Students to support BrowsonBeats Charity Festival which promises a day of fabulous music
08 June 2023 | Jill Lundberg | Posted in: Alumni, Community, Performing Arts
Preparations are well underway for BrowsonBeats on Saturday, 8th July, this summer’s only one-day music festival in Richmondshire, and it’s gearing up to be a fantastic event. There’s a great Richmond School and Sixth Form vibe to the festival which will feature three of our Year 13 students performing as ‘The Batts’, headline act ‘Late Night Radio’, with former student Becca Blenkiron as lead singer, as well as five Year 12 students who will be volunteering as festival guides throughout the day. The family-orientated festival aims to give everyone a great day (and night) whilst also raising money for two amazing charities – Pancreatic Cancer UK and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The festival will take place at Browson Bank Farm, on the A66, five miles west from Scotch Corner. Tickets are available online here or in person from the box office at King Street Kitchen & Gifts in Richmond, adult entry is £25, £5 for under 16s and under 2s are free. Visit the BrowsonBeats website for further information on how to book camping and glamping.
Following the success of the 2022 festival, the organisers, alumni Tarn Bainbridge and Mark Bastow will once again host the event on the large field on the farm which offers a wonderful amphitheatre setting with stunning views towards Ravensworth and beyond. They will work with their team of dedicated volunteers who ensure the event runs like clockwork.
BrowsonBeats offers a diverse mix of music from rock and pop through to jazz and folk. Headlining the festival are Late Night Radio, who made their Browson debut last year, with a number of regular favourites returning, including The Pearls and Julia Buckley, plus newcomers such as The Batts, Doubtful Bottle and Fumble Hook.
As well as enjoying ten hours of live music, from 1pm, culminating with a disco, there is a selection of food stalls offering a tasty range of hot and cold refreshments, as well as a competitively-priced bar from Cameron’s Brewery. Throughout the festival, Fired & Sliced, Stoneygate Farm and Granny’s Kitchen will be serving locally-sourced, high-quality wood-fired pizzas, a Barbecue and cakes with all tastes catered for. Younger visitors can enjoy craft-making, face painting and bouncy castles.
Mark Bastow, co-organiser, said: “We are delighted to be introducing new acts to BrowsonBeats and it’s great to have the opportunity to showcase some younger performers. This year, we are pleased to welcome The Batts, three Year 13 musicians from Richmond Sixth Form College who will be performing folk, indie and pop music. We are also working closely with the student leaders at the college who are volunteering to support us as Festival guides and will be playing a really important role in ensuring the smooth running of the event.
“BrowsonBeats is unique in that it is a truly family-friendly event that blends amazing music in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside and all in aid of charity. It’s a terrific day for people to enjoy the tremendous musical talent in the area.”
“The Festival would not be where it is today without our sponsors whose invaluable support enables as much money as possible to be donated to our nominated charities. If any individuals or businesses would be interested in supporting the festival this year, please get in touch with me at mpbastow@yahoo.co.uk .”
This will be the fifth BrowsonBeats and since its inception in 2017, more than £10,000 has been raised for charity, including Yorkshire Air Ambulance, Pancreatic Cancer, MNDA, The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, The Fire Fighters Charity and The South Tees Hospitals Charity.
Visitors are invited to bring their own food, soft and alcoholic drinks (strictly no glass), chairs and picnic blankets. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Keep in touch with all the news and regular updates on BrowsonBeats Facebook page which you can join or for further information visit www.browsonbeats.co.uk