THE latest seasonal music festival at The Derby is set to take place this week, featuring the best of the local scene and a handful of highly-rated out-of-town artists.

Before Sunset returns to the Barrow venue for four days - from Thursday until Sunday - with 15 acts set to hit the stage.

The full line-up has now been confirmed, with singer-songwriter Avishek Choudhury getting it all under way on the opening night, playing his self-penned acoustic pop set.

Former Jumbo Jamz pair Robbie Jay Coplen and Zac Thompson then follow him - the highly-rated duo each performing solo sets of unplugged covers and originals, before the first headline set of the weekend sees Paper Cranes take to the stage, playing their stripped back indie folk tunes.


Derby regular and local favourite Jamie Bosanko will kick off the Friday show, before the first visiting acts of the festival appear: new indie rock four-piece The Flatline make the journey up from Manchester; and Milton Keynes alt pop outfit The Hallows perform from their new album, Of Time and Tides, which is due to be released this weekend. The trio are led by vocalist and pianist Sarah Rodriguez, who has appeared at festivals such as Glastonbury and SXSW with her previous bands.

The final set of the evening will be a particularly poignant one, with the Coultons and The Roomers paying tribute to their good friend Collie Stewart by playing the songs that he wrote and performed with the band - a show that has been extremely well-received at events such as Another Fine Fest and Grizefest in recent months.

Saturday's opener will be Jonny Regan from local rock outfit Wildfire, and he will join a hard-hitting line-up, with Oldham grunge outfit Void and brand-new rock band Twin Addicts making way for The Shapes - a band that started up last year, and features Pariahs frontman Hayden Barlow on guitar and vocals.

The final evening starts with a solo set from local songstress Kate Oates, followed by a much-anticipated live set from Rachael Sage. The New York-based multi-instrumentalist and vocalist was included on this year's "pre-Grammy" nominations list, and has previously shared the stage with Ani DiFranco, Sarah McLachlan, and Shawn Colvin. She will be accompanied by her violinist on stage in Barrow.

Local favourites Shed Sessions headline at The Derby once more, playing a selection of covers spanning the past seven decades to round out the weekend.


Organiser Paul Coulton, from Still Frame Promotions, says: "In what has been a rough year for the local music scene, with the passing of one of it's clear leaders and on a personal level one of my best friends, Collie Stewart, all we can do is continue to bring a smile and a memory or two to live music lovers in the area, at his favourite venue.

"I decided it would be fitting for me and my brother to join forces with the remaining Roomers and play on the Friday night. We're going to celebrate like Collie like it's 1999!

"This is now the third year of these quarterly four-day festivals and, to be honest, I love the process of looking and listening to new acts to book ever more.

"As always, there is a gaggle of home favourites and favourites of mine, PC, Robbie Jay, Mr Bosanko, all Derby regulars - Zac Thompson being one who's starting to really shine now with his songwriting being a highlight, as well as bands from away to whom me and the fans are always grateful for making the trip to our town.

"I really like the vibe of Void, who've got a bit of bite to them, and there is a recognisable Barrow-born face in his new project, Twin Addicts, which might surprise a few people. The Hallows have played some elite gigs, including Glasto, so i'm excited to hear them live - as I am with all bands, otherwise I wouldn't have asked them to play!"

Before Sunset takes place at The Derby from Thursday August 24 to Sunday 27. Each evening's performances get under way at 9pm, and entrance is free.