Interview With Lynne Hampson – SOS Festival Organizer

Interview with Festival Organizer and Organizer of the SOS Festival, Lynne Hampson talking about how the festival, now in its 9th year is relocating. ...

INTERVIEW BY: LINDSEY APPLETON

PHOTOS BY: LA PHOTOGRAPHY & SAN CARNAGE OWEN & JADED IMAGES

050

Link to SOS FEST – sosfestival.net

M.G.M: We are saddened to hear that the Radcliffe Civic hall is closing, after SOS Festival being held there for the last 8 years. How are you guys coping with the relocation of venues.

LYNNE: We loved the Civic but the new venue has so much more to offer fans. The Longfield Suite has air conditioning (we almost melted a few years ago when the blistering heat left had us passing out with no air con at the civic). Easy access, via roads and public transport, free ample parking, its close to Prestwich metro link and lots of hotels bars and restaurants.

040M.G.M: Moving to a venue with a bigger stage must be exciting?

LYNNE: We are all very excited with the new venue, which holds regular Live music events throughout the year also.

M.G.M: Even though this curveball with relocating the festival has been thrown your way, it seems like everyone at Rocksector HQ is working hard to make this a great event.

LYNNE: Everyone at Rocksector HQ is excited about SOS Fest 2016, which will be our 9th Year, with most of the line up booked already. Tickets are flying out!

M.G.M: The line up this year looks superb, which bands are you most looking forward to having play at SOS this year?

030LYNNE: I love watching all the bands and tend to catch at least half a set of each band on the day. I have to say I’m looking forward to seeing Babylon Fire back in action with a new singer and Absolva always put on a sensational performance. Knock out Kaine were a highlight at last years event and we’ve invited them back to headline Sunday this year. I’m sure they will deliver a high octane set.

M.G.M: Who would you most like to come and play at SOS who hasn’t played before?

LYNNE: I would personally love Saxon to play, because they are one of my all time favourite bands. We came close in 2014, when their guitarist, Doug Scarratt did a guest spot with Absolva, that was just phenomenal.

M.G.M: Where would you like to see SOS in 10 years time?

LYNNE: I’m not sure where we will be in 10 years! Maybe a cruise like 70,000 Tons of Metal, but along the Manchester ship canal maybe?

M.G.M: Do you think eventually you will hand the reins down to the next generation in your family to continue the SOS legacy?

LYNNE: The Next Gen are already heavily involved with the festival, from bookings, sound, posters, promoting, and photos, Its a family run event and we listen to what the fans actually want. We give the underground and up and coming band as well as established artists a chance to play a well organised festival which is attended by world wide press and fans from across the globe.

M.G.M: For a 3 day festival your prices are beyond belief at just £15 for a weekend ticket and £10 for a day ticket, at these cheap prices your ticket sales must be through the roof.

LYNNE: We are not here to make mega bucks, we are here to give everyone a great experience. A lot of families bring their kids for the first time to experience Live music, and mingle with the bands/ artists. They keep coming back too, that’s always a good sign we are doing something right!

M.G.M: As a festival organiser what do you look for when choosing bands to play?

060LYNNE: We look for quality foremost, we only book bands we have seen live before, whether it’s at another festival or a small gig in town. So if your in band and want a slot, invite us to one of your shows, or come and play Grand Central In Manchester where we run regular rock/metal nights.

M.G.M: What can we expect from SOS Festival this year?

LYNNE: This year the line up is shaping up to be the best one to date. We have John Sloman from Lonestar, Uriah Heap, Gary Moore, coming along to do an exclusive acoustic set on the Saturday which should be a coup. We have new stall holders booked for the metal market, food, bar, press area and band merch and meet and greet taking place across the three days. Its going to be sensational! Check out sosfestival.net for the full line up, tickets and band enquiries.

M.G.M: Thank you for taking time out to speak to us today, we look forward to catching up with you guys at SOS Festival!

 

020

 

 

About Author

 
Categories
Interviews
EXTREME’S UNMATCHED MUSICAL MASTERY AND ELECTRIFYING STAGE PRESENCE: A DEFINING FORCE IN ROCK HISTORY LIVE AT MARS MUSIC HALL, HUNTSVILLE, AL
EXTREME’S UNMATCHED MUSICAL MASTERY AND ELECTRIFYING STAGE PRESENCE: A DEFINING FORCE IN ROCK HISTORY LIVE AT MARS MUSIC HALL, HUNTSVILLE, AL

EXTREME’S UNMATCHED MUSICAL MASTERY AND ELECTRIFYING STAGE PRESENCE: A DEFINING FORCE IN ROCK HISTORY LIVE AT MARS MUSIC HALL, HUNTSVILLE, AL

Photo Credit: Myglobalmind

Imminence - The Black

Satch/Vai Tour Simply Sensational in Front of Sold Out Symphony Hall in Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024

Deicide – Banished By Sin Review

Battlecreek – Maze Of The Mind Review

Following a four-decade hiatus, Dan Lilker will reunite with Anthrax for their forthcoming tour across the United States and South America

RELATED BY

G-TQ58R0YWZE