A TWO-day music festival has announced it will go ahead as planned and use the event to celebrate the Queen’s service.
The Mucky Weekender music festival, as hosted by band the Dub Pistols, is returning to Vicarage Farm in Woodmancott on Friday, September 9 for two days of entertainment.
On Thursday evening, September 8, Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty The Queen who reportedly “died peacefully at Balmoral”, her Scottish royal residence, in the afternoon.
As the nation begins to mourn, a time of uncertainty looms with various closures being announced. Despite statements from local Winchester venues, such as the Theatre Royal and Marwell Zoo, saying they will close temporarily to pay respect to the Queen the Mucky Weekender will continue on.
READ MORE: Theatre Royal Winchester announces closure as city mourns the death of Her Majesty The Queen
Barry Ashworth, festival organiser and Dub Pistols frontman, said: "The festival is going ahead and we will respectfully celebrate the queen’s life.
"We have the upmost respect for the Queen Elizabeth II and the service she has committed to our country, this weekend we shall unite at the festival and celebrate her life’s service by having the mother of all parties in her honour.”
The festival also posted on Facebook to inform visitors, some of which were already on their way to the area when Buckingham Palace broke the news.
People responded to the post with positive comments. Liam Nightingale commented: “My thoughts exactly. It is a sad and historic time. I’m not a traditional royalist but may she RIP. Let’s party for Liz”.
SEE ALSO: Winchester music festival, Mucky Weekender, prepares to kickstart the weekend at Vicarage Farm
The gates opened at 8am on Friday, September 9. Performances at the festival, named after one of the band’s best-selling singles Mucky Weekend, are set to start at midday. The two-day event will conclude entertainment at 2.30am, September 11.
Live-in vehicle passes have sold out, but other tickets are still available. For more go to https://mucky-weekender.co.uk/.
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