Adastra Park hosts DownsFest 2022 in July

This July, Adastra Park will once again be transformed into DownsFest. Friday 15th will be Comedy@DownsFest, courtesy of ‘Funny That Comedy’. A top notch line up of comedians will be hosted by local favourite, Stephen Grant. From 5.30pm, Jessica Fostekew, Stephen K Amos, Nick Helm, Mark Simmons and Ivo Graham will be taking to the festival stage.

On the Saturday, the headliners are One Step Behind ‘The Masters of Madness’ topping the bill. Other musical treats on offer, include Loki + Zaffire Twinz, Harmonessence Choir, Cheer up Mollies, Breeze in and Stuart Barbour. Local band, Disco B’stards are sure to get you dancing. And many of you may know Thing of the Swamp, another act you don’t want to miss. Plus Stone Dark Night, Diva and the Nobodies, Nova and Overdrive. There will be plenty of choice in the FamilyZone, too. Pop into the Dance Tent, see what’s happening at the Fire show, watch Nick Cook Entertainer or get involved at Poi Passion Circus. Tickets are now available at www.DownsFest.co.uk

DownsFest 2022

Hassocks’ very own festival returns - DownsFest 2022!

DownsFest is back! In July, there will be a weekend of comedy and music for everyone to enjoy at Adastra Park. This year introduces Comedy@ DownsFest too!

On Friday 15th July, in partnership with ‘Funny That Comedy,’ DownsFest are pleased to announce six comedians will be on stage throughout the evening including Stephen K. Amos and local favourite, Stephen Grant. “We look forward to an evening of fun and laughter, whilst enjoying a summer’s evening drinking local beers and feasting on a variety of street food,” says organiser, Michelle Binks.

On Saturday 16th July, the all-day music festival, DownsFest 2022, will be headlining One Step Behind, the Masters of Madness, and featuring a collection of musical acts throughout the day. Michelle explains: “We are also introducing a FamilyZone@DownsFest this year, which will be including a circus programme from Poi Passion which is all part of the Saturday ticket price.” DownsFest intends to bring everyone together through music and comedy for a fun-filled two days to raise money for St Peter and St James Hospice, the local Mid Sussex charity who look after and support families with those at the end of their life.

As DownsFest is over two days, consider making it a ‘true’ festival experience by camping at Southdowns Way Camping and Caravan, just a 10 mins walk from Adastra Park. Or visit by train with Hassocks Station on the London-Brighton line also just 10mins from the festival.

Tickets are available from £19.50. For more information and ticket options please visit www.DownsFest.co.uk

DownsFest 2020 Cancelled

DownsFest music festival, which was due to take place in September, has been now been cancelled. Organiser Michelle Binks said: “We have held out for as long as possible but feel this is our only option at this stage to keep everyone safe, and not knowing what’s to come in terms of guidelines.” However, on a very positive note the date of Saturday 17th July 2021 for has been confirmed for next year! “We have brought the date forward into July for the warmer weather and lighter evenings,” Michelle went on, “avoiding other local event clashes and before the schools close for their summer holidays.” One Step Beyond will be headlining and our new ‘Family Zone’ will be launched at DownsFest 2021. The event will continue to fundraise for St Peter and St James Hospice. All tickets for DownsFest 2020 will automatically be transferred to 2021. Ticket holders who cannot make it next year, will find refunds will be available through Ticket Tailor. Michelle said: “We cannot thank the community enough for its understanding and ongoing support. Here’s to 2021!”

Hassocks VE Day celebrations cancelled

This year an annual May Day on Friday 8th May 2020 was planned in Adastra Park to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe, with a theme of 1940s. Organiser Michelle Binks cancelled the event last month with a heavy heart saying: “It was the right decision in the light of current government advice and with the movement of people restrictions changing all the time.” Stallholders have been contacted individually. She has no plans to set another date this year but Michelle but looks forward to organising Hassocks May Day in 2021.

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DownsFest choir urge home singing

DownsFest Youth Choir has been recruiting enthusiastic young singers to rehearse for the festival but, sadly, all rehearsals are now cancelled. One of the organisers, Emily Hilson, said: “If DownsFest goes ahead in September - fingers crossed we are out the other side by then! - we shall do everything we can to run a few rehearsals and get ourselves up on that stage!”

The situation regarding COVID-19 changes at a rapid pace. The organisers of DownsFest 2020 are working on multiple contingency plans so that, if possible, they may be able to deliver a safe and successful event.

Organiser Michelle Binks explained: “With September being several months away, we are following government advice and will continue to review and augment plans accordingly. We would like to take this opportunity to thank and support all the incredibly hard-working NHS and emergency service staff.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Malone has set up The Great British Home Choir, which aims to give everyone the opportunity to contribute their voices and instruments to an ambitious digital music project which is compatible with social distancing. Register here: www.decca.com/greatbritishhomechorus

DownsFest, Hassocks - date set for 2020

By Michelle Binks, DownsFest Organiser

DownsFest raised £1,000 for St Peter & St James Hospice

DownsFest is returning! We are really pleased to announce the date for next year’s DownsFest is Saturday 5th September 2020 at Adastra Park in Hassocks.

We are excited to reveal that ‘One Step Behind, The Masters of Madness’ are confirmed as our headline act, the UK’s Premier and longest surviving MADNESS tribute band. Each member of One Step Behind grew up as a Madness fan, and perfecting his portrayal of his original Madness counterpart has been a labour of love.

They cover the wide spectrum of Madness songs: Baggy Trousers, One Step Beyond, House of Fun, Our House to name a few!

Last year we were delighted to bring over 18 local acts to our Hassocks festival stage. Performing at DownsFest launched several bands’ music into our community and wider afield. Now we are looking for more local acts covering all genres and musicality.

Please contact us on: downsfest@outlook.com if you’re interested to play next year.

DownsFest has raised £1,000 for St Peter and St James Hospice, and we’re looking to increase this figure for them next year. Tickets will be on sale soon but in the meantime you can keep in touch via Facebook or website: www.downfest.co.uk

DownsFest was the mini-Glasto in Adastra Park, Hassocks

September saw the inaugural DownsFest music event take over Adastra Park for one day only. Although originally a suggestion from Jo Ganpatsingh, the reality of making DownsFest happen came down to Hassocks resident Michelle Binks, who tells us how she is feeling now it’s all packed away…

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To say getting DownsFest off the ground has been a stressful experience would be an understatement! However, my knight in shining armour was Kelly Foley, who I’m forever grateful to for coming to my aid. Kelly was my rock, my social media champion and became my right hand man! And how can I miss out Jo, the maddest friend I’ll ever have; all I have to say to you is ‘cheese and banjo’! Love you both to the moon and back.

One thing that I love about my community is all the help and assistance from so many that have enabled me to put the festival together: Graphic Design (Su Watts), Web Design (Alex Simmons), Burgess Hill Community Radio (Steve Bird), all the volunteers and many more. And I thank my family for their support throughout this huge adventure.

Three months later, DownsFest 2019 was live!

[Full article printed in Hassocks Life magazine, October 2019]

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