VIDEO: Get your groove on at Moulin de Lecq

Saturday 05 August 2017

Feel good festival Groove de Lecq is returning once again today with nearly 12 hours of music, entertainment, family fun activities and a 'Utopia zone,' free to the public.

With 70 local acts performing across seven stages, organisers promise to "tickle" the valley with tunes of multiple musical genres, inviting all ages "to tap their toes and have a little wiggle."

Described as "a happy little mecca of local musical talent, Island culture and good will (...) that resonates with Islanders of all ages and interests," Groove de Lecq has high expectations to fulfil. With a diverse line-up of musicians as well as a variety of activities and "creative wonderlands," all generations should be able to find something to their taste.

Music lovers will have a lot to choose from with style ranging from reggae to rock. Organisers say Groove "...prides itself in offering various platforms for the Islands’ freshest local talent alongside heritage bands," and this year is no exception with over 70 local performers. The line-up includes headliners Mozaics, as well as Joe Young & The Bandits, Robert J Hunter Band, The Watsons, Howl and many more. 

Paul Bisson, the festival's musical director, said: "As ever our music stages will be crammed with local talent. We’ve a great mix of established Jersey performers and up-and-coming acts spanning all age ranges, genres and tastes. We’re also delighted to be welcoming Alderney bluesman Robert Hunter and his band."

For those looking for a bit of fun in the valley, Groove has added "even more colourful bits to the mix." Groovers will be able to play Jumbo Human Hippo games, hosted by the British Heart Foundation Jersey Branch, try their hand at wresting in a centre stage Competition, face each other in dance-offs or simply enjoy the ever popular Groove Carnival.

Pictured: Groove de Lecq is expanding this year with a 'Jersey Utopia' zone, open to all, for free.

This year's festival is also growing with a brand new area. The groovy atmosphere will reach up to the Greve de Lecq Barracks, with a 'Jersey Utopia' area managed by one of this year’s charitable partners, the National Trust for Jersey. Organisers say it will be "...abuzz with live music curated by the Songwriters Society, interactive eco and music workshops, heaps of local produce and art supported with thought-provoking speakers." To make things even better, the whole area is open to the public, free of charge, whether they are attending Groove de Lecq or not.  

True to their green and ethical policies, the Groove Collective have once again used recycled materials "wherever possible" around the festival site. "Super" eco-cups, which can be re-used or kept as a souvenir, will be available at the different bars while aluminium cans will be recycled through the Durrell ‘Cans for Corridors’ initiative. This year, the collective strengthened this green resolution by making the tickets available only online.

They have also listened to the demands of groovers and will be providing shuttle transport from Liberation Station, every 30 minutes from 12:00 to 20:00. There will also be a service from the west of the island, departing from Les Quennevais Sport Centre. Returns will also be available from 16:00 until the doors close. The shuttle service is free for all ticket-holders. 

A Park and Ride field will also be installed at the top of St Mary’s, with departures from 12:00 to 23:30. Parking will incur a £5 fee and the area will be lit. 

Last but not least, Groove de Lecq will once again champion charitable organizations, adding a feel-good factor to the festivities. To date, Groove has raised over £150,000 for charitable causes. This year, Groove will be supporting not one but two local charities, The National Trust for Jersey and Acorn Enterprises, with further opportunities for other charities and organisations to benefit on the day.

Pictured: Over 3,000 groovers are expected today.

If you haven't got your tickets yet, there are still some available, but do not leave it to the last minute, Groove de Lecq notoriously sells out every year. Fun starts at 12:00 on the Greve.