Everything you need to know about Buxton Rocks 2017

Buxton Rocks returns for its fourth year on Saturday, and organisers say it is going to be a great day.

The man behind the music, Chris Buckley, is looking forward to the event.

The 40-year-old said: “For me there is nothing better than live music and I’m really excited about Saturday.”

With more than 20 years’ experience of DJing, music is a passion for Chris, followed closely by football.

For a decade he has organised the Galstonbury festival in the North West, with all funds going to local hospices. So far £100,000 has been raised to help the good causes.

Chris, who lives near Manchester, said: “Buxton is a place close to my heart and it is always so good to come back and catch up with friends. The people are amazing and it is such a beautiful place to be in the world.”

Chris has just returned from a holiday to New York and Las Vegas for his 40th birthday, and is counting down the hours until the festival returns.

He said: “It’s great to see Buxton Rocks grow and I’m so proud of the journey we have been on.

“It started because we didn’t feel The Octagon was being used to its full potential and we wanted to fill it with noise and people.

“It is an amazing place designed for concerts and bringing people together.

“With such a big space we would have struggled to fill it with just local bands, so we started putting on tribute acts and this year we have some of the best.”

This year as The Octagon is closed for essential repairs the stage will be set in the marquee.

Chris said: “Granted it will be a bit different but it is still going to be good and we should see about 700 people come through the doors for a good time.

“Even though it is indoors, it will have that festival feel.”

Looking to the future, Chris hopes to put on another festival next year over two stages.

He said: “That will be about just Derbyshire talent and putting Buxton and the musicians from this area on the map in the best possible way.”

Doors at Buxton Rocks will open at 12.30pm on Saturday March 11, with the first act taking to the stage at 1.30pm and the headliners Tragedy, a Bee Gees-style metal tribute band, performing at 9pm.

Chris said: “Tragedy are brilliant, they are not heavy metal but a glam rock tribute with high-pitched voices, spanx and great guitar playing.

“We think there is a great mix of artists and hope there will be something for everyone.”

Performing alongside Tragedy will be Kiss tribute act Kiss GB, while Glam 45 will pay homage to glam rock. Small Weller will be taking on Paul Weller’s classic songs, while Fallen are an Evanescence tribute show. There will also be music from Hey Pixies as well as Buxton’s very own The Indieannas, Monkey Harris and more.

Tickets, priced £12, are available from the Tradesman’s Cafe, Muzik and More, Buxton Tourist Information Centre, online at www.skiddle.com or on the day.