Broadstock beats the weather to shine brightly

Broadstock Music Festival in Crowhurst celebrated its fifth anniversary on Saturday 19th July. Like the storms which preceded the event on the Friday night, the best word to describe it is ‘spectacular’. This is not to say that the weather didn’t create a little anxiety, especially as the aforementioned storm tore through the freshly prepared site leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The site was restored the following morning and thankfully, the weather on Saturday turned out to be fantastic and the revellers basked in sunshine as they enjoyed the event. Once again in addition to the music, festival goers were treated to fun, games and culinary delights, such as the Pizza Laundry’s tantalisingly good pizzas, the Bamber Brothers’ exquisite cheesecakes and the tasty Salad Bar, run by ladies of the village. The drinks bar, also run entirely by village volunteers did a great trade in wine, Battle cider, Pimms and beer, including casks of the village’s very own Crowhurst Ales’ handcrafted “Broadstock Gold.”

Of the four hundred festival goers, the eighty children were entertained, during the afternoon by a magician, together with a wide range of activities, run by the Playgroup, Friends of the School and Crowhurst Community Arts. These included craft activities, face painting and some very sought after feather head-bands and garlands.

Battle Muffin Club, whose profile is high in Battle town, took the opportunity of the event, to promote their community and fund-raising activities to residents of the village.

The organisers of the festival are indebted to all the bands, which come from near and far to play out of the goodness of their hearts. All the acts were excellent and well received, with stellar sets from the likes of The Kid Kapichi (who also played at the recent Hastings Round Table Beer Festival), The Rare, Jimi Raine and the stupendously talented The Greasy Slicks.

The event is run by the community for the community; it could not occur without the key stalwarts of Crowhurst the likes of Bill Jones, Mike Stewart, John and Katie Spall and the 40 volunteers, who worked tirelessly before, during and after the event to make it happen. In addition to a very enjoyable and successful event, several thousands of pounds have again been raised for local causes. These proceeds will be distributed for the benefit of the village hall, church, playgroup, cubs and scouts and other local groups.

It’s been fascinating watching how the Festival has evolved over the past five years. The atmosphere of each event has been magnificent and the feeling of community spirit and friendship is heart-warming. Some wonderful relationships with old and new friends have been established. This all goes to make the hard work for the organisers and volunteers worthwhile.