THE Ks will lead a line-up of more than 30 emerging bands and artists when RivFest returns to Warrington.

Now in its fourth year, the festival – set up in memory of Viola Beach guitarist River Reeves – will be spread across three stages at the Pyramid on Saturday, September 28.

The 2018 event saw many bands playing that were just on the cusp of a breakthrough such as The Lottery Winners who went on to play at Glastonbury this year.

That was thanks in part to Coldplay sharing a video of their RivFest show on social media.

The Mysterines also played at the festival before going on to tour with Miles Kane and gaining support from BBC 6 Music DJ Steve Lamacq.

It could be a similar story for Earlestown’s The Ks this year as there is a huge amount of buzz around the four-piece after they signed a record deal with Alan McGee.

McGee famously discovered Oasis and worked with acts like The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream and My Bloody Valentine.

Northwich Guardian:

The Ks

Other bands topping the bill include London power pop five-piece Average Sex, 32 Tens – fronted by former Voice semi-finalist Max Vickers and Manchester indie band Saytr Play.

Ben Dunne, River’s dad, said: “Every year we’re able to put the most fabulous line-up together simply because there is so much talent out there.

“Mysterines blew me away at Friars last year and we love The Lottery Winners. They’ve helped us on loads of fundraising activities and they deserve all the success that’s coming their way.

“This year is no different. We’re thrilled that The Ks are headlining. They played RivFest18 and seeing them again a few weeks ago at Neighbourhood Weekender, along with Fuzzy Sun and No Hot Ashes, who have also been big supporters of the River Reeves Foundation, was amazing.

“I’m also looking forward to seeing Kula Bay who played the first RivFest under the name The Lookouts when there was just 150 of us on the field at Priestley College.

“Kula Bay are such an exciting band so don’t be surprised if you see them playing in the sun in 2020 at Victoria Park.”

RivFest is working in partnership with arts charity Culture Warrington as well as grassroots music groups like Warrington Music [WAM] and Liverpool collective, Whispering Pines for the full day of music.

Ticket sales will support the work of the River Reeves Foundation. Each year the charity awards scholarships and bursaries to enable struggling or disadvantaged young artists to ‘create alternate futures’, a phrase coined by Coldplay’s Chris Martin during their 2016 Glastonbury headline set which paid tribute to Viola Beach.

Northwich Guardian:

River Reeves

Ben added: “For me RivFest will always be about those bands and giving them a platform to play. The spirit of Viola Beach will be up on every stage. Music is always the trigger that reduces me to tears about losing River and its nearly always when I hear a new song that I know I can’t share with him.”

Tickets are on sale now. Visit pyramid.culturewarrington.org or call 442345