ABOUT MAD FERRET Inspired by an adolescence spent, misspent and re-misspent in numerous festivals across Europe, Mad Ferret was started in 2007 by a group of student friends hell bent on bringing the sense of spirit, community and euphoria they found on their travels to the already renowned Manchester music scene. The name Mad Ferret Mad For It is a play on the famous Madchester phrase and reflects their own experiences. Maybe they had bitten off more than they could chew, for their ideals soon turned into a mad, anarchic rush against the clock to make their ideas into something solid. It may have felt touch and go at times, but through their massive efforts, and the generosity of all those around them, they pulled off the music highlight of the year. Friends came to see friends play, came to have a great time, but also to see a line-up (Lee Scratch Perry, Aim etc) that most virgin festivals could only dream of. The organisers are looking to transform this "one off event" into a legacy, and a positive, lasting institution. ETHOS / FUTURE Many festivals see their paying guests as spectators, expecting no more from them than to turn up, stop, look, listen and party. We expect the same, but we hope for something more. Of course we want to showcase talent from across the country/world, but our main emphasis is on showcasing Manchester's untapped underground talent. Not only giving our burgeoning artists a stage, stencil or patch of grass on which to perform, but connecting them with community groups and most importantly with each other. To inspire people before, during and after the event, into greater self-confidence so they can realise their goals, and create a wider community across the city for all those with something fantastic to display. For now much of it has to be done on a voluntary basis, but we hope to be the foot up for people to profit from their talent. As JFK said (sort of), "Ask not what your ferret can for you, ask what you can do for your ferret". One final word, a sizeable chunk from the ticket sales will be going to charity... CHARITY As part of their commitment to building communities and being a force for good, Mad Ferret will be donating 5% of its profits to the Bollocks to Poverty campaign. Bollocks to Poverty is the youth arm of ActionAid (Registered charity 274467) - a charity that works in Africa, Asia and the Americas, striving to end global poverty and social and political injustice. For more information visit www.actionaid.org.uk/bollocks | FERRET COMPETITION Ahhh. What festival would be complete without a comprehensive set of competitions? To be honest this particular festival would be far more incomplete than others, because our prizes are not simply furry ferret cuddly toys or magic bus memorabilia, but vary from a chance to perform on the main stage to a space to showcase your art in the festival itself. You will be, or could be, the entertainment, so (nearly) everything will be provided. We have rehearsal space at The Ram and Shackle and The Chapel, material and tools to put things together, and supportive words such as "that's the spirit" and "jolly good show" to help you get your shit together. Again, we need your involvement to make this festival amazing so please compete. THE FERRET FACTOR Ok. This is the big one. True, talent competitions are associated with halfwits with high belt lines who throw their weight about on screen, but we're about to change all that. Every Sunday at The Ram and Shackle from 7pm we will be putting on the greatest talent show in living memory to find performers across Manchester with that special something. However, we are not just looking for professional musicians, but any kind of performing art from the dark and mysterious to the bright and silly. Put simply, however it comes we just want to be entertained, so come on down and put on a show for our panel of experienced judges. The prize is epic, a stage to perform on at the festival itself, and the grand prize, a slot on the main stage and an opportunity to have your abilities broadcast across Manchester. As already stated we will do all we can to help you prepare. If you're interested
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