![TOP NOTCH: A line up of more than a dozen performers take to two stages at TCR Hub, Barnard Castle, on August 17, including star in the making, Connor Thomas](/assets/images/articles/medium/7903.jpg)
TOP notch original music will be the order of the day when the fourth Summer Hub Fest takes place in Barnard Castle next month.
The day-long music festival will be staged at the TCR Hub and features more than a dozen performers on two stages.
Among the local artists taking part will be dale troubadours Los Capitanes, duo Moss, featuring Bee Davison, Trudy Brunskill and John Rackham, Kirsty McLachlan and Peter Cockerill.
Joining them will be the likes of Cappy – Lincolnshire singer-songwriter Darren Capp – who recently released his first album, and acoustic star-in-the-making Connor Thomas.
This year’s festival takes place on Saturday, August 17, starting at 12.30pm.
Promoter Dave Palmer said the event was becoming an established part of the local music scene.
“A few years ago, we decided we needed a space for original musicians to have a platform to sing and perform.
“We started off with a half day session on a Saturday afternoon and it worked very well.”
He added: “The beauty of the Hub is that it doesn’t matter about the weather. If it’s fine, you can be outdoors and have a really fine time; if it’s inclement we can pull it all indoors.”
As in previous years, the main stage will be set up in the hall with the doors open so festival goers can either get up close or listen from outside.
The acoustic stage will be set up outdoors. If it is a wet day, it will be brought indoors to another of the Hub’s performance areas.
“The important thing is that the quality of performers is the best we can get for the budget we have,” said Mr Palmer.
“Cappy, for example – the quality of his songs are of a high standard, he has just launched his first album, it’s a great album and we are really pleased to have him here.
“Connor Thomas is an outstanding musician who has played in Nashville. I can’t express how talented he is,” he added.
“The festival is aimed at all music lovers who want to take a chance on some original music. We have to be different. There are lots of events around the area and there is no point in us doing exactly the same as everyone else.”
Tickets for this year’s Summer Hub Fest are on sale for £14 adults and £6 for those aged five to 16. The under fives go free.
For full details, go to www.tcrhub.co.uk or search Summer Hub Fest on the Hub’s social media.