Good weather, excellent music and great family entertainment all contributed to the resounding success of the 1st Alresford Music Festival, which took place at Perins School on June 19.

You could sense the obvious delight of the audience, not only at the professionalism of the presentation and the variety of acts performing, but also at the selection of food and drink available, the attractions for the children, and the merchandise for sale.

Noticeably, all age groups were represented and many stayed the course from midday until 11pm, dancing and toe-tapping in a welcome cooling breeze which ensured that the long sunny spells didn’t become too overbearing.

Many of the 1,100 festival-goers said that providing children’s entertainment was a terrific idea; circus skills, a pop music school, the ever popular face painting and simple drawing and painting were on offer which allowed grateful mums and dads to wander around the stalls or “chill out” to the wide range of music.

The event, which was held on the school's sports field, hit the mark perfectly as a showcase for local, regional and national talent, and the standard of performance was top notch: Lee Abraham provided some pounding heavy rock for the afternoon; The Ashbies, with their distinctive sound, played a powerful set, proving exactly why major label Polydor signed them up two days prior to the festival; and the folk-based dynamism of Pressgang led beautifully to a rousing closing session from Hattie Jacques’ Playlist that sent the audience home happy.

Students from the school played with great energy and skill and even some of the school staff put on a highly entertaining set – albeit with a little help from some of their students. Thrilled Head of Music at Perins, Liz McLaughlin, remarked "What a day! The Perins crew had a brilliant time performing at the Alresford Music festival and were on such a high from the excellent response that the crowds gave them. They are very keen to do it all again next year and hope that the performances that they gave will one day get them onto the main stage. I am proud to be their music teacher - they were a credit to the department and to the school. An excellent experience for both the pupils and teachers that performed and those that came to watch. Perins rocked the stage!"

Festival chief organiser Ken Veitch, who also played guitar with crowd-pleasing rock combo Rattlewreck, said that the festival had achieved all of its aims. “We wanted to provide Alresford with another dimension to its great character and to help out some good causes. We’ve been lucky with the weather and had huge support from local organisations and that’s a perfect formula for a kick-off event. We’d like to thank all those who played today and those who came along to hear the music and enjoy the experience.” Referring to comments made by almost every spectator at the event, he added “People are telling us they want this to be a permanent fixture in the calendar - well we’re raring to go for next year”.

The organisers worked hard to ensure that the event was environmentally friendly and its “leave no trace” policy returned the school playing field to pristine condition. While it is understood that the police took a couple of calls about the volume of the music during the event, other complaints about noise in the small hours of Sunday morning were a case of mistaken identity, being the result of another event nearby. The festival finished at 11pm sharp as planned.

Featuring dual stages and music by numerous bands and artists from around the region, the first Alresford Music Festival—hosted on Perins' playing fields—was a first class music event to suit all tastes. Kicking off at 11 am, this ambitious, not-for-profit event captured the imagination of the Alresford community.

With bands alternating between the two stages to keep the music flowing, the programme included popular bands on the Hampshire music scene including Polly & the Billets Doux, Della Perrett's Sweetedge and The Ashbies. And, as with any good festival, there was a good supply of local food outlets, a beer tent and other traders to keep the crowd fed and watered through the day. The younger members of the audience were not forgotten either: a selection of children's entertainment was on hand to keep the youngsters amused.

First dreamed up by Alresford resident Ken Veitch as an idea to raise money for local causes, the Alresford Music Festival had been three years in the planning. Veitch first teamed up with fellow musician Brian Hayward and went about researching how to make the dream a reality. Tapping into their local contacts, the festival slowly took shape and, with just a few weeks to go, the team had grown to include eight dedicated volunteers and numerous professionals hired for the day.

But the event had not been without its problems: despite the fastidious planning and research by Veitch, Hayward and the team, a misjudgement on ticket purchase patterns meant the event was over-reliant on early tickets sales to cover costs. This led to a rocky period when it was touch and go whether the event would be viable. The day was saved when Alresford based IT company First Option, who were more accustomed to stepping in to rescue IT projects, came forward with a sponsorship deal for the festival. After that, it was all hands on deck to finalise the details and to build more relationships with sponsors for this and future years.

