SIXTIES LEGENDS THE MANFREDS JOIN MILKFEST LINE UP ALONGSIDE CONTEMPORARY GREATS IN AID OF CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK

Formerly known as Manfred Mann, The Manfreds had a run of giant hits in the sixties with songs like Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Pretty Flamingo and 5-4-3-2-1. The band’s singer Paul Jones is widely acknowledged as a giant of British blues, and hosted BBC Radio 2’s blues show for three decades.

Among the contemporary acts, supporting the Manfreds will be Elles Bailey, one of the UK’s finest vocalists, who had a top 12 UK album in 2024 with Beneath The Neon Glow, and blues duo When Rivers Meet, who have had three top 20 UK albums.

Other acts on the bill include guitar-great Ben Poole, award-winning vocalist Kyla Brox, blues proggers Burning Rope, soul-blues band Connolly Hayes and hosts The Milk Men.

Milkfest is the brainchild of acclaimed British blues rock band The Milk Men. The bands’ guitarist Adam Norsworthy is the festival’s organizer. “We are delighted to be able to put on another stunning range of blues-influenced acts that span seven decades, from sixties legends to contemporary greats.”, he said. “We are also thrilled to be moving to a new home at the iconic O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, a venue that has seen everyone from Bowie to the Stones perform there”.

Milkfest performer Elles Bailey said: ““I’m very excited to be playing Milkfest 2027. I’m so glad to be part of a musical event where that sense of togetherness can help make a real difference to children and families who, at a time in their lives that can be so terrifying and difficult to navigate and understand, need it most. I can’t wait to see you all there!”

Having previously supported the Brain Tumour Charity and Dementia UK, this year’s chosen charity is Children With Cancer UK. The charity’s Entertainment Director James Mannion said, “We are delighted to be partnering MILKFEST to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. We are incredibly grateful for their fundraising efforts and for the opportunity this concert provides to shine a spotlight on this important cause. The support raised will help our charity fund vital research into kinder, more effective treatments for children with cancer”.

Children With Cancer UK has been supporting families and childhood cancer research since 1988, developing kinder treatments, improved public and scientific understanding of childhood cancer.

TICKETS FOR THE ONE-DAY CELEBRATION OF BRITISH BLUES ARE ON SALE NOW!

Available from the venue and Bookingsdirect.com.

NOTES TO EDITORS
• Milkfest was founded in 2024 by English blues rock band The Milk Men. Organised by guitarist Adam Norsworthy, it is staged and promoted by Triple A Entertainment Group Ltd.

• Milkfest has previously been held at indigo at the The O2 in London in 2025 and 2026, and raised over £12,000 for both the Brain Tumour Charity and Dementia UK.

ABOUT CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK
• Children With Cancer UK has funded over 300 research projects looking into the causes of child cancer.
• The charity has contributed to two of the most successful childhood cancer clinical trials in the UK
• They have developed tests now used by the NHS and healthcare providers worldwide, helping survival rates grow from 67.3% to 85.2%.
• They have allocated almost £10m to funding patient family accommodation.
• Children With Cancer UK has provided days out for over 75,000 patients and their families.

For further information, please contact:
For Milkfest:
Claire Lloyd
Central Press PR Tel: 07812 332 452

For Children With Cancer UK
John Barnes
Email: fundraising@childrenwithcancer.org.uk