Niall-Fest Guitar image taken by alex taylor-mcdowall

Residents of Salford are being encouraged to gather in Irlam this February for twelfth annual music charity fundraiser.

The festival, Niall-Fest 2025 will come to the Catholic Club hoping to welcome as many people as possible through the door for the fundraiser dedicated to Niall Page.

image taken by alex taylor-mcdowallNiall, who sadly died on February 4, 2011 – two days before his 18th birthday, will have his memory celebrated in this annual concert on February 22, 2025.

Guests who attend will be continue his legacy and passion for music by coming to see multiple bands perform, while also raising money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

Entering its 12th year as a festival, guests are reminded that it is not just a festival, but a celebration of Niall’s life; his love for music, and the lasting impact he had – and is still having on the community around him.

The event was originally organised by Niall’s bandmates, Richard and Elliot, who worked closely with promoters to eventually put on a show in his name.

The name ‘Niall-Fest’ was suggested by Niall’s mother, a wholesome nod to the devoted community that gathers to remember him year after year.

Naill’s mother, Janet Page, 59, said: “He was a massive character in the community, everyone loved him.

“Even now when we go to Niall-Fest, all his friends from school still turn up — and they’re all grown up, and 32 with kids now. It’s bizarre.” Permission to use given by Janet, Nialls mum. Retrieved via facebook: https://www.facebook.com/niallfest/

She continued: “They’re not even into heavy rock and metal like Niall was, but they still even come with their kids and their little earmuffs. It’s like a big family thing.”

Through doing the annual event they have been able to raise over £7000 for an array of causes, including Help the Heroes, the Police Benevolent Fund, Alzheimer’s and Dementia charities and this year the RNLI.

Niall-Fest has also been able to provide three new defibrillators in the area and music equipment for Irlam High School.

Screenshot from google maps street view at https://www.google.com/maps/@53.4367619,-2.4294334,3a,75y,119.05h,90.45t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1scODBNldJzIklxuiapH-YVw!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26w%3D900%26h%3D600%26pitch%3D-0.4497530421757858%26panoid%3DcODBNldJzIklxuiapH-YVw%26yaw%3D119.05338536820982!7i16384!8i8192?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDIwNS4xIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
The Catholic Club where the event is being held

The event continues to get lots of people to attend and acts a special place for new up-and-coming bands and solo artists to showcase their talents.

Both the organisers are always on the lookout for both fresh faces and already-established artists to take the stage.

This year’s event will see six bands come together for Niall-fest, with We Three Kings set to headline the show.

Ahead of the performance, drummer Peter Furler expressing his excitement for the event, he said: “It’s a hometown gig for me, so it makes it even more special!”

Niall-Fest will take place at The Catholic Club on Liverpool Road, on February 22, 2025, with doors to the show opening at 5:00pm.

Those who wish to attend can purchase tickets online for £6, or at the door for £7 – and can find more information here. 

And bands who wish to apply for the 2026 edition of Niall-Fest can do so here

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