The Alresford Music Festival was a not-for-profit event and any surplus funds created were donated to selected good causes: the Alresford Youth Association, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Perins School.

The Alresford Music Festival line up got under way at mid-day and ran through to 11 pm. The main stage featured established acts from the Hampshire music scene including The Ashbies, Polly & the Billets Doux, Pressgang, Della Perrett's Sweetedge, Hattie Jacques' Playlist, Broken Links, Lee Abraham Band and Rattlewreck. The second stage presented up and coming talent looking to break into the limelight like local singer/songwriter Phil Freeman as well as old favourites like Bighton Rock.

Catering stall holders included plenty of local produce, with Cresson Creative cooking up a delicious barbecue, and Angelic Feasts treating the festival goers to some tasty vegetarian and vegan specialities. The stall holders also included Moo Milks and Create My Event providing nutritious snacks and drinks for all the family to enjoy. That other festival essential—the beer tent—did not go unnoticed either, with the red and yellow striped big-top tent serving many of the local beers and wines that have recently put Hampshire on the map.

Children's entertainment was provided by Perins Fun Camp, with games, face painting and crafts available for 2 to 8 year olds and Juggling Jake keeping the little ones amused with his circus skills workshop. The Perins School PTA also pitched in with a refreshments stall for the families and helped out with any lost children.

25 June 2010

1st Alresford Music Festival has the WOW! Factor

Good weather, excellent music and great family entertainment all contributed to the resounding success of the 1st Alresford Music Festival, which took place at Perins School on June 19.

You could sense the obvious delight of the audience, not only at the professionalism of the presentation and the variety of acts performing, but also at the selection of food and drink available, the attractions for the children, and the merchandise for sale.

Noticeably, all age groups were represented and many stayed the course from midday until 11pm, dancing and toe-tapping in a welcome cooling breeze which ensured that the long sunny spells didn’t become too overbearing.

Many of the 1,100 festival-goers said that providing children’s entertainment was a terrific idea; circus skills, a pop music school, the ever popular face painting and simple drawing and painting were on offer which allowed grateful mums and dads to wander around the stalls or “chill out” to the wide range of music.

The event, which was held on the school's sports field, hit the mark perfectly as a showcase for local, regional and national talent, and the standard of performance was top notch: Lee Abraham provided some pounding heavy rock for the afternoon; The Ashbies, with their distinctive sound, played a powerful set, proving exactly why major label Polydor signed them up two days prior to the festival; and the folk-based dynamism of Pressgang led beautifully to a rousing closing session from Hattie Jacques’ Playlist that sent the audience home happy.

Students from the school played with great energy and skill and even some of the school staff put on a highly entertaining set – albeit with a little help from some of their students. Thrilled Head of Music at Perins, Liz McLaughlin, remarked "What a day! The Perins crew had a brilliant time performing at the Alresford Music festival and were on such a high from the excellent response that the crowds gave them. They are very keen to do it all again next year and hope that the performances that they gave will one day get them onto the main stage. I am proud to be their music teacher - they were a credit to the department and to the school. An excellent experience for both the pupils and teachers that performed and those that came to watch. Perins rocked the stage!"

Festival chief organiser Ken Veitch, who also played guitar with crowd-pleasing rock combo Rattlewreck, said that the festival had achieved all of its aims. “We wanted to provide Alresford with another dimension to its great character and to help out some good causes. We’ve been lucky with the weather and had huge support from local organisations and that’s a perfect formula for a kick-off event. We’d like to thank all those who played today and those who came along to hear the music and enjoy the experience.” Referring to comments made by almost every spectator at the event, he added “People are telling us they want this to be a permanent fixture in the calendar - well we’re raring to go for next year”.

The organisers worked hard to ensure that the event was environmentally friendly and its “leave no trace” policy returned the school playing field to pristine condition. While it is understood that the police took a couple of calls about the volume of the music during the event, other complaints about noise in the small hours of Sunday morning were a case of mistaken identity, being the result of another event nearby. The festival finished at 11pm sharp as planned.

