Annabel Grossman
IT should prove to be the festival to end all festivals. On the Costa del Sol at least.
Now in its second year, the Marbella Starlite festival has just confirmed its 15th major act.
As well as a line up that already includes Julio Iglesias, Jamie Cullum and UB40, its organisers have signed up Bryan Adams to launch the event next month.
The Canadian rocker brings his Bare Bones show to the Marbella Auditorium on July 24, followed by Jamie Cullum on July 27.
Now in its second year, the festival – which raises money for various charities – has become one of the most eagerly anticipated in Spain.
Last year’s highlights included Simple Minds, George Benson and Hugh Laurie’s only show in Spain.
Acts this year include UB40, Julio Iglesias, Enrique Iglesias, Buena Vista Social Club, and Spanish superstar Alejandro Sanz.
On the flamenco front, guitar legend Paco de Lucia will play on August 15, while dancer Sara Baras will appear on August 9.
There will also be tributes to Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston, as well as the musical Grease.
Starlite festival is not just about the music though. Also planned this year are live sets from top DJs, fashion and art shows and film premieres, including Brad Pitt’s new movie which – as the Olive Press reveals this issue – may see the actor attending in person.
There are rumours of other A-list Hollywood stars attending, while this year there will be a big dancefloor and a number of local restaurants.
“It is going to be an amazing festival this year,” said spokesman Pancho Campo. “There are going to be some big DJ’s playing free until 3am and free music acts, including Roko, who won Spain’s equivilent of the TV show The Voice.”
He continues: “It is one of the most amazing venues in the world and well worth getting up there to appreciate it.”
The Marbella Auditorium, set in the old quarry above the town, will be open every night from July 23 to August 24 offering a choice of dining, including Italian, Mexican, Japanese and Spanish.
And if you want to dance underneath the stars, the venue will be transformed into a club each night.
The Starlite Gala on August 10 will be a charity event to celebrate Antonio Banderas’ birthday, hosted by the birthday boy himself and with a special performance by Alejandro Sanz.
All proceeds from the Gala will go to the charities Lagrimas y Favores, Niños en Alegría, CUDECA and Caritas.
The Starlite event was born out of a charity gala first organised by Spaniard Sandra Garcia San Juan and her husband Ignacio, the inventor behind the green and red light parking system that is now found in 147 countries of the world.
Set up initially to raise funds for poor children in Mexico, the festival is expected to be exported to a number of other countries including Dubai and Chile.
