Music Features

Nearly every corner of the globe will be represented at this year’s Musicport festival in October, which has moved from its eight year residency in Whitby to Bridlington’s new multi-million pound Spa theatre.

Organisers say they outgrew their previous venue and hope the festival will make a big impact on the town’s tourism and economy.

“We needed a bigger venue in order to have the space and facilities to gradually expand.” said festival director Jim McLaughlin. “The Spa at Bridlington offered us all those things we need to run the festival effectively.”

Toumani Diabate

“What we want to do is make something unusual and different happen in an area where things like that would not normally happen. I think that’s one of the charms of the festival.

“The fact that it can increase tourism and bring people into the town, at a time of year when maybe there isn’t so much happening, is also really good for the local economy.”

Renowned kora player Toumani Diabate, who has performed with artists such as Bjork and Damon Albarn, joins the line-up which includes The Levellers, Rolf Harris and jazz pianist Zoe Rahman.

Local musicians on the bill include Edwina Hayes, The Hut People, Dyframix and family band The Alleycats, who all performed recently at a warm up event in a Bridlington beach hut to publicise the festival.