11 June 2010

All set for Alresford Music Festival

The rural town of Alresford, Hampshire, is ready to embrace its most ambitious public event ever. The Alresford Music Festival is ready to rock and much of the townsfolk will be out to support the event on Saturday 19 June.

Despite early financial difficulties and negative gossip the festival is on track to become a big success and has captured the imagination of the local people. "We recently appealed for volunteers to come forward to help on the day and we have been astounded by the interest" said logistics manager Laura Stagg. "We now have a team of helpers from Alresford Rugby Club, a group from Alresford Scouts and more than 40 individuals who have all signed up to help operate the event. It's very encouraging to know there is strong community support behind you."

The Alresford Music Festival will take place on the Perins School playing field with gates opening at 11 am and a full programme of music kicking off at mid-day, running through to 11 pm. The festival includes two stages so bands will alternate between the two to keep the music continuous. Highlights of the programme include bands Polly and the Billets Doux, The Ashbies and Hattie Jacques' Playlist. The line up also includes up and coming local talent like Phil Fleming, and two bands from Perins School.

The festival organisers, whilst wanting to ensure a professional music event, are also keen to provide entertainment for all the family to enjoy. A good deal of effort has gone into providing a varied mix of children's entertainment during the day. This includes a creche and Perins Fun Camp for games, arts and crafts as well as Juggling Jake's circus skills, a solar cinema and a pop music workshop.

"Organising this event has been an uphill battle but now, with everything in place and ready to go, there is a fantastic sense of achievement" commented festival chairman Ken Veitch, "All we need now is the sun to shine!"

Whilst advance on-line tickets sales have now ceased anyone wishing to come to the festival will be able to buy tickets on the gate at £20 per person (cash only) and children 12 years and under go free.

26 May 2010

A wide selection of traders, caterers and entertainers have been announced for the Alresford Music Festival

Music lovers attending the first Alresford Music Festival will be pleased to hear that their appetites for food, drink, shoppingand fun will be addressed as well as their thirst for good vibes! Numerous local traders are joining the event to provide a wide range of family-friendly treats.

The festival, sponsored by First Option and taking place on Perins School playing field on 19 June, will include catering stalls, a big-top beer tent, arts and crafts traders, CDs and records, a music workshop, a solar cinema plus a selection of entertainment for children.

Local produce is the main agenda for the caterers with Cresson Creative putting on a superb barbecue for the meat lovers and Angelic Feasts offering vegetarian and vegan options for all the family. Create My Event will attract those with a sweeter tooth with freshly made desserts and waffles on the menu. Moo Milks will undoubtedly be popular with the children providing a selection of favoured and organic milks in handy cartons. The big-top beer tent will be offering local beers and wines throughout the day and evening.

Festival goers will find there is more than just listening to music on offer to entertain through the day. Joining the programme is Clive’s Easy Learn Pop Music School where a team of instructors will be running a music workshop; the Alresford Greening Campaign will be bringing their Solar Cinema to the festival and showing a series of short films courtesy of solar power! And for the younger set, Perins Fun Camp and Juggling Jake will keep the children amused with face painting, games, circus skills, balloon modelling and crafts.

The children won’t be the only ones taking home arts and crafts – Inspirations from India and Chacas Garden will be selling their wares on site, Perins School teacher, Michael Clarke, will be raising funds for a student exchange to Gambia by selling African crafts, and a CD and record stall will give music boffins an opportunity to browse and buy!

Local residents and Perins will also be pleased to hear that despite all the activity during the day the festival organisers are operating a “leave no trace” policy. All waste will be recycled, any damage repaired, and a team of volunteer litter pickers will ensure the site is left clean.

14 May 2010

Children's Fun Camp at the festival

Perins Fun Camp has been signed up by the Alresford Music Festival to run the children's entertainment area.

Fun Camp, the Perins School’s holiday play scheme, has joined the Alresford Music Festival team to operate a children’s entertainment area during the festival on Saturday 19 June. The Fun Camp Kiddies Corner, for 2 to 8 year olds, will provide entertainment for children whilst their parents enjoy the music and other attractions available during the day.

