1. Mo and Max performing together

Warrington Guardian:

What a whirlwind year these Warrington housemates have had since taking The Voice by storm. 

Mo Adeniran will be showcasing some of the material he has been working on with Polydor Records since winning the talent show and Max Vickers will be launching his new band, The 32 Tens.

Their RivFest set at Priestley College is also a rare chance to see the pair performing together for three songs.

2. The Mayor of Warrington...singing a capella

Warrington Guardian:

Cllr Les Morgan takes his mayoral duties seriously. So seriously, in fact, that he is not only officially opening RivFest but performing a 10 minute a capella set 

3. River Reeves' dad Ben Dunne meeting his hero Billy Bragg

Warrington Guardian:

RivFest organiser Ben is hoping to introduce Billy Bragg when he comes on stage. 

He said: "Having Billy Bragg play is personal as I’ve loved him since I was 17 and River used to take the mickey out of me playing St Swithin’s Day very badly on my guitar.

"I would love to get up on stage and introduce Billy Bragg. If River was here he would probably say: ‘Dad, you’re so embarrassing’, particularly if I get up on stage and say anything."

4. A performance by Model Aeroplanes, the last band to see Viola Beach

Warrington Guardian:

Dundee’s Model Aeroplanes were at Where’s The Music Festival in Norrköping alongside Viola Beach.

It was the last show the Warrington four-piece played before the tragic crash in February 2016.

Ben Dunne, River's dad, said: “They all had a beer and then waved them off in the car. They were the last band to see them alive so it’s really important to us that they’re here."

The quartet released their debut EP, Something Like Heaven, on Island Records and have recently returned with their new single, Lover.

5. The chance to party with This Is England's Thomas Turgoose

Warrington Guardian:

You probably know him best as Shaun in Shane Meadows' This Is England.

And you may have caught him sitting by a campfire with Ed Sheeran in that bizarre Game of Thrones cameo. 

But Thomas has also been making a name for himself as a DJ and he will be closing RivFest with a set of feel good tunes.

6. Joe Hill getting his moment in the spotlight

Warrington Guardian:

Joe Hill is one of the first young musicians to be given a bursary from the River Reeves Foundation.

The Priestley College student said: “I feel very privileged and I’m over the moon to be playing at RivFest.

“It’s helping Warrington’s music scene to shine and through that Viola Beach will always be remembered for their achievements. They have definitely made their mark.”

7. A Radio One rising star on hosting duties

Warrington Guardian:

Cel Spellman, a Sunday afternoon Radio One presenter, will be introducing some of the bands at the Priestley College festival.

The 21-year-old, who recently appeared in ITV’s Cold Feet as the son of James Nesbitt’s character Adam, said: “To see all the good and positive that has come out of something so tragic really is inspiring. To show such resilience in the face of adversity can teach us all something and hopefully inspire and help others too."

This week's Warrington Guardian, out now, includes a 12-page special guide to RivFest - the festival in memory of Viola Beach guitarist River Reeves - with interviews with all the main acts including Maximo Park, Billy Bragg, Mo and Max and organiser Ben Dunne. 

Warrington Guardian:

  • RivFest is at Priestley College on Saturday, September 2, and is headlined by Maximo Park. Tickets are £20 or £5 for under 16s. To book click here
  • Arriva will be running a shuttle bus every 20 minutes on the day from Bank Quay and Central stations