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to THE BIG WHEEL BLUES FESTIVAL and THE MERRILL LYNCH - ACOUSTIC STAGE - This year the Festival as whole will see some big action behind the scenes: Major personnel changes, more organisers and fixers, an expansion of sponsorship to include the entire community from big companies to small ones, individuals and groups. We believe that a community based event such as this should involve everyone within it - well, everyone who wants to be part of it. Neverthless a professional approach will be needed to coordinate the ever expanding Festival and we wish the new Chairman, Mick Hegarty, and his team the very best of luck in their efforts to bring to bear the kind of quiet efficient friendly professionalism that the festival increasingly requires. David and I are delighted to be part of the new Festival Committee. The tremendous efforts made by Dave Wade and his wife Carrie to not only dream up the idea of the Festival, some years ago, but to get it off the ground and make it the overall success that it has undoubtedly become, is acknowledged by everyone who has been and continues to be involved in the Festival organisation. All things must pass though and it is with regret that we note their retirment from the front line. No tears, no tears, for they will still be very much involved, albeit less frantically (we'll see!), as Dave is not only the new honorary President (All Hail) in a non- executive capacity but he will also be looking after A and R for the main event as well as checking to see that all is right in the health and safety areas of the Festival - a very important role of course. So, despite the changes, things keep rolling along towards May 2002 very nicely. The Acoustic Stage is especially pleased that the stage's main sponsor, Merrill Lynch , will be involved once again. These guys are very much 'hands on' men and are not only great supporters of the technical and financial aspects of the event but they get down there mob-handed too, pint in hand, with many a guest in party mood. Without the help and encouragement of Merrill Lynch together with substantial assistance from Paul, the Bosun Brewery and The Shore Hotel as well as all the bands and muso's who give of their time so incredibly generously, the acoustic stage could never have been able to expand so successfully. Thanks to everyone. 
The Shore Hotel will again be our venue for May 2002 and where could it be better? Probably the best beer on the island, a riverside setting, virtually no traffic, a BBQ, and non-stop music. What did we do before all this? Click right here for a map and, for those coming to the Island, travel details. You can take a look at the May '02 programme as it develops by clicking here or on the dog to the left on the navigation bar. We can even email you a copy of it, just let us have your address by clicking here . |
