HE’S regarded as Welsh rock royalty and has played to adoring fans around the world.
But The Alarm’s Mike Peters, who will curate and play at ZipRoc festival for the second year running this summer, has just faced one audience that he never expected – at the home of the Royal Family.
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He received his MBE for services to charity at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, February 21st.
“It was unbelievable. I never usually get nervous but then again this was an audience in front of royalty.” said Mike.
Mike can’t wait to perform at the festival in Penrhyn Quarry, Bethesda, North Wales, which is home to the fastest zip line in the world, on Saturday the 15th June.
It’s a setting he describes as “one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
This year’s festival has a nineties vibe with Cast and Miles Hunt from The Wonderstuff headlining.
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Mike says that making ZipRoc festival part of the day has made it even more special for those who take part in the hike.
He said: “We used to walk, talk and sing together on the mountains every year. We still do that, but now with the support of Zip World we get to do it and then relax in the evening with live sets from some of the best musicians in the UK, in one of the most beautiful places in the world. What more could you want?”
Despite a musical career that has lasted well into its fourth decade, it’s not millions of record sales that earned Mike his award, more the million pounds plus he has helped to raise nationally and internationally for cancer care – having twice being diagnosed himself.
Last year the festival raised £25,000 for the charity that Welsh rock star Mike and his wife Jules founded over 10 years ago, the Love Hope Strength Foundation. Whilst the music festival is new, the associated charity walk, Snowdonia Rocks, which takes place during the day is now in its 13th year. Mike and Jules began the walk to raise money for local cancer services after Mike was diagnosed with leukaemia, and the event has gone on to raise thousands to help people affected by cancer.
Musicians and people from across the globe come together for the 20k hike with the impressive duo, who have both received treatment for cancer in recent years. Jules Peters’ own recent breast cancer diagnosis has been documented in BBC documentaries.
Sean Taylor, Founder and CEO of Zip World said:
“We’re really excited about the line-up this year. I hear some of the acts are even thinking about going on Velocity 2, our zip line at Penrhyn Quarry, on the day.
“ZipRoc offers something for everyone. The line-up should appeal to local communities as well as people from further afield, and we’ve got lots more planned for the day to make it really special for everyone there.”
