Pennfest with Richard Ashcroft, Dreadzone, and more

Richard Ashcroft, from Billinge, Wigan, is the charismatic frontman of the Verve, known for hits like "Bitter Sweet Symphony." Achieving fame with 1997’s *Urban Hymns*, he won Songwriter of the Year at the Ivor Novello Awards in 1998. He embarked on a successful solo career with albums like *Alone with Everybody*. In 2019, Ashcroft received an Ivor Novello for his Outstanding Contribution to British Music and reclaimed "Bitter Sweet Symphony" royalties. Collaborations include working with Liam Gallagher.

Dreadzone, formed in 1993, masterfully blend dub, reggae, and electro. Known for their Top 20 hit "Little Britain," they opened Glastonbury's Pyramid Stage in 1994.

Starsailor, formed by James Walsh, James Stelfox, Ben Byrne, and Barry Westhead, gained fame in 2001 with their debut album "Love Is Here." Known for hits like "Silence Is Easy" and "Four To The Floor," they collaborated with Phil Spector and had nine Top 40 singles. After a hiatus, they returned with "All This Life" in 2017 and new music in 2023, produced by Rick McNamara.

Ella Henderson, from the UK, rose to fame with her 2014 hit "Ghost." Known for her powerful voice, she’s had UK top 10 hits, toured with Take That, and collaborated with artists like Tom Grennan. Her debut album, "Chapter One," went Platinum, earning BRIT nominations. Her evolving sound includes dance collaborations like “Crazy What Love Can Do.”

East 17, a British boy band from Walthamstow, East London, sold 18 million albums in the 90s. Known for hits like "House of Love" and "Stay Another Day," led by Tony Mortimer, they achieved a Christmas number one in 1994 and were Mercury Prize-nominated. Despite disbanding in 1997, the band, now with Terry Coldwell, Robbie Craig, and Joe Livermore, continues to release music.