08/05/2025
Weekend of live music returns to King George V Park
A weekend of live music is returning to King George V Park this month with two exciting events – a Live Band Night on Friday 16th May, followed by the popular Shambles Festival on Saturday 17th May.
Organiser James Wilkins said he is looking forward to bringing both events back for a second year. “This is my third year hosting music events in the park,” he explained. “This year, I’ve organised another weekend of music at King George V Park with two different events taking place – one for live band music and one for dance music – each appealing to a different audience but all about bringing people together.”
The Live Band Night will kick off the weekend on Friday 16th May, with gates opening at 6.30pm and music finishing at 10.30pm. Two local bands, Muttley and Wet Franc, will perform a mix of indie rock and Britpop music inside a big-top style festival tent.
Then on Saturday 17th May, Shambles Festival returns for its second year, opening at 12pm and running until 10.30pm. The dance music festival will feature over 25 DJs across two stages playing a variety of genres, including house, garage and jungle, with performers coming from across the region, including Bristol.
“On the Friday I’m really looking forward to seeing Muttley and Wet Franc as they’re both great acts and local to Melksham,” said James. “On the Saturday, there are too many DJs to mention, with a brilliant mix of local and guest talent. I can’t wait to hear the range of dance music across the two stages.”
Both events will include a marquee bar, stalls from local traders and charities, and festival-themed decorations throughout the park.
“I can’t emphasise enough how important it is that grassroots music events like this go ahead in rural places like Melksham,” said James. “All too often people say there’s not enough to do in the town – but events like these create opportunities for cultural celebration, tourism and economic activity, while supporting local musicians, businesses and the wider community.”
Tickets for both events must be purchased separately and are available online. Tickets for the Live Band Night are available at tinyurl.com/bandnight2025, while Shambles Festival tickets can be found at www.shamblesfestival.co.uk.
