High notes of Matlock Festival

Benjy performing at The Loft, Matlock, on July 17

Town venue The Loft launches the celebrations on Friday, July 17, with The Acoustic Lounge featuring performers from the local area..

Heading up the night will be Josh Vallance, frontman of the band Vinyl.

Ever present at gigs across Derbyshire, whether singing or attending, this is a man very much in love with music.

Josh is renowned for speaking his mind through his song lyrics and his creations are influenced by Oasis and Stone Roses.

Support on the night comes from local music legend Benjy CJ. If you’ve been following live music anywhere in the area you’ll most likely have spotted his talents.

Very much influenced by Frank Turner, Benjy CJ will make you smile and enjoy every moment of his performance, and if you don’t, he’ll buy you a drink and discuss why you should!

Newcomer to the local music scene Freya will take to the mic first at 8pm.

Entry is free.

Festival fun continues with Music on the Meadows, featuring bands and real ale, at Matlock Rugby Club, Cromford, on Saturday, July 18, from 2pm. Tickets £10.

Matlock Food Festival, offering delicacies to suit all tastes will be held on the streets in the centre of town, on Sunday, July 19.

Celebrations will be rounded off with Matlock Carnival on July 25 and 26 at Hall Leys Park, from 10am to 5pm, with attractions including a tug-o-war, superheroes, funfair, climbing wall, archery and live music.

Matlock Festival is sponsored by Maazi.