Perins Fun Camp, which operates a play scheme during school holidays, will be offering creche facilities, games, arts and crafts from 12 noon to 6pm. As children 12 years and under get free admission to the music festival, this new attraction will add to a cracking day out for families!

Operated by a team of childcare professionals and Ofsted registered, Fun Camp will be offering one hour play sessions for the youngsters needing a break from the music. Families will be able to book places to spend an hour at a time playing team games, model making, face painting and many other activities. The Fun Camp enclosure will provide a secure environment for families to leave the youngsters whilst they enjoy the entertainment and other attractions of the music festival.

"This has been a key development for the Alresford Music Festival" said Perins festival co-ordinator Stuart McCullouch. "It will make the event more accessible to families with young children and will ensure entertainment for all ages."

Perins Fun Camp co-ordinator Kirsty Guy added “We are very pleased to be working with the Alresford Music Festival team and have some great ideas to keep the children entertained.”

5 May 2010

Music Festival calls for Volunteers

The Alresford Music Festival is seeking local volunteers to help with the event organisation on 19 June.

The first Alresford Music Festival, sponsored by First Option, has put out a call for volunteers to come forward to help with the operation of the event on 19 June 2010. The music festival, which will take place on the playing field at Perins School, will need help with ticket checking, marshalling, car parking and back-stage crew.

This not-for-profit event has been organised by a small team of volunteers interested in bringing big stage, outdoor music to Alresford. The team is looking to recruit willing and enthusiastic volunteers, both individuals and groups, to help with car marshalling, band set-ups and litter picking on the day. Volunteers will receive free entry to the festival and will have the chance to become part of the Alresford Music Festival team.

"Whilst we have a number of professionals looking after the technical aspects of the music festival, we will also need a number of helpers to ensure a slick operation," said logistics manager Laura Stagg. "We are looking for volunteers to come forward to help with car marshalling, wristband checking, band set up and litter-picking. Also, should anyone with a specific skill, they think would be useful, like to lend their services for the day we would be very pleased to hear from them."

"This is a great opportunity for the community to get involved and support the festival," commented Ken Veitch, the festival chairman. "We are keen to make this a real community event that reflects the generosity of the people of Alresford."

The Alresford Music Festival will feature a dual stage set up to provide continuous music throughout the afternoon and evening. This will mean two teams of back-stage crew will be needed to get each band's equipment on and off stage in between the acts.

Volunteers should contact Laura Stagg in the first instance by emailing their details on info@alresfordmusicfestival.com.

26 April 2010

Two Stages & More Bands for Music Festival

The Alresford Music Festival announces it will now have two stages to accommodate the many bands and musicians performing.

The Alresford Music Festival organisers have announced that two performance stages are now planned for the event on 19 June. Due to the large number of bands who want to play, the decision has been taken to set up dual stages on the playing field at Perins School in Alresford.

By having two stages at the festival it will mean there is no need for gaps in the live music as the different musicians set up and remove their equipment. The performances will switch between the two stages to provide continuous entertainment.

Earlier this month organisers of the first Alresford Music Festival announced that local IT company, First Option, had stepped in to provide sponsorship to ensure the event went ahead. This new development is seen as further confirmation of the commitment to the event and the spectacle that will be provided for local people.

"We have had an amazing response from musicians and bands wanting to play at the Alresford Music Festival" said festival operations manager Brian Hayward. "By running two stages we will be able to create an even slicker and more professional event. This is great news!"

"The main stage will be used for the headline acts like The Ashbies and Polly & the Billet Doux and the smaller, second stage will provide a platform for new emerging talent."

The Alresford Music Festival will include an exciting blend of rock, jazz, blues, indie, country and folk music. Acts currently signed up for the main stage include The Ashbies, Polly & the Billet Doux, Pressgang, Hattie Jacques' Playlist, No Through Road, Broken Links, Della Perrett's Sweetedge, Modern Clichés, Lee Abraham Band, Rattlewreck, Phil Freeman (Piano Girl) and Bighton Rock. The festival will take place on the Perins School playing field on Saturday 19th June. The event will include beer tents, local food stalls and children’s entertainment throughout the day. Tickets cost £20 per person and children 12 and under go free. Further information can be found on the festival website www.alresfordmusicfesival.com.

