MarshFest has smashed all records by raising an incredible £12,000 for good causes this September. The one-day family-friendly music festival was held in glorious sunshine on Saturday 10 September and over 1,000 attended the event throughout the day.
Its success means that £5,000 will go to Marshfield C of E Primary School PTA; £5,000 will go to the Marshfield Cricket Club’s new pavilion fund; £1,500 will go to Warmley Park School and College; and £500 will go to helping victims of the fire in the centre of Marshfield at the end of August.
“We couldn’t be happier to raise £12,000 – especially as we felt our £10,000 target was so ambitious,” commented Jessica Jefferys, one of the MarshFest organisers. “And I’m so pleased we were able to make an extra, much-needed donation to those affected by the devastating fire that damaged homes and businesses in the village.
“Our first Battle of the Bands was a huge success and we saw incredible talent from school aged bands with the winner – Intermission – scooping a £300 voucher from sponsor El Toro Music shop as well as playing to an enthusiastic crowd on the main stage. Zumba with Jess, graffiti art with Graffarty and craft with The Makery all meant there were plenty of new activities as well as past favourites. The bands all rocked, and we had more people through the gates than ever before.”
The fourth festival held in Marshfield saw seven music acts, including 80s infused indie band Talk in Code (ahead of their new single release), and upcoming BBC Bristol favourite Enter Red. Other new acts for 2022 were Pipe Dream and Bottle of Dog. Completing the music line up were Fancy Biscuits, Antalya and a sunset DJ set from DJ Jonny Gibbons.
The festival focussed on accessibility in 2022, with accessible toilets and dedicated changing facilities for those with additional needs.
Food and drink was locally sourced and included Marshfield’s Pizza Folk, Bath’s Chai Walla Indian cuisine, The Feast Brothers, Marshfield Ice Cream, a barbecue and hot drinks and snacks from Really Awesome Coffee. The MarshFest organisers also want to thank the team of over 50 volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the day.
Primary sponsor this year was MJ Church, alongside other local sponsors Davis Groundworks (entertainment sponsor); RW Knight & Son; Davis Meade; F. G. Bond & Son; Delta Precast, Marshfield Ice Cream and Chippenham’s El Toro Music. Partnering was Powerline.