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your e-Zine with news and updates from Keynsham Music Festival
2023
ISSUE 2
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CONTENTS
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Welcome Bucketeers Meet the Team The Family Festival Local Heroes - New Youth Stage Spotlight - Festival Co-ordinator Opera in a Box - Hansel & Gretel The Wellbeing Village Featured Sponsor - I J McGill The Allergies + Support Comedy Night - Julian House
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your e-Zine with news and updates from Keynsham Music Festival
CONTACT www.keynshammusicfestival.co.uk facebook.com/keynshamfest email: info@keynshamfest.co.uk Keynsham Music Festival Association Ltd 15 -17 Temple Street, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 1HF Tel: 0117 9868683 Registered Charity: 1170185
IT’S MUC MORE THA MUSIC
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Welcome Welcome to the second edition of the KEY: FEST e-Zine. Thank you for subscribing to our mailing list. Keynsham Music Festival has become one of the largest community festivals in the South West and we will be bringing you news and updates from all around the festival. We owe so much to the generosity of so many individuals and businesses. This is an opportunity to throw some light on these very important aspects of the festival.
We aim to provide a more in depth view of the various parts of the festival - the organisation, the performers, sponsors - an opportunity to go behind the scenes. We’d welcome your feedback and we’d also like to know what else you you’d like to see in upcoming issues. Please use the contact details opposite.
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BUCKETEERS WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT THEM!
Did you know that the Keynsham Music Festival is the largest free community music and arts festival in the whole of the southwest? A few years ago B&NES undertook a detailed investigation into the festival and concluded that we provide the widest mix of musical genres and appeal to the widest range of ages than any other community festival in the area.
It’s an achievement that we are very , very proud of. It’s also a true reflection of the community spirit we have in this town. Keeping the festival weekend free is a difficult balancing act! - which is why we ask those that can afford it, to be as generous as they can and donate when entering the festival. We will always continue to strive to be as incusive as we possibly can. All we ask is
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that visitors give what they can afford.
So, how did we do in 2023?
Which is why we consider the Bucketeers to be such crucial members of the team. Without their help we wouldn’t be able to continue to operate in this way.
We made a surplus of £13,000. It has enabled us to cover some of our losses in 2022, pay for some much need infrastructure improvements and set some aside to kick the 2024 planning off.
Because we aim to break even at each festival, every year we start from a zero budget.
The festival Saturday was the biggest factor - oh, and the sun came out for us.
We then rely on a Keynsham Town Council grant, local business sponsors, traders and a few ticketed events for 85% of our income. Which leaves 15% to be covered by public donations.
After the financial challenges of 2022, we are, to say the least, very relieved.
Not only is it the last piece in the jigsaw but, it’s the last possible opportunity to ensure we break even!
So, from all of us, a heartfelt thank you!
As a Bucketeer, we couldn’t do it without you...
Be kind, be bold, be brilliant. Big Love, Ellis Grover x
Looking forward to 2024, we will continue to make improvements wherever we can and hope to introduce a couple of new things... One of the recurring suggestions for the Family Festival was to include a quiet, sensory area for those children unable to cope with the hustle and bustle of the play areas. We are currently working on ideas on
how we can make this happen. We were so impressed with the sheer quality of some of the young performers at the Nova Youth Arts Festival that we are planning on opening the last remaining stage on Saturday to introduce a Local Heroes stage. We are also working on a new public arts project but it will require additional arts funding from somewhere.
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MEET THE TEAM WE’LL BE INTRODUCING MORE OF THE TEAM IN FUTURE ISSUES
Helen has been an integral part of the team for many years.
You will find her at the all important Information Point.
For many years she was a teacher at Chandag Primary. You may have actually been taught by her - in which case, you know you’d better be on best behaviour! Helen’s a great violinist too!
HELEN BANCROFT
Jade is our all important Site Manager. Jade and her team always come to us straight from Glastonbury where she is responsible for the BigTop. With many years events experience, Jade is responsible for everything in the Park especially the safety of all of our visitors. Without doubt it’s the toughest job at the festival and we are so grateful to have her as part of the team.
JADE
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Andy, who probably doesn’t need any introduction, has been a member of the team since the very beginning.
He can always be relied upon to be the sensible one amongst us and keep us in line (he used to be a maths teacher, need we say more!).
ANDY WAIT
You may have seen him dressed up to the nines for the Orchestra...
E DUNBAR
DAVE BIDDLESTON Dave is one of four nominated Town Councillors on the Board of KMF. He has been a such an enthusiastic force for the festival and has been an integral part to its success. If you’d like to volunteer, Dave’s the man to speak to... When not on stage as part of KLOGS, you will find Dave compering the Dance Stage.
Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. Henry Ford
The Family Festival KEY:FEST 8
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The Family Festival Having received such positive feedback, the Family Festival will be back - and even better!
We recognised that the community within Keynsham is changing - with more and more younger families moving to the town. As a result, we have tried really hard to provide entertainment and activities that the whole family can enjoy together - the kids, parents and grandparents - something for everyone… We are very fortunate to have several groups (of all ages) who provide brilliant productions throughout the year right on our doorstep - KLOGS, Razzamataz, Phoenix Youth Theatre for example. We threw into the mix Jo Jo Sparkles and a Big Top tent and hey presto we have a show! Some years ago we formed a partnership with Above and Beyond who teach circus skills to the students at Circomedia. We provide them with the opportunity to perform to a much larger Saturday 6th July 12-6pm
audience and they also teach their skills to anyone who fancies having a go. We also have a strong relationship with the Glastonbury Festival Circus Area. We have seen a number of internationally known street performers come to us after performing at Glasto. Our aim is also to provide the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities. Circus skills, spray painting, clay modelling etc. In 2023 we included the Super Pirates who became an instant favourite with everyone. Rest assured they have already been booked for next year! Stop Press: We hope to establish a sensory area especially for families with children who find it difficult to cope with the hustle and bustle of the festival environment.
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Local Heroes Brand new for 2024 A full stage dedicated to young people 11-19years old
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We were completely knocked out by the sheer quality of the young bands and performers that were selected to play on the Nova Youth Arts Festival stage this year.
We have no doubt that the music industry will be very safe in their hands. As a result of the success we have experienced with
events such as the Futura Academy and the TimeOut Battle of the Bands, we decided that we should encourage further youth participation in the festival.
New You
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We have decided to open up the Bandsatnd Stage (for the first time on a Saturday) as a youth stage specially for those aged between 11 and 19 years old. We will curate the best performers from Wellsway, Broadlands, Timeout Youth Club and other surrounding schools and groups, providing them with a professionally run stage together with the best equipment that we can afford. This is not just a great opportunity for performers. The setup will also provide plenty of opportunities for those wishing to concentrate on roles behind the scenes - such as stage management and sound engineering. A chance to shadow professionals within the industry. We are calling it The Local Heroes Stage - which we feel reflects, given the right encouragement, the potential for these young local performers. We anticipate a number of competitions during the coming months to help decide the lineup for next year’s launch of this new initiative. Keep your eyes peeled.
uth Stage
You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” Maya Angelou
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Spotlight
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Festival Co-ordinator Say hello as we welcome James McPhee as the latest member of the team! "Without music, life would be a mistake - Friedrich Nietzsche" Having played music from as young as five, it seemed inevitable that James would go on to achieve a Degree in Music & Event Management. Of course, James has already had the pleasure of working with and also performing at the festival... First joining as a stage hand for Da Fuchaman in 2021. James then performed with Tim Davine and David Hewitt at the family festival in 2022. He’s still apologising to the Keynsham Orchestra for the loudness of his drumming! Since 2022, James has been responsible for the Abbey Stage bringing such favourites including Land Captains, The Radio Makers, The Liberators, The Shucks, Feels Like July and many more to the festival.
James is determined to maintain the festival’s
James now brings his passion for community and breath of experience as Festival Co-ordinator.
record of delivering music for all tastes.
"I am passionate about involving as many local people and businesses as I can and I want to ultimately help make Keynsham Music Festival something we as a community can continue to be proud of for many more generations".
We could be in for some
James currently plays with two function bands, Moon Rivers and 789's.
surprises!
A highlight in 2023 was performing at the Bloodstock Open Air Festival with Moon Reaper.
Please contact James if you have any questions.
james@keynshamfest.co.uk
Good to have you onboard James...
Ja
Moon Reaper
Who needs a set of speaker stands when you’ve got a stage manager who will do it?
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ames McPhee
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Thursday 4th July 7:00pm
Photos from the 2023 production of Don Giovanni
The Wellb
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The Wellbeing Village just wouldn’t have happened without the tremendous amount of work from Rob Reid - known to most of you as the Yoga Dad. The Village has proved to be a popular addition to the festival providing an area where festival-goers can go to take a break from the excitement of the festival and focus on their physical and mental wellbeing. This year we were very pleased to welcome Meryton Place who wanted to sponsor the Village as it complements their whole approach to wellbeing for their residents.
A chance for you to try out a whole variety of wellbeing activities.
