The world’s first music festival for builders will see tradespeople put down their tools and raise the roof for live music, bacon butties and tea.
Headlined by Grime legend Dizzee Rascal, who is qualified plasterer.
Fix Fest is the first event of its kind aimed at those who work in the trades such as brickies, plumbers, electricians and others in the building industry.
The festival aims to celebrate the hard work of builders and encourage young people to consider careers in a trades.
Fix Fest was launched by Fix Radio, the fastest growing radio station in the UK, which was made for tradesmen and currently has more than 700,000 weekly listeners.
Louis Timpany, 32, founder and CEO of Fix Fest and Fix Radio, said:
“We need more tradespeople — fast. The average age of a builder is now 55, so it’s vital we get more young people looking at the trades as a proper career.”
Dizzee Rascal will be joined by bands including Scouting for Girls, Toploader, the Cuban Brothers and NOASIS.
The headliner told Fix Radio: “I trained as a plasterer during lockdown, so I’ve got real respect for the trades. It takes proper skill and hard graft — and once you’ve got it, you’re set for life.
“Builders and tradies don’t always get the credit they deserve, so I’m buzzing to be part of a brand-new festival that’s celebrating them and shining a light on all their hard work.”
Mr Timpany was inspired to launch Fix Radio in 2017 after working as a labourer on a building site and he created the festival with the hopes of encouraging young people to consider careers in the trades to tackle the UK’s growing skills gap.
Along with live music, and food, there will be eight different trades stands in the Inspirational Zone – ranging from bricklaying to plumbing and electricians – giving festivalgoers the chance to get stuck in and find a new career.
The Power House will also feature 10 counsellors, peer supporters to discussing mental health and provide mental wellbeing tips as research reveals those working in the trade industry are susceptible to struggles with their mental health.
Watch the interview with Dizzee Rascal about becoming a plasterer and headlining Fix Fest.
