A Taste of Things to Come at The Fling Festival 2009

This July, 'The Fling', a mini festival of wonders exclusively for adults, returns to Chelmsford on Saturday 4 July, between 4pm - 11pm, in Central Park. The event presents residents and visitors with an intriguing alternative to the usual night out on the town including music, cabaret and curiosities.

11 May 2009

To get everyone in the mood for The Fling, taster sessions entitled 'A Bit on the Side' are being held at Barhouse, on Victoria Road, Chelmsford, in the months leading up to the festival. The first session took place on Sunday 26 April and saw the audience enjoy performances by Les Fi Fi Farfelues Can Can dancers, burlesque singing sensation Amber Topaz, the Popcorn Cabaret Club's Chris Lynam and live music from Sirens at Dawn and the Matt Cardle Band.

For those wanting to find out more about The Fling or how they can get involved in the festival, there are two more 'A Bit on the Side' events still to come on Sunday 17 May and Sunday 14 June from 7pm – 11pm at Barhouse.

The May event will include more live music, with an eclectic mix of music ranging from urban folk to blues with performances from JJ Zarbo, Blue Flowers, Richard Dobney and Jamie Williams. A selection of wordsmiths will also be travelling from London to impress us with their words, namely Joshua Idehen, Tim Wells, and Inua Ellams. The evening will also offer the opportunity to see the Isis School of Belly Dance, try Indian Head or Thai Yoga massage, learn to play rock classics on the ukulele, listen to stories exclusively for adults, make glamorous masks and enjoy free cupcakes provided by team Panic. The evening's entertainment will all be compered by the inimitable Andy Poole.

A Bit on the Side is free to attend and tickets for the Fling festival are available now. Please purchase your tickets either from the Chelmsford Theatre Box Office in person, by calling 01245 606505 or by visiting the Council's website at: Cultural Events at the early bird rate of £12.50 or £11 concessions up to and including Sunday 17 May and then at £15 or £12.50 concessions and on the gate for £20 (subject to availability), alternatively festival tickets can still be purchased at the early bird rates by heading down to 'A Bit on the Side' at Barhouse on Sunday 17 May or 14 June.

For more information on the line up of performers at The Fling, or how to book tickets, please visit: Cultural Events. The Fling also has its very own website at: Myspace or people can befriend 'Fling Chelmsford' on Facebook.

The Fling is created and managed by Chelmsford Borough Council and sponsored by The Essex Chronicle, The Meadows Chelmsford, Essex & Suffolk Water, Panic Magazine, The Printing Place, BBC Essex and High Chelmer Shopping Centre.