LOCAL family music festival returns to Dilton Marsh next weekend, 14th-16th July, and is set to be bigger and better than last year!
Set up five years ago by Annie and David Harris, the festival has grown into a much-loved event for the local community and a successful fundraiser for local charities and groups.
The festival’s mission statement covers four aspects; family, fun, affordability and fundraising. The festival is a chance for family and friends to get together each year and have fun in a safe, friendly environment where parents and grandparents can relax and see their children/grandchildren experiencing a Festival atmosphere whilst meeting and making friends with others.
The festival also offers local musicians and bands, of all types, the experience of playing to an outdoor audience through a professional sound system.
This year’s line up includes Soulside, Billy in the Lowground, Strange Folk, James Negus, Sound Affects, Up Your Bass, The Layers and Brakelight.
Annie Harris said, “I started this five years ago for my husband’s 70th birthday as we are very young at heart and on remembering organizing my mother’s 70th, just couldn’t imagine afternoon tea and sherry on the lawn with a lot of old people!
“For the first two years we collected for Help for Heroes and the next two years for Air Ambulance but neither offered us any help and we were constantly having to rely on friends and family who all had other commitments, so it was suggested we approach the Westbury Lions as they have a good support network of volunteers. As the help we received last year from the Westbury Lions was invaluable and they are experienced in allocating funds to worthy local charities, we have invited them again this year, our sixth year. None of the donations to the Lions is spent on administration fees, unlike a lot of large charities, so all profits collected will go to worthwhile and varied local causes, ensuring that it is spent specifically for the benefit of those who deserve it.”
More information about the festival can be found on Facebook or at the website, www.cliveyfest.com. Parking and camping information can also be found online where tickets can also be purchased.
Annie added, “I won’t apologise for the noise we make once a year having great fun and at the same time raising money for good causes, but applaud those who work shifts and need their sleep having to use ear plugs and keep their windows closed on this weekend.
“We have few immediate neighbours and nearly all join us and donate accordingly but dependant on the weather, noise does travel and so that is out of our control, but we do ensure that it is kept within the legal decibels required by Environment Control. For those who don’t join us but donate simply by tolerating people having fun for a good cause, we raise a glass and thank you.
“Any donations to the raffle, tombola and bottle stalls will be greatly appreciated.”
