Record hopes for St Helens Gala Fest as rugby stars help launch new stadium events space

Organisers of St Helens Gala Fest are hoping to raise record sums this year as the event launches Wicked Stadium’s new outdoor HALO events space.

Past and present rugby stars are supporting the festival which is bigger than ever in this, its third year.

It’s hoped 2,000 people will attend Gala Fest which sees top tribute bands from across the UK performing, along with a host of activities and events aimed especially at families, on Saturday, August 30.

Money raised will go to The Steve Prescott Foundation – the charity founded by the late rugby league star after he was diagnosed with a rare cancer and given just months to live – which supports good causes.

Martin Blondel, general manager of the Steve Prescott Foundation, says:

“We want to raise as much money as possible to help support organisations and people in St Helens.

“But just as much as the money, we want to create a great day out, a community event that will bring loads of people together.”

It is the first event being held at HALO, the brand-new events area located around the footprint of the Totally Wicked Stadium site, and the first time Gala Fest has been held separately from the Johnny Vegas Celebrity Bowls Tournament which last year saw Corrie stars taking part, along with Metro mayors, Steve Rotheram and Andy Burnham.

“Organising two events in one day was just too much,” says Martin, “and we hope that by having them separately we can create two milestone events that will become part of the St Helens calendar.

“It’s being held at the HALO so it will be a huge event this year, bigger than it has ever been, and the stadium and HALO boast superb facilities, not least 40 toilets within 100 yards – always a bonus for any festival – and a huge bar.

“If people need a rest, or a bit of peace and quiet and to chill for a minute or two, there’s a Chill Out Zone in the North Stand.

“We are hoping to get more people there this year, and the facilities at Wicked and the HALO will help to make it so much better for those big numbers.  Fingers crossed.”

This year’s Johnny Vegas Celebrity Bowls Tournament has already been held earlier this month, raising more than £10,000 for the charity.

Since Gala Fest began, it has collected around £50,000. Money from Gala Fest will be donated to the Christie cancer centre and the Rugby League Benevolent Fund.

The entertainment at Gala Fest which opens its gates from 1.45pm includes top tribute bands It’s Not Sabrina as Sabrina Carpenter; Vikki Earle who is Taylor Swift; Laid as James; The SouthMartins (The Housemartins)’ Viva La Vida (Coldplay), and Definitely Oasis who, not surprisingly, pay homage to Oasis.

Local DJ Eric McKenna will also be there.

There are eight hours of entertainment throughout the day with a collection of charity and Artisan craft stalls, attractions from Silcocks Funfair, Disney characters courtesy of AJ Mascots, and Star Wars characters from the 99^th Garrison. 

And there’s a choice of festival food and drinks, and more.

“It’s a full-on day,” adds Martin, “from 2pm to 10pm.

“We’ll have SPF ambassadors like former player Paul Sculthorpe, and Daryl Clark among other current first team players there.

“It’s £25 per ticket, and £60 for a family ticket for two adults and to children, which is great value for what will be an amazing family day out.

“Last year the Foundation donated £100,000 to charity and we would like to do the same this year.  Events like this make that possible.”

A St Helens R.F.C. spokesperson said the club was delighted Gala Fest would be the first event being held at the HALO.

“We have a strong and long-running relationship with the Steve Prescott Foundation and the St Helens Gala Fest was the ideal starting point to launch the HALO, for what we hope will be the first of many great events at the venue.”

Martin says:

“This landmark event marks a significant moment for the Foundation, as we become the first organisation to host an experience at The Halo. It is particularly poignant that Gala Fest will this year be held at the former club of our founder.

“St Helens R.F.C. has been a steadfast supporter of the Foundation since its inception, and we are honoured to further strengthen this enduring relationship through this collaboration.”

Find more information or to get tickets for St Helens Gala Fest here.

Find all the latest St Helens news here.

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