Over 7000 fans gather at West Park for start of 10th WV1Fest Tribute Festival
The WV1Fest Tribute Festival at West Park in Wolverhampton saw an impressive turnout of over 7,000 headbangers on the first day of the event. This festival, now in its 10th year, kicked off with just under 2,500 attendees in its initial edition. The festival’s success lies in its unique formula of featuring high-quality heavy metal tribute bands rocking out in a festival ambiance at an affordable rate.
This year, the 10th anniversary of WV1Fest spanned over two days, treating fans to an impressive lineup of 30 live acts. The festival dedicated a Saturday evening to honor the memory of iconic rocker Ozzy Osbourne. Festival-goers participated in a minute-long howl to the full moon in remembrance of the legendary musician.
Amidst the rising costs of concert tickets and festival passes in recent years, WV1Fest prides itself on being family-friendly and cost-effective. Founder Jools Taylor expressed his delight at the overwhelming response to this year’s festival. He mentioned that seeing 7,000 people come together to enjoy the music, with the sun shining down, made the day truly special.
Reflecting on the festival’s decade-long journey, Jools shared that the event began with 2,500 attendees and has since grown significantly without changing its venue at West Park. The positive feedback and increasing popularity are a testament to the vibrant energy that attendees bring to the festival each year.
Jools highlighted the festival’s shift from Manchester to Wolverhampton, where they found a home at West Park and developed a loyal following. He observed that children who attended the festival in its early years are now returning with their families, underscoring the festival’s appeal across generations.
This year’s WV1Fest held a special significance as it coincided with the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne. The organizers curated the Saturday night celebration in honor of the rock icon, creating a fitting tribute to “The Prince of Darkness” against the backdrop of a sunny day and a full moon-lit evening.
The second day of WV1Fest promised an exciting lineup with The Rabbit Hole Stage hosting bands like The Darkest, Floyd in the Flesh, and Green Days, among others. Simultaneously, the Hangar Stage featured acts paying tribute to iconic bands like The Clash and The Police, offering a diverse musical experience to festival-goers.
In conclusion, WV1Fest’s milestone 10th edition stands as a testament to its enduring appeal and unwavering commitment to providing a platform for heavy metal tribute bands to showcase their talent in a lively festival environment. As the festival continues to evolve and grow, it remains a beloved event that brings together music enthusiasts to celebrate the spirit of rock and roll.