Take That and party in the Orne

A man who once managed concert tours for Take That is using his experience to put on his own festival in the grounds of his property in the Orne.

Gary Roberts hopes the Château Jasmine Festival (www.chateaujasmine.com), at Passais la Conception on August 26, will be a success and wants all proceeds to go to his local village.

“I really want to do something for the local community and make it a family orientated get together where everyone can have a good time and I really want to get it right for the village,” said Mr Roberts. He hopes there will be plenty of music and is planning two stages and would also like to showcase local arts and crafts with a chance for people to have a go at new skills such as weaving.

As well as Take That, Mr Roberts has worked with top stars such as James Bay and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra but says for a first festival he wants to keep it simple and invite local groups and maybe even spot some new talent.

“I think it is very important to bring something to the village and to embrace an entente cordiale particularly in these hard times and I think it is better to start with something low key.

“I have been really pleased that a lot of local people have been really enthusiastic about the idea and I’ve already had local building merchants offering to donate materials for the construction of stages and a big outdoor cinema screen.”

Mr Roberts is calling for volunteers to come and help and for bands and artists to join in.

He says the festival would welcome fun, creative, home-grown and educational workshops, musicians, dancers, gastro-foodies, giant mobile art, procession bands and costume artists to make the event as 'festive as possible'.

He hopes to make it accessible by charging €1 for an entry bracelet with all proceeds going to charity. And above all he wants the local population of all ages to enjoy it.

Anyone who would like to get involved contact the team at chateaujasmine61350@gmail.com