Posted by Jackie Hewett on Sat 30th June 2007 at 04:29 AM, Filed in July
Music, literature and vintage tractors may seem like un-likely bed-fellows, but not to the regular attendees of the Nozstock festival, which began life in 1998. It started from humble beginnings as a gathering of friends and has evolved to an event that is expected to draw in 3000 or more visitors in 2007 over the two days (Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July fo 2007).
This year the event includes:
• ‘The Orchard Stage’ – the ‘big one’!
• ‘The Garden Stage’ – next to the farmhouse and garden bar
• ‘The Bandstand’ – nestled amongst the trees this is the haven for taking in some chilled-out, acoustic sounds with sofas and a café nearby
• ‘The Cubicles’ – this is the largest dance arena at the festival and is housed in the converted remains of a cowshed! The music starts at 9.30 and goes on into the small hours
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Posted by Jackie Hewett on Mon 25th June 2007 at 02:11 AM, Filed in July
19th to 22nd July 2008 will see the 34th Trowbridge Village Pump festival.
This music and entertainment festival takes place at Stowford Manor Farm in Wiltshire, situated close to Farleigh Hungerford Castle. It started out focussing on folk music but has broadened to include many different forms of music such as rock and roll, jazz and roots. Previous performers include the legendary Stephanne Grapelli, Suzanne Vega and The Waterboys, and the 2007 line-up includes the Levellers, Hot House Flowers and Joe Brown.
Sponsored by Wadworth Brewery for the last seven years there will be the obligatory beer tents (usually 3) in addition to many different trade stalls selling food from around the world and a myriad craft stalls.
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Yes really!! Every July a bunch of grown adults get together in deepest darkest Sussex (Pulborough) to race through the night against each other on ‘ride-on’ lawnmowers! This 12 hour race is a test of both physical stamina and mechanical know-how. The mowers are hardly a comfortable ride so most riders wear kidney belts to try to stop bruising of internal organs and the race runs from 8pm to 8am. Winning the race can usually be largely attributed to the technical abilities of the team members (most riders become mechanics for half the night). It’s quite an art form to keep these (often ‘veteran’) vehicles going for the whole 12 hours using make-shift parts and brute force.
Rain generally adds to the spectacle with ‘leaky ‘pit’ roofs, and no drainage on the course, which quickly becomes a quagmire.
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