by Sam Hawcroft
Blue Light Weekend will turn up the volume this summer as Blue Light Live brings two days of free music, big-stage atmosphere and local favourites to Withernsea’s Italian Gardens.
The event, on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, will build on last year’s relaxed acoustic area, which quickly became one of the most popular additions to the weekend. This year, however, the music offer is growing considerably, with a larger stage, a huge video screen, more bands, extra seating and a packed programme running from noon until 10pm on both days.
What began as a laid-back place to sit with a drink, something to eat and a few acoustic sets is now developing into a major part of Blue Light Weekend in its own right – but organisers say it will keep the same easy-going community feel.
Italian Gardens will again provide the setting, giving people a place to drift in and out during the day or stay on into the evening as the live music builds.
Food and refreshments will be available, and there will be more deckchairs for people to sit back and enjoy the atmosphere.
Special Blue Light Weekend-branded deckchairs are being provided thanks to sponsorship from City Health Care Partnership (CHCP), helping to add to the festival feel while keeping the area relaxed and family-friendly.
Gary Richardson has taken on the role of Blue Light Weekend music director and is heading up the new-look programme.
Gary said: “I’m delighted to have been asked to organise the Blue Light Live event at Italian Gardens. We’ve already secured a fantastic line-up of artists, with more exciting acts still to be announced.
“It’s shaping up to be an incredible weekend of live music – one we hope will be a weekend to remember.”
Blue Light Weekend event co-director Andy Medcalf added: “I’m incredibly proud of what we’re bringing to the Italian Gardens for Blue Light Weekend 2026.
“The Blue Light Live music stage is set to be a real highlight of the weekend, and that’s down to the hard work and passion behind the scenes.
“A huge thank you to Gary Richardson for organising it all – his dedication has been outstanding, and it’s going to create something really special for the whole community to enjoy.”
Among the biggest talking points will be the return of the Axenals, the much-loved Withernsea band who are reuniting for what promises to be one of the most eagerly awaited sets of the weekend.
The band, made up of Matt Harvey, Danny Barrick and Joe Cooper, first formed in 2009 after playing together at a jam night at Withernsea pub the Spread Eagle – although, as Matt tells it, the story may need to be taken with at least a medium-sized pinch of salt.
In his own offbeat version of events, Matt said the band began with “two mates, Matt Harvey and Danny Barrick, and someone they don’t like, Joe ‘Mangle’ Cooper”.
“They had to stick with him, though, because not many other people play bass,” he said.
“We first played together at a jam night in Spread Eagle and it was that bang-average we thought we should start gigging.
“The gigs were amazing, with all our mates having a right laugh and anyone else who wanted to join in, playing all the pubs, Young Farmers dos and scooter dos out of town.”
The band later stopped playing together, for reasons Matt claims involved Kazakhstan, broken business plans and the international posting of computer equipment.
He said: “We had to stop because Mangle moved to Kazakhstan to set up a business mending PC towers. That business failed because Danny and Matt were just posting laptops out there for everyone.
“Fast-forward to 2019 and we got together for a gig at the Haven Arms in Hedon. It was absolute class. There was quite a bit of gear to pack away, though, and we’ve just got finished with loading out now, so we decided it’s time to do another one and make some big noise in big With for Blue Light Weekend. We can’t wait!”
Whether or not every detail of that history would stand up in court, what is certain is that the Axenals have a strong local following and their reunion is set to be a big draw on the Saturday.
They will top a line-up that also includes Slick Licks, East Yorkshire rock covers band the Monkey Butlers, the Cloughs, and returning singer-guitarist Ryan Mosleh, who also played at Blue Light Weekend in 2025.
Slick Licks are known for classic rock ’n’ roll anthems from the swinging Sixties to the present day, while Ryan will bring his upbeat acoustic style back to the seafront after proving a hit with last year’s crowd.
Sunday will bring another big crowd-pleaser as Badness, one of the country’s leading Madness tribute and ska revival bands, headline Blue Light Live.
Formed in 1994, Badness have spent more than three decades building a reputation for high-energy shows celebrating the music of Madness, Bad Manners, the Specials and the wider ska and two-tone era.
With their lively frontman, tight musicianship and extensive back catalogue, the band have become a fixture on the tribute and ska circuit, touring widely across the UK and Ireland and also performing overseas.
Their Sunday night set promises to bring a full dose of “nutty boys nostalgia” to the Italian Gardens, from singalong favourites to ska classics that are sure to get the crowd moving.
Also on the Sunday bill are local favourites the Alternative Solution and Bonemuel and Friends, both returning after appearing at last year’s event, as well as the Hull NHS Choir.
Recently added to the line-up are the finalists from last month’s hit Mascot Singer event, which brought a packed crowd to the Northfield in Withernsea and raised more than £1,400 for Blue Light Weekend.
The weekend will then end with a firework display at 10pm on the Sunday.
Organisers say more acts are still to be announced, with the programme continuing to grow in the run-up to the event.
Blue Light Live will run from noon to 10pm on both Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, at Italian Gardens in Withernsea. Entry is free.
Blue Light Weekend, launched in memory of Steve Medcalf, brings together emergency services, lifesaving organisations, military and veterans’ groups, live entertainment, displays and family activities across Withernsea’s seafront.
The event remains free to attend, with donations collected during the weekend for local lifesaving and emergency services and veterans’ charities.