Fuse 2012 to get even more family friendly

This year’s Fuse festival is set to get even more family friendly with organisers, Lichfield Arts, introducing a range of new measures to increase the safety and enjoyment of everyone. The free community music and arts festival will run from Friday 6^th to Sunday 8^th July with all events finishing at the earlier time of 10pm on the Friday and Saturday evenings. Lichfield Arts have been working closely with Staffordshire Police who will be present in Beacon Park at peak times throughout the event. The most significant change, in line with many other festivals in the UK, is that no alcohol is to be allowed into or out of the event arena. The full revised 2012 conditions of entry are on the Fuse website (www.fuselichfield.org.uk) and will be reproduced in publicity and displayed around the site throughout the weekend. As in previous years the Challenge 25 policy will be operating and a DPPO (Drinking in a Public Place Order) permanently exists in the whole of Beacon Park.

Now in it’s 12^th year, Fuse will have something for all ages with childrens’ shows and activities, music, dance, comedy, theatre, visual art and a craft market. More details will be released in the coming weeks.

Jared White, Lichfield Area Policing Commander, Staffs Police, said “Fuse is a fantastic event for the people of Lichfield. We are giving our full support to the event, with a police team in Beacon Park during the weekend to ensure the event is safe and secure for all.”

Tim Perks, spokesman for Fuse, said “As Fuse gets bigger each year it is vital that we have the right measures in place to ensure public safety and security. We are working more closely than ever with Staffordshire Police to make Fuse a safe and enjoyable event for all. Our new policy of no alcohol to be allowed into the event is in line with most other festivals and there will still be a licensed bar within the festival arena for those who do want to drink sensibly. There will of course be a range of other food and non alcoholic drink stalls. It is extremely important to Lichfield Arts that Fuse 2012 is an event that is enjoyed by the whole community and that Lichfield can be proud of”.

If anyone has particular concerns they wish to raise about the event or want more details they can telephone Lichfield Arts on 01543 262223 visit www.lichfieldarts.org.uk or the dedicated Fuse website at www.fuselichfield.org.uk.

The three day festival of music, entertainment, and arts runs from July 6^th to 8^th in Lichfield’s Beacon Park. With the Olympics in mind, the theme for this year is Rhythm, Rings, Sticks and Strings. The Fuse Festival is a popular free event, attracting thousands of people each year, and providing arts workshops, free music, and family activities from many local people and international bands.

As always, the Festival will include fine music from across many genres, a local outreach programme, allowing local schools and community groups to be involved, workshops and arts events, and a family friendly atmosphere. The Festival runs with the help of volunteers across the board, from the planning committee to anyone willing to give up a few hours over the weekend. The Festival is looking out for help from the following groups.

Creative/artistic people

Any creative/artistic people who want to contribute or participate in Fuse by creating site art & tent decoration, art installations, run workshops, etc. would be very welcome.

Young people

We are always keen to involve young people in Fuse in as many ways as possible.

Operational help

We also need volunteers to help run the festival over the weekend; help with site set-up, general stewards, bar staff, people to man the information desk, stage crew and help with festival break-down.

As well as needing volunteers, the festival also needs financial support to provide the quality of acts and events that it has had in the past. With this in mind, a new scheme has been launched.

Become a Friend of Fuse…

For a minimum donation of £50 you will receive:

- A VIP parking pass enabling you to park adjacent to the Fuse site during the festival

- An invitation for you and a guest to a special reception to be held at Fuse

- A quality photograph taken of you and your guests at Fuse

To become a Friend of Fuse please contact Lichfield Arts on 01543 262223 or e-mail info@lichfieldarts.org.uk

Fuse Festival Spokesman Tim Perks said: ‘Following last year’s success, we want to build on the impact and the work that Fuse does, both in the local community, and in the actual festival itself. It is a lot of work, but the end result is hugely rewarding. It offers opportunities to the local community to be involved in a life changing event, it offers opportunities to local bands and musicians to perform on a professional stage, whilst also giving entertainment to the thousands of people who visit the festival”

For more information, and updated details, please check the local press, the website, www.lichfieldarts.org.uk or keep up to date with events at www.facebook.com/pages/Lichfield-Fuse-Festival and www.twitter.com/lichfieldfuse