbie McCarthy’s BBC Radio 1 Introducing show. Formed by friends Sam Stewart and Ryan Dodd after knowing each other for a decade, the began playing together in 2020.
The band have a special ability to blend euphoric arena sized choruses with infectious melodies destined for the radio which you can get a taste for on the videos for Homesick, Just Because, Bag of Hats and Eden. The band are currently working on the follow up EP.
Find out more about The Worry People: The Worry People Facebook | The Worry People YouTube | The Worry People Spotify | The Worry People Instagram
Also, the stage will host soloists from the local adult commercial choir and the multi-award winning Performing Arts Academy Theatrebox and their Voices of The Makers.
Erith Made Festival. 9& 10 September, Erith, London. Various venues.
For more info visit: www.welcometoerith.com
