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Festival Statement

DV8Fest is the UK’s newest alternative festival based within the Historical city of York.
Held across multiple venues across York, the aim of the festival is both to showcase
and inspire a variety of talents from the alternative subculture as well as highlight
the historical and darker side of York.

The Festival is the brainchild of promoter Chris Sherrington, who has been performing
and organising events in North Yorkshire over the last 10 years and is the owner of York
based promotions company Deviational Media.

“DV8Fest is set to be an event where we celebrate and stimulate the UK’s alternative
scene by providing a creative atmosphere with a wide variety of performers and artists.
By bringing together inspirational icons and up and coming performers, all of whom
continually push the boundaries of modern music, it’s a chance to remind people of
the roots of the alternative scene and highlight the diversity of talent currently
performing
I can see that this may be labelled as a ‘goth’ festival and I have no problem with that,
but I am determined to show that there are many elements to the alternative scene and
that one specific label can’t possibly do justice to the music and performers that have
created and added to this subculture over the last 35 years.“

“By using smaller music venues I also aim to support and highlight the medium of the
local live music venue, which has been the backbone of the scene as a place for artists
to perform and for fans to connect with real musicians.
Across the country there are local venues which have provided the catalyst for some
of the most historic moments in music, from London’s Batcave to Manchester’s Free
Trade Hall, and without these many bands would never have had the opportunities to
express themselves fully. As a result I wanted to host the festival in an intimate venue
atmosphere, where the bands and audience can interact and thus encourage people
to get down to their local venues and experience live music at it’s very roots.
The Duchess and Fibbers have formed a key part of the local music scene in Yorkshire
for many years now and I am proud that DV8Fest will be the first event in their history
to make use of both venues simultaneously.”

“As well as a live music event, DV8Fest will also provide a stage for many of the other
elements which enrich the alternative scene. Trade stands set within two of York’s
beautiful medieval halls will allow festival-goers and locals the opportunity to enjoy
other creative talents, and the addition of a second stage within the Duchess
will allow us to bring the best of theUK’s burlesque and sideshow performers
Along with clubnights and DJs from the country’s top alternative clubs and the many
attractions within the historical City of York, DV8Fest aims to have something for
everyone, no matter what their deviation. I hope that you can join us”