Blazing sunshine, beautiful waterside setting, splash park and playground for the kids and a lilting jazz soundtrack as you while away a lazy Saturday in August. Sound perfect? Well, make sure you head to Stompin’ on the Quomps, celebrating its 24th year in 2018. This popular smooth jazz and soul festival has evolved from a few acts playing the Christchurch Quay bandstand to a full-on music festival with two stages and a packed, live, line-up of international talent.
Snake Davis and his band headlined the 2017 event, whose organisers received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Snake is best known for his lilting saxophone solo on Take That’s ‘A Million Love Songs’ and during a long and accomplished career has partnered some of the biggest names in the business including James Brown, Smokey Robinson and Paul McCartney.
Acts take to the stage between midday and 10pm in the Lighthouse Marquee and on the Main Stage with visitors invited to bring a picnic or purchase refreshments from around the festival to enjoy with the entertainment.