Get out More.....................Event Review

ARTSFEST 2009

14-09-2009

Artsfest bosses claim to have attracted a record weekend audience of 270,000 over the weekend, and while their figures need to be treated with a degree of caution - how can you measure people flowing through an open space? - there's no denying that the event has once again proved its worth as Birmingham's premier arts showpiece.

Workshops, a world record breaking bhangra dance with a thousand people taking part, and the usual showpiece turns from BRB and the CBSO...it's terrific stuff, all too easily taken for granted.

Last night's turn from Reverend And The Makers in Centenary Square on the Kerrang stage was the highlight on Sunday night, with mightY front man John Mclure noting the span of age, race and creed among an audience of around 10,000 or so.

Headliners Athlete brought the event to a close, and if their brand of "bedwetter rock" isn't to everyone's taste, they are certainly one of the biggest bands to have played Artsfest over the years.

Birmingham's Cabinet member for Leisure Ray Hassall once vowed to axe this autumn favourite - thankfully, for now at least, it survives.

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