WITH the last of the big summer music festivals having taken place, young music fans in Petersfield at last have something a bit closer to home to celebrate. Last weekend's Reading and Leeds festivals may have whet the appetitie, and now young bands and fans from across East Hampshire can experience the big stage themselves at Butserfest 2007. Many of the major summer music festivals, such as Glastonbury, were blighted by bad weather and mud, but organisers hope the sun shines for the new event at Butser Hill, in Queen Elizabeth Country Park, near Petersfield, on September 15. For many of the bands it will be the biggest gig of their careers, with up to 2,000 people expected to attend. In addition to local artists, some of the best up- and-coming bands in the country will head the line-up for the East Hampshire District Council-run event, including Eliot Minor, fresh from a top 20 hit with their single Jessica. Furthest Drive Home are also making waves, with their debut mini album The Complete First Series described as a "sparkling debut" by Kerrang magazine. Two of the local bands supporting them – Vallenbrosa and Pickled Dick – are featured in the Razor compilation CD sent out with the latest edition of Metalhammer magazine. The line-up is completed by local acts Linchpin, Day of Rising, Alternative Carpark, Hayley Harland, Moma Jest, Oblivion, Origin, Splendid Eddie, Waking Jayne, and The Weather Committee. Bob Coleman, East Hampshire District Council's community and youth democracy worker, said: "Young people have been saying to us for some time that there is not enough for them to do in the local area. "That's why the council leader Ferris Cowper came up with the idea of this festival, which is aimed mainly at teenagers, those in bands who want a chance to play, and those who love music and find it difficult to travel to other events. "Young bands from the area who are just starting out will take to the stage to kick off the event, and then three really good local bands who have played a lot but are still unsigned will be on stage as the event heads into the evening. They are supporting four bands who are on the brink of big things who will headline the event." In addition to the bands, there will be other attractions such as bungee runs and "weird and wonderful entertainers", according to organisers. Tickets are priced £10 for the day. For more details of Butserfest, visit http://www.myspace.com/butserfest">www.myspace.com/butserfest.
