The family-friendly MarshFest music festival has raised a record-breaking £23,000 for local charities and community groups, following its most successful event yet at Marshfield Cricket Club in South Gloucestershire.
Around 2,000 people attended the sixth MarshFest on Saturday 12 September, enjoying a full day of live music, family entertainment, food and drink.
The £23,000 raised will be distributed among good causes in and around Marshfield, including Marshfield C of E Primary School, Warmley Park School and College, and Marshfield Cricket Club.
This year’s festival featured two professional music stages, with performances running from 12.30pm until 11pm and showcasing an eclectic mix of local and regional talent.
Returning favourites included Rubix Groove, Antalya, Fancy Biscuits and DJ Jonny, who was joined by violinist Michelle and vocalist Lucy Sturgess. Other performers included The Soul Destroyers, Henry Ray, Stay Lunar, Ragtag Poodles, Spaghetti Mountain, Lone Sea Breakers, Ravetank, ALCOVE and local DJ 50Three, with DJ Jimi Needles bringing the evening to a close.
Away from the stages, there was plenty to keep younger festivalgoers entertained, including graffiti workshops with Graffarty, craft activities with The Makery, face painting, magic shows, circus skills and balloon modelling from Lucy Lost It.
Children and families also enjoyed hula hooping with Millie Brackstone, giant inflatables, a rodeo bull and sumo wrestling. Glastonbury regular Bingo Dick made his first MarshFest appearance, bringing tongue-in-cheek bingo and plenty of laughter to the event.
A selection of local and independent food and drink vendors included Pizza Folk, Chai Walla, the Crazy Greek, Red Hat Taco, The Melted Cheese Company, Marshfield Ice Cream and Juniper Events.
Hugh Campbell, one of the MarshFest organisers, said, “We’re absolutely over the moon to have raised £23,000 for local good causes, making this our most successful MarshFest yet. The atmosphere throughout the day and into evening was incredible, with brilliant live music across both stages, fantastic family activities and an amazing response from our brilliant community.
“MarshFest continues to grow year after year, but our purpose remains the same: supporting and promoting amazing local artists, bringing the community together and raising money for organisations that make a real difference locally. We’d like to thank everyone who attended, volunteered, performed or sponsored the event for helping us achieve this fantastic result.”
The event was supported by primary sponsor Savills, alongside MJ Church, Davis Groundworks, R W Knight & Son, F G Bond & Son, EasyTax and Wyatt & Sons Fencing.
More than 60 volunteers also helped make the festival possible.
For more information, visit www.marshfest.co.uk.
