Authentic talents at festival of fakes in Heaton Park

Or what about the frustration of adoring a singer or band that rarely if ever tours because of death, splits or falling-outs?

Well, Manchester’s Heaton Park could be the answer to your musical prayers thanks to a stunning homage to some of the most influential and popular names in rock.

The only thing you need to overlook are some painful puns.

It is staging its first all day Fake Festival on Saturday, August 17.

On the bill are not one, but six top level tribute bands who have to be seen to be believed.

Things kick off at 12.45pm with The Police tribute group, The Police Force.

They are followed at 2.30pm by Green Date, the next best thing to Green Day itself, with a set list that includes the anthemic Basket Case.

It’s back to the Eighties at 4.15pm with Duran, and then, at 6pm, it’s the turn of Stereotonics who will be paying homage to the Welsh rockers.

Those days of Madchester will be revisited at 7.45pm with The Total Stone Roses before the headline act, Oasish, take to the stage at 9.45pm.

After the heavy rain of last month’s Festwich, which dampened some fans’ enjoyment, music lovers will be glad to know that the Manchester Fake Festival takes place inside a purpose-built marquee, which means a warm, and more importantly, dry atmosphere, is guaranteed.

The inside bar will be well-stocked with lager, cider, bitter, spirits, wines and soft drinks. For convenience, a token system of payment will be in operation, with each £3.50 token worth one alcoholic drink or two soft drinks.

Outside, stalls will be selling pizzas, burgers, jacket potatoes and other snacks, and, weather-permitting, there will be a host of activities for children, including rides, face-painting and inflatables.

Tickets cost £40 for adults (£30 if bought in advance), £30 for ten to 17-year-olds (£22.50 in advance), £82.50 for families (two adults, two 10 to 17-year-olds).

For further details and to buy tickets please visit www.fakefestivals.co.uk