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…

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]