Magical Music Festival

Thousands of people enjoyed live music and glorious sunshine as the village hosted the annual Milford on Sea Music Festival last week. 

Now in its 19th year the hugely popular event featured everything from from orchestras, choirs, rock groups and jazz bands to poetry recitals and Morris Dancing. 

This year’s theme was inspired by the 50th anniversary of the Flower Power movement and the first moon landing, with an increased focus on environmental measures such as re-useable cups and water refills. 

Festival committee chair Nova Milesko said: “We had an absolutely fantastic festival and the weather was just incredible – we could not have asked for more. After a year of hard work, it is so wonderful to see the whole event come together with so many people enjoying the music. 

“There was just an incredible community feel to the festival, and I would just like to thank all the volunteers, stall holders and Friends of the Festival for doing their bit to make it all possible.” 

“The profits from the bar and programme sales help to cover the cost of this free village event so I would also like to thank all those who supported the bar, purchased raffle tickets or bought a programme.” 

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Thursday’s main stage acts included Milford-born singer-songwriter Carley Varley, folk-inspired musicians Plaitford Common, local band Shrinking Wrinkles and Bournemouth-based eight-piece The Blue Tides. 

Friday’s main-stage headliner act was REM tribute band REMbrant, which performed hits like Losing My Religion, Man On The Moon, Everybody Hurts, Shiny Happy People and What’s The Frequency, Kenneth?. 

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Saturday’s highlights included a set from the Sarah Harrison Band, music from six-piece psychedelic pop rock band The Rising, and a showcase by 17-year old Emma Hardy accompanied by her band The Cowboy Outfit. 

Traditionally regarded as World Music Day, Sunday’s main stage programme began with a multi-denominational church service at 11am. The music then continued with sets from six-piece Celtic fusion band Melo Daemons, followed by psychedelic indie disco band Yeti Bianco. Afternoon performances included Mischa and His Merry Men, and Midnight Alliance. 

All Saints Church also hosted a programme of poetry, live music, choral performances, acapella groups and barber shop quartets throughout the day on Sunday. Highlights included a multi-media moon landing during a performance by the New Forest Orchestra and a grand finale by Milford own Total Voice Choir which was greeted with a standing ovation. 

Nova added: “We are always looking for friends of the festival and volunteers who can come forward to help fund and run next year’s event.” 

The festival team is also running a competition for the best photographs of the weekend. To enter upload pictures to Instagram with #milfordfestival. 

For more information about volunteering opportunities at next year’s event, please visit :www.milfordfestival.com or email: hello@milfordfestival.com