Big and small acts give Brownstock a real buzz (From Southend Standard)

Big and small acts give Brownstock a real buzz

10:50pm Wednesday 8th July 2009

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ALTHOUGH it shares part of the same name, it’s not quite reached the lofty heights of Woodstock.

But that’s the whole point of the Brownstock festival, according to its organiser.

The annual “party” which takes place on the Brown Farm, off Woodham Road, in South Woodham Ferrers, this weekend, is all about staying true to its roots.

Now in its fifth year, the festival will see a mixture of big name acts and less well-known bands and DJs take to the site’s four stages.

“I’m trying to keep it as a festival without the bits that big festivals have,” says Adam Brown, festival manager.

“You don’t have to spend your whole time trekking around queues to get to the bar or to buy food.

“We are also trying to build a stepping stone for up and coming bands.”

Brownstock began back in 2004 when the Brown Family invited a few friends and bands for a party on their Aberdeen Angus farm.

More than 300 people turned up, and the festival has continued to grow ever since, with about 1,500 revellers attending in 2008.

This year is set to be even busier as reggae star Finley Quaye and indie band the Holloways headline the main stage.

Yet, despite the appearance of these artists, the festival is also giving other acts a chance to shine.

“We don’t want to lose sight of where it all started,” says Adam.

“The people who played here the first year are still in the line- up and the live tent, or 2 i’s Coffee Bar, is all about giving smaller bands a chance to play on a festival stage. There’s also a selection of signed and unsigned DJ artists in the Hacienda tent.

“It’s much more fun booking bands that really want to play as opposed to trying to convince bands to play.”

As well as the three bigger stages, this year’s festival has the Safe Radio stage, showcasing a host of artists, and the Shish, Shot and Rock Stage, which gives festival goers the chance to play Guitar Hero in front of an audience.

There’s even the Brownstock Bizarre featuring welly painting, jewellery making, graffiti art and guitar lessons.

So how does a festival which this year expects around 3,000 people keep its identity?

“The fact it’s run by us and the core of the crowd come by word-of-mouth keeps that personal touch,” says Adam.

“I don’t have any image of it being a massive festival, but trying to keep it personal and not pretentious is very important to me.”

Day ticket are £20 and day camping tickets, which include one night’s camping, are £25.

Weekend camping tickets, priced at £45, are still available and can be bought on the gate or online.

Gates open at 9am on Saturday.

For the full line-up visit www.brownstock.co.uk

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