SOAKING wet but elated, Debbie Joynes has just been slotting the last few bits and pieces into place ahead of the GlastonBeoley music festival tomorrow, Saturday, June 8.
It may have bucketed down today, Friday, June 7, but with the rain clouds set to disappear tomorrow morning – just in time for the opening at 12noon – the day looks fair for a brilliant celebration of arts and music with every penny raised going to charity.
The event is without doubt Redditch’s biggest one day festival and features more than 38 bands on two stages in the festival field and at the Village Inn, Beoley plus loads of things going on for all the family in the village hall.
“The one thing you can’t organise for is the weather,” said Debbie, one of the organisers of GlastonBeoley.
“We’ve been out putting marquees up and making sure contingency plans are in place just in case it does rain but it’s all looking good for tomorrow.
“I’m soaked through but elated with all this weather because it’s going to be a great event on the day and I hope people come along.
“We’ve sold between 650 and 750 tickets already which is great but we’re not just after people’s money, we want their company too.”
GlastonBeoley this Saturday, June 8.
As for the festival itself, 38 bands, including Debbie’s own outfit Imaner, will be on stage.
There will be a drumming workshop, plus ‘Licence to Rhyme’ – a poetry and comedy open mike session at the Village Inn – while artist Candy Creative will be organising events for children, including a ‘Glaston – Bee – ley’ bee hunt.
Helping out will be St Leonard’s Church in Beoley which will also be providing parking
“There’s going to be all sorts of acts and music from solo artists to bands playing anything from folk, to rock, to jazz, punk and there will be craft stalls, food and a bar available too,” said Debbie.
The festival is being supported by Oakland International plus Higgs and Co, Courtyard Music in Tardebigge and Duchy Homes and C+G Scaffolding.
All proceeds will go to charity.
“All the bands are providing their services for free,” said Debbie.
“We are so lucky to have such a brilliant community of musicians here in Redditch.”
This year’s chosen charities are Redditch Nightstop, Charlotte and Craig’s Saving Hearts Foundation, Inspire – Winyates and the anti-bullying charity the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.
The event runs from 12noon to 10.30pm – later at the Village Inn – and tickets are £8 / £4 in advance or £10 £5 on the day for adults / children aged 10 to 16 with under 10s free.
