Beginners guide to Brownstock festival
Chelsea may be posher, the geordie’s may have more of a reputation for playing around, but the guys and gals of Essex are about to prove they do it so much better when Brownstock returns to Morris Farm on the 8th-10th July.
Shortlisted as one of the best dance event last year, BSTK has announced its line-up for 2016 as is expecting this year to be absolutely massive and we at Licklist towers are absolutely buzzing for it.
Tickets are already in high demand, so why should you part with your hard-earned cash to party in the county best known for fake tan and fake reality shows? Because it’s reem, that’s why.
The Line-Up
For a festival which began with just 150 people attending, the folks at BSTK have really pulled it out the bag for their 12th birthday. For the headline acts, expect to see the likes of Tinie Tempah and DJ sensations Annie Mac and Mark Ronson tearing up the stage.
Joining them will be Katy B, KreptxKonan, Fuse ODG, Scouting for Girls, Big Narstie, Ms Dynamite, Becky Hill and many, many more filling up all six stages in the arena. As well as the main stage, they’ll be plenty of top DJ’s at the Good Shed dance big top and the finest upcoming talent at the Treehouse. Also, once again The Stumble Inn will be completely dedicated to house music only. So grab those “wavey garms” and get started with those wavey arms.
You’re sure to have all your best moments captured with our top notch Licklist photographers on the ground helping give you memories you will never forget. So yes, unfortunately for you, they will be there to capture you having a great time as you’re skanking to Uptown Funk after one-too-many rum and coke’s at the Saloon Bar. Just see for yourself… https://licklist.co.uk/brownst ock-festival/galleries.
Be treated like royalty
In true Essex style, BSTK won’t do anything without helping you feel as glam as possible. Every food stall there has been carefully handpicked and considered by a board of festival foodies and will be providing you with everything from Stonebaked pizza, to a roast dinner, veggie sushi and homemade cakes. Whilst you can’t take your own alcohol into the main arena, there are plenty of bars around the place which will give you a good time. Most of these places just take cash and although there will be cashpoints, there is a small charge to use them. So start saving up to make sure you don’t run out of dollar and have to beg your mates to buy you a burger.
But the fine cuisine is not the only thing to look forward to. Last year also saw a roller disco, silent discos, comedy shows, rides, skateboard ramps AND a paint party. Your weekend is sure to be crammed full of fun and that’s why BSTK believes its fest has one of the best personalities on the festival scene. Since We Are Full Fat are handling all their press shin-dings, you were always going to be in safe hands. But it’s not all about how flashy it can be, they are sure to take care of you in every single way possible.
Their website includes a list of what they believe to be the essential items for your comfort when you’re camping e.g. baby wipes, re-fillable water bottles, fancy dress… and will be doing their absolute best to get rid of any trouble makers with excessive alcohol or anything illegal. It’s also important to remember that you don’t want to take any valuable items that you can’t afford to lose, as with the antics taking place throughout that weekend, it’s completely unpredictable what will happen to them. So if you’re mega clumsy and not sure how the screen of your iPhone 6 will hold up, maybe it’s best to take a a £10 burner phone instead. Whilst nothing can really prepare you for the toilet situation, there will be enough facilities around the campsite to make sure you stay clean and wee free.
There will also be a highly trained first aid team on hand in case of any emergencies, but our best advice is to bring wellies so you don’t break your back slipping on the mud.
Did someone say VIP?
Whilst it’s unconfirmed if the TOWIE crew will be making any sort of appearance, why wait for them when you can be treated like a celeb yourself?
For only a few more penny’s you can upgrade your 3 day ticket to get the full VIP experience – proving you can still be really glamourous and not have to break the bank. With this golden ticket you get access to the VIP camping area, a shower and proper toilet (no revoltingly smelly hole-in-the-ground malarkey for you), access to the VIP bar with a viewing platform to the main stage, exclusive chill out areas and spa treatments. That’s right, we’re talking facials, massages, the works.
And if that’s STILL not enough glamour for you, there is also the option to upgrade your home for the weekend to one of BSTK’s magnificent ‘glamping tents’. There are two types – the Bell Tent holds up to five people and comes with plush beds, lighting, tables and other home comforts for just £40 a head. And then there’s Tentzilla, which will hold up to 12 of your mates. You get bunk beds, sofas, table and chairs and even the option to get a mini fridge and a private toilet, all for around £83. Where’s the harm in spending a little more to have a more awesome time with your mates and feel like you’ve never left home?
Travel and Tickets
There are no day-tickets being sold for BSTK this year, but a 3 day festival and camping pass only costs £89. WHAT?! The bargain price is seeming to be popular with peeps already, as tickets have been selling at a record speed and as a result, they have sold out of instalment-plan tickets. All that means is that you’ll need to pay for the cost of the ticket up front rather than paying a bit each month, so if you really need the extra help with your finances then see if the Bank of Mum and Dad will give you a short term loan so you don’t miss out. Also, if you were tempted by the option to be a VIP for the weekend, then all that privilege is going to cost you is £145 for the 3 days. We know, that’s insane.
When booking your ticket online, you also have the option of buying a car parking pass for the weekend, which costs £10. So if you fancy driving and leaving your car, you can be assured it’s going to be safe and not cost you the world. For local residents, there will be £2 shuttle buses from various points around Essex, and for anyone else, it’s South Woodham Ferrers (SOF) train station you are after. After arriving at the station, there will be taxi’s shuttling ticket holders to the site. And then, your weekend can begin!
For tickets, take a peak here, and if there is any more information that you’re after, head on over to https://twitter.com/bstkfest.
By Emily Thursfield