Tribute artists set to wow crowds at Derby’s debut Echo Fest
Tribute acts performing at Derby’s brand-new Echo Fest this summer are gearing up to wow crowds with their talent.
The three-day festival will take place at The Central Co-op County Ground from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 July, bringing together some of the UK’s top tribute performers for a weekend of live music and entertainment.
Among those looking forward to taking to the stage are Taylor Swift and Harry Styles tribute duo “Swift & Styles”, who will perform as part of Saturday’s ‘Top of the Pops’ themed day.
Lead vocalist Heather Vokins, who performs as global superstar Taylor Swift, said: “It is going to be an incredible weekend. With so many amazing acts performing, Swift & Styles are so excited to be part of the first ever Echo Fest this year.”
Fellow performer Louis Akincay, who takes on the role of Harry Styles, added, “We can’t wait to see all the Swifties and Stylers of all ages dancing and singing along with us.”
They will be joined on the Saturday line-up by tributes to Ed Sheeran (Tom White), Dua Lipa (Ultimate Dua Lipa), Lewis Capaldi (Tom White), K-Pop (KPL), Adele (Abbie Edwards) and Oasis (Biblical Oasis Tribute), bringing high-energy pop favourites to the stage.
Professional singer and dancer, Rachel Fuller performs as the “Ultimate Dua Lipa”, recreating the star’s biggest hits with full choreography, replica costumes and powerful vocals.
"I can't wait to perform at Echo Fest,” she said. “With Dua Lipa’s world tour finishing, I'm more than happy to keep the party going. Derby… I hope you're ready!"
The festival kicks off on Friday with ‘Alternative Anthems’ from 4pm to 11pm, featuring tributes to Arctic Monkeys (Antic Monkeys), Foo Fighters (Foo Fighterz), The Killers (The Killerz Experience) and Nirvana (Nirvana Tribute), while Saturday and Sunday run from 11am to 11pm.
Sunday’s ‘Classic Rock’, finale will include tributes to Queen (Luke As Freddie), Bon Jovi (Wrong Jovi), Black Sabbath (Blax Abbath), KISS (Hotter Than Hell), The Rolling Stones (The Rolling Clones) and AC/DC (AC/DC Experience).
Taking on the role of Mick Jagger is Alex Larke, lead vocalist of The Rolling Clones. Alex has been ‘Mock Jagger’ since 2007 and he also represented the UK at the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 as part of Electro Velvet. Alex said: “We’re really looking forward to bringing The Rolling Clones to Echo Fest. Festivals like this are brilliant because the crowd energy is huge, and the Rolling Stones catalogue is perfect for that. It’s going to be a fantastic atmosphere.”
The family-friendly festival is just a short walk from Derby city centre with easy transport routes from Nottingham and the surrounding areas. The festival promises feel-good vibes, big sing-along anthems and a full weekend of live entertainment for all ages.
Alongside the live music, festivalgoers can enjoy fairground rides, roaming performers and magicians, as well as quality food and drink. A dedicated children’s area will also offer activities, workshops, face painting and kids’ discos throughout the weekend.
Echo Fest is organised by Derbyshire-based brothers Mark, Paul and Andrew Gibson, who bring more than 20 years of experience in the live music and events industry.
Festival founder Paul Gibson said “The tributes are a lot of fun and so talented. We’ve put together an incredible line-up with music that people absolutely love, from the biggest names in pop and rock.
“We’ve created Echo Fest because we wanted an affordable live music experience where people can sing, dance and enjoy great production values without the huge price tag. It’s about nostalgia, being part of a great atmosphere and enjoying the summer with friends and family.”