They thought it was over ..... it isn't now!

It’s back, it’s bigger, and it’s STILL FREE!

Yes - Brightlingsea Free Music Festival is bursting into life again this summer at Hurst Green on Saturday and Sunday 6th and 7th August 2022.

When last year’s festival finished, everyone thought the curtain had come down for good on this hugely popular annual attraction. Its intrepid committee won a coveted Pride of Tendring award, and three key festival supremos retired after many years of spectacular service.

But the spirit of the festival just couldn’t be extinguished.

Committee member, Bob Walsh said: “Last year’s festival was touch and go because the risk of further COVID restrictions, but we really wanted to do something for the town after all the lockdowns of the previous 18 months.

“When I walked round the site and saw how much everyone was out there thoroughly enjoying themselves, it brought a lump to my throat and I thought then that surely we couldn’t stop the festival for good.

“At the end we packed up and put away our marquees in the rain, but had to return later when the sun came out to open them out and let them dry. The mood of the volunteers at that point was very downbeat, but gradually somehow there and then we began to form the idea that maybe we COULD run the festival again – and here we are! We thoroughly look forward to welcome everyone to our 2022 festival this August.”

A major hurdle to tackle is the £20,000 cost of running such a big public event, including the hire of staging, sound equipment and enough public toilets for a large crowd.

Keen volunteers wield collecting buckets and stage raffles throughout the event to help out, but the festival has always vitally needed the support of sponsorship and grants.

Could your firm help with sponsorship? If so, please contact: https://brightlingseafreefest.com/contact-us

Students from the Colne School are being invited to design a festival poster on the theme of the Phoenix rising from the ashes.

And the Festival is seeking a new logo for its volunteer T shirts. Could you design one? Watch out for details of the special logo competition.

Volunteers get a huge kick out of helping with this exceptional community event which is a great family outing, brings visitors flocking to Brightlingsea and puts new bands on the map.

Want to be part of it? Contact: https://brightlingseafreefest.com/contact-us