Star Tony Christie to headline hometown music festival in Conisbrough

Born in the town in 1943, Tony has enjoyed worldwide success in the music industry spanning more than 50 years.

After an early career on the local working-men’s club circuit Tony’s breakthrough came in 1971 with his first UK Top 30 hit, Las Vegas.

It was quickly followed by I Did what I Did for Maria, which made it to number one on the New Musical Express chart.

Later in 1971 (Is This the Way To) Amarillo?, written by American icon, Neil Sedaka, charted.

The follow-up, Avenues and Alleyways, came in 1972. With the help of Peter Kay and Comic Relief, Amarillo soared to the top of the UK chart in 2005.

He has recorded more than 40 albums and 70 singles Collaborations have included Sheffield legends Jarvis Cocker, Richard Hawley and Alex Turner.  

His 50 Golden Greats Album, released to celebrate his 50 years as a singer songwriter, is Tony’s musical autobiography.

“I am also looking forward to seeing some familiar faces in the crowd from my school days and early days growing up in the town, and especially my brother Neal and my mum Iris.”

Conisbrough Music Festival is in its third year, run by a volunteer constituted community group who donate profits from the festival to local good causes.

As well as the main music stage there’s also a kids’ zone, Soul stage and dance tent. Last year’s festival attracted 3,000 people.

This year it will be held at The Welfare Field, Gardens Lane, from 11am.