Alan Carr backs hometown music festival

TV star Alan Carr has been "really supportive" of a music festival held in his hometown that is returning for its 19th year, according to the organiser.

Northampton Music Festival will see 85 artists perform at various locations across the town on Sunday.

Carr, who was born in the town, urged people in a video message posted on the event's social media channels to attend the town centre event - and joked "you might even see me... outside the Grosvenor Centre".

Event organiser Tommy Gardner said Carr was "always up" for helping support initiatives in Northampton.

"He's really, really supportive," said Gardner.

Pop star-turned-priest Reverend Richard Coles, who was brought up in the county, has also been encouraging residents to turn out for the festival.

"It's going to be crammed with nine stages presenting all different kinds of music and it's all absolutely free," said Coles.

"I've got a date to meet Alan Carr outside the Grosvenor Centre."

The festival's main stage is in Market Square, with the other eight stages dotted around the town including at All Saints Church, V&B shop and bar and Royal & Derngate Theatre.

There will be a diverse range of artists and genres, including local songwriter Alfie Castley, who is due to headline.

According to Gardner, there was a "record" number of more than 1,000 applications from artists seeking to perform.

"What we're really proud of in Northampton is we've got such an amazing music scene," he said.

R&B singer-songwriter Kerryn Flaherty, based in Wellingborough in Northamptonshire, will be performing her first official gig on the main stage.

"I was making music in my bedroom and I thought 'I need to get out of my comfort zone'," she said.

"It was scary at first, but now I'm used to it and I can't stop."

The 30-year-old began releasing music four years ago and has previously appeared at the local showcase for BBC Introducing.

"It was such an amazing opportunity and platform to be heard on and show my love for music," she said.

Gardner confirmed there were already plans for the 20th festival next year and the event could possibly be held over two days in future.

Northampton Music Festival will take place from 12:00 to 21:00 BST on Sunday.

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