Perins School Community Manager, Clive Surry, commented, "Everyone at Perins is looking forward to the music festival and we hope it will be well attended by the community. Profits from the event have been pledged to the school and other worthy causes in the area so we are backing it all the way."

Festival organisers have also announced that, unfortunately, the Counterfeit Stones will no longer be performing at the event, as funding was not secured early enough to commit to a full contract. “This has been a slight disappointment” said festival chairman Ken Veitch, “but we have many other excellent bands that will easily step up to the mark. And now with two stages on offer this will more than compensate for the loss."

9 April 2010

First Option Saves Alresford Music Festival

Local IT company provides sponsorship to fund cash-strapped community event

Alresford based IT company, First Option, has come to the aid of the Alresford Music Festival by providing sponsorship for the event’s first year. Last month festival organisers announced it had misjudged the ticket buying patterns for the event and the cash flow from slow early sales had put the event in jeopardy. Following an appeal for support First Option has stepped forward to supply the funds to keep the festival on track.

First Option, whose office is on Jacklyns Lane, Alresford, is celebrating 20 years of business in 2010, providing bespoke software and a 24x365 technical helpdesk to an impressive portfolio of large and small businesses. As one of the biggest employers in the area First Option is a specialist in rescuing IT projects, and its always-open technical helpdesk is the backbone to many companies’ operations, including Jaguar Land Rover.

Managing Director at First Option Tim Considine commented "We're often called on to do ‘first of a kind’ projects, so sponsoring the 1st Alresford Music Festival is very exciting. As a great deal of work has already gone into creating something very special for the community, it’s a shame more support has not come forward for this landmark event. But we’re used to stepping into difficult situations and I guess we’ll see them all there on the day!"

The 1st Alresford Music Festival will take place on Saturday 19th June on the Perins School playing field and the line up includes a selection of musicians and bands that will appeal to a broad spectrum of music fans. The billing includes The Ashbies, Polly & the Billet Doux, Pressgang, Hattie Jacques’ Playlist, No Through Road, Broken Links, Della Perrett's Sweetedge, Modern Cliches, Lee Abraham Band, Rattlewreck and Bighton Rock. The festival will also include catering and beer from local Hampshire businesses, local produce and children’s entertainment throughout the day.

"I am excited and relieved that First Option has come to our aid" says the festival chairman Ken Veitch. "There has been great interest in the music festival but it has been an uphill struggle to raise the necessary funds in the current climate. It would have been a great shame to cancel the event so we are delighted that we are able to keep the show on the road."

"I am very pleased that First Option has been able to make this festival happen – it's a great idea and just what Alresford needs” said First Option Technical Director Richard Turner. “From a personal point of view I am also excited by the line-up of bands and I am already looking forward to the event."

15 February 2010

Alresford Music Festival Makes Plea for Local Support

Slow ticket sales jeopardise the future of this exciting, new, not-for-profit venture.

The 1st Alresford Music Festival, due to be held on Saturday 19th June 2010, is asking for strong and early support from the public to boost ticket sales. Unfunded by any grants, council support or corporate sponsorship, this not-for-profit event is appealing to the local community to buy tickets now to ensure it can be sustained into the future.

Event chairman, Ken Veitch, who came up with the idea for the Festival 3 years ago stated "It is vitally important the public understands that their support is paramount to the Music Festival going ahead. We have a marvellous opportunity to make this festival an annual event for Alresford, with local charities benefiting as well."

"At this point we need the public to support the event by buying tickets as early as possible – and that means in the next few days" said Veitch. "We have a 'speed bump' to get over financially in the first year - the second year will be much easier."

The event will cater for families and music enthusiasts, boasting top quality bands and one of the highest regarded tribute bands in the UK, the Counterfeit Stones, on stage. Talent advisor, Brian Hayward said "We have put together a stunning line up and everyone is eager to make it happen. With food, beverages, children’s entertainment and merchandise stalls on site, there will be a real party atmosphere." Other bands in the line up include The Ashbies, Polly & the Billet Doux, Pressgang, Hattie Jacques' Playlist, No Through Road, Broken Links, Della Perrett's Sweetedge, Modern Clichés, Lee Abraham Band, Rattlewreck and Bighton Rock. Further announcements will be made shortly.

