Brownstock Festival
Chelmsford may be home to V fest but there’s a new kid in town, only a slightly smaller one with a slightly better taste in music (I never said that). Its name is Brownstock, doesn’t sound very rock and roll but bear with me. The festival is in its 11th year so it’s not exactly new but it’s just finding its feet in the festival world and was recently shortlisted for the UK`s best small festival. It started off as a small party held by the Brownstock`s, the highlight of my family parties usually involve a good game of charades. 11 years on and now over 6000 of you rock up and with performances from artists such as Sigma and Basement Jaxx it’s clear to see why. From the 10th to the 12th of July Essex will be overrun with hardcore festival lovers and you could be one of them!
The only way is Essex:
Despite what the cast of Towie may think there is way more to Essex than just the Sugarhut, it’s a big old place and the absolute perfect location for a good old jolly up. Getting to the festival couldn’t be easier; trains run from London Liverpool Street and will take you to South Woodham Ferrers station. From the station a shuttle bus service will be available to take you straight to the venue so thankfully they’ll be no need trying to connect to your 3G to figure out which direction to take, just sit back and enjoy the ride. If you’re local then I would suggest catching the festival bus which can pick you up from several different towns around Essex and drop you back on the Monday morning, tickets are around £20 and will ensure you get there safely and soundly.
Big Names!
I’ve already dropped two big names; Sigma and Basement Jaxx are amongst the many headlining acts set to perform on Saturdays main stage, you can also expect to see performances from The Hoosiers provided they aren’t still too worried about Ray. Chloe Black will also perform on the main Stage, I wish I could say she was a relative of mine but I’m almost certain she isn’t, although who knows! If House is more your thing then you are in for a treat, Sub Focus, Shadow Child, Bondax, Friction and Lethal Bizzle are all going to be there and that’s just for starters. There are several other stages to keep you entertained over the weekend including The Stumble inn stage, a haven for all you festival ravers offering the best in Underground House and Techno. Rest assured there’s something for everyone, you`ll be foot tapping and bobbing your head along in no time or throwing yourself about in an un-ladylike fashion, whichever takes your fancy.
Off Stage Shenanigans:
As well as all the excitement happening on stage off stage is set to be just as jam packed with new and exciting things to get stuck into. It’s time to dust off those roller skates that live in the cupboard under the stairs, the ones you’ve probably never even used. The festivals only gone and got itself a roller disco and if you start practicing now you might actually be able to stay upright! Perhaps it’s best to participate in this before the jaegers, some friendly advice for you there. If that’s not exciting enough you can also visit the onsite pamper spa to get your hair and nails done, as you do, as well as enjoying the silent disco which was previously only available through the night but due to popular demand has been made an all day thing so you can silently rave to your heart’s content. Camping is of course available, if you’re there for the whole three days then it really is the best way to enjoy everything on site 24/7 so you really don’t have to miss a single thing!
So come on, come and find out what Essex is really about. I’ll even give you a heads up; it may involve dancing until 3am and jaegers, lots of jaegers.
By Sophie Black