Former EastEnders star Shaun Williamson, best known for playing the beloved Barry Evans, is heading to the Sunshine Festival later this month as the charismatic host of Barrioke, a crowd favorite event known for its lively and inclusive atmosphere.
Williamson, who may have originally captured hearts as the hapless Barry in EastEnders, has surprisingly turned into one of the UK’s most unexpected live music stars. His Barrioke event has become a festival tradition at Sunshine, which runs from August 21st to 24th in Upton.
Describing the experience, Williamson expressed, “It’s one of the most joyful things I’ve ever done. Every show is different — you never know who’s going to surprise you. Sometimes someone steps up and absolutely smashes it. Other times, well, we have fun trying! But the energy is always incredible.”
Barrioke promises to deliver fun and unforgettable moments, with festival-goers of all ages taking to the stage. The event has earned rave reviews, with social media posts describing it as “the highlight of the weekend.” Fans often praise Shaun’s unique combination of humor, genuine vocal talent, and encouraging atmosphere, ensuring that even the most nervous singers get their time in the spotlight.
Festival Director Steve Cass shared, “We always have a queue a mile long of people wanting their chance on stage — it’s brilliant. What makes it so special is that it’s inclusive. It’s not about being the best singer; it’s about having a go, having fun, and creating memories.”
For Upton, the return of Barrioke is a major part of the Sunshine Festival’s broader mission to provide a family-friendly, feel-good event that brings people together while boosting the local economy.
Cass continued, “Shaun gets the crowd going like no one else. It’s a brilliant example of how our festival combines top-notch entertainment with that all-important community vibe.”
With Barrioke set to bring joy and excitement to all festival-goers, it’s no surprise that Shaun Williamson’s event has become a staple of the Sunshine Festival — and one fans eagerly anticipate every year.