The promotion of the event has been all encompassing with tickets available via PayPal from the Festival website, from Hayward Guitars in Winchester, County News in Alresford and from Perins School Office, Alresford.

Tim Miller, marketing officer, added "We need as many people in the community to back this exciting event by buying their tickets early, we really need local people to embrace the event and to help make it happen."

Sponsorship opportunities and patronage schemes are available - anyone interested in taking these up should contact Ken Veitch by emailing ken.veitch@btinternet.com.

13 January 2010

More Bands Announced for Alresford Music Festival

The rural Hampshire town of Alresford looks to be gearing up for a superb event with seven more bands announced to play at the first Alresford Music Festival. The latest bands from around the region to join the diverse bill include:

• Winchester indie band The Ashbies
• Alternative electro trio Scarlet Soho
• Southampton’s premier covers band Hattie Jacques’ Playlist
• Folk/rock group Pressgang
• Popular jazz and blues band Polly & The Billets Doux
• Guitar driven rock band Rattlewreck
• Local rock outfit Bighton Rock

This eclectic mix of rock, pop and folk music join the Rolling Stones tribute band, The Counterfeit Stones, already announced as the Festival’s headline act, in Alresford on 19 June 2010.

“We are very excited by the bands announced for the Festival line-up” said Festival organiser Brian Hayward. “We are still waiting upon confirmation of a few more but this is already looking to be an amazing event.”

The Alresford Music Festival will be held at Perins Community School in Alresford on Saturday 19 June 2010. Ticket numbers are limited and the Festival organisers have advised music fans to book early. “Each of the bands announced have a strong following of fans and they are starting to bulk buy tickets,” said Hayward. “Numbers are restricted and we are encouraging local festival goers to buy their tickets as soon as possible.” Tickets cost £20 and are available to buy on-line at the Festival website.

In order to deal with the expected influx of visitors to Alresford for the Festival additional car parking and a campsite have been organised in the town. The full weight of the local community is also supporting the event with patronage from the local commerce groups, sports clubs and the majority of event suppliers and concessionary outlets being sourced from the region.

Further band announcements are expected in the next few weeks.

24 November 2009

1st Alresford Music Festival is Launched with Resounding success

The first Alresford Music Festival was launched last Thursday, 19 November, with an inspirational show of local talent at the Festival’s venue, Perins Community School in Alresford. Local bands provided the entertainment to a well supported and appreciative audience of music enthusiasts, local residents and Perins’ students.

The brainchild of Hampshire amateur musicians Ken Veitch and Brian Hayward, the Alresford Music Festival will hit the rural town of Alresford on Saturday 19th June 2010. This unmissable, one-day event creates an amazing opportunity to experience a whole variety of live music, dedicated to all ages and tastes. Tickets are already on sale at £20 for the day with children of 12 years and under free of charge.

The Festival has been two years in the planning after Veitch and Hayward met when Veitch approached Hayward to hand build him a guitar. The two intend to make the Festival into an annual event and hope it will grow year after year to create a unique programme in the music calendar.

Veitch and Hayward have put together a team of enthusiasts to manager the event and have teamed up with Perins School to host the event and to engage the town’s youngsters and wider community.

“We are very excited to be bringing such a sensational event to Alresford” says organiser Ken Veitch. “Not only will it increase visitors to the town, benefiting the whole community, but the event will also raise much needed funds for local charities and organisations.”

The 1st Alresford Music Festival will be headlined by the Rolling Stones tribute band, The Counterfeit Stones, who will provide a fitting finale to next summer’s festival. The event is also an opportunity for local musicians to participate and demo tracks are invited from any bands or individuals who would like to play. Further details are available on the Alresford Music Festival website. Opportunities are also available for sponsorship and for suppliers wishing to get involved.

For further information and ticket sales please email info@alresfordmusicfestival.com