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The Village is designed to promote health and wellness through various activities, workshops, and services. It includes several different activities - yoga and pilates where instructors offer classes throughout the day, massage where participants can receive massages to relax their muscles, nutrition where you can learn about healthy eating and receive advice on how to maintain a balanced diet while at the festival. On offer will be alternative therapies such as reflexology, or Reiki. These therapies can help to alleviate stress, improve energy levels, and promote overall wellbeing. The Wellbeing Village is an excellent opportunity for festival-goers to take care of their physical and mental health while enjoying the festivities. It provides a space for attendees to relax and recharge, allowing them to fully enjoy the festival experience. We also welcomed Suicide Prevention who were on hand to provide help and advice to anyone who needed it. Wellness:
New for 2024 will be the addition of Bristol University (the same people responsible for the Child of the Nineties Program) who will be providing valuable information about their latest projects and hoping for some valuable help from the residents of Keynsham!
“The state of being in good health, especially as an actively pursued goal.”
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Featured Sponsor We are absolutely delighted to be able to showcase our longest serving business sponsor. Without the generosity of our sponsors the festival would not be possible.
Thank You! from all of us at KMF
Ian McGill became an owner/driver in 1979, and over the past 40 years, he has built the business up to the UK-wide success it is today, whilst servicing a valued customer base in Bristol where it all started. Expanding slowly over this time has allowed systems to keep pace and the business to retain clients, and Ian himself is fully involved in the business with the support of his three daughters and a strong, loyal management team. The business continues to flourish and grow.
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Team spirit and employee contentment is important to us, and this is reflected through the high levels of
customer service we strive to achieve every single day. If you think you share our core values and would like to be a part of our friendly but professional team, please email your application to:
hr@ijmcgilltransport.com
For many years, I J McGill Transport has become synonymous with the Creative Arena, a zone run by local artists where children could produce art of all kinds. A few years ago we renamed the area to the Bob Bevan Arena in memory of Bob who worked for Ian and was instumental in helping us set up the arts area. As the festival has grown, we have included more and more family oriented entertainment, activities and workshops. Thanks to Ian’s continued support, the Family Festival has become a permanent fixture.
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Full Live Band
Seb Bailey plus support
Keynsham! Get ready for the funkiest event the festival has ever seen! We are so pleased to announce that Keynsham Music Festival will be the first gig on the Allergies + Full Band 2024 festival tour.
Since forming in 2012 The Allergies have made it their mission to reshape funky vintage sounds for the modern dancefloor. the duo of DJ Moneyshot & Rackabeat first bonded over their love of classic hiphop and beats, then decided to pool their knowledge and skills into making their own music. Along the way they’ve racked up two ‘Tune of the Month’ awards in Mixmag,
Craig Charles, BBC 6 Music
“My pick for album of the year. This is truly funk and soul for the 21st century!”
Both skilled turntablists in their own right, and known for their 45 only vinyl sets,
topped download charts, and helped headline the BBC 6 Music festival in their native Bristol. With each successive release they found strength in numbers, with the duo forming a crack team of vocalists, rappers, and musicians around them, fleshing out their sound. Andy Cooper, of underground LA rap legends Ugly Duckling, became their powerhouse front man. Soul-sensation Marietta Smith, the deadly diva. And Dub FX’s sax star Mr. Woodnote, their master of the badass brass.
Friday 5th July 7:30pm
Supporting The Allergies will be Seb Bailey - as heard on BBC Radio 1 and Virgin Radio! Seb is also the resident DJ for all of Bristol City’s home games.
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EPK
BIO The duo of DJ Moneyshot and Rackabeat have been delighting dance floors and lighting up radio airwaves since forming The Allergies and releasing their debut album in 2016. Their brand of feel-good funk and hyped-up hip-hop has seen them clock up A List status and numerous ‘Album of The Day’ gongs at BBC 6 Music, and soundtrack a whole host of international ad campaigns. Year in, year out they’ve sharpened their skills in the studio, dropping one dynamite LP after another. And, they’re about to cut the ribbon on their sixth – Tear The Place Up. Full to the brim with party-starting heat, the record showcases their never-ending
knack for turning out soul-sampling bangers, and deep infectious grooves. Due to popular demand, they’ll be assembling their crack team of musical collaborators once more, and hitting the road with a high-octane live show to bring their music to life.
“My pick for album of the year. This is truly funk and soul for the 21st century!”
Joining them on stage, as always, is LA rap legend, Andy Cooper. The mighty pipes of soul sensation, Marietta Smith. And the blazing horns of sax supremo, James Morton. Together, they’ve earned a rep for their dynamite crowd-rocking. And, with this new material in the bag, it looks like they’ll be raising the roof even higher this year.
- Craig Charles, BBC 6 Music
“If you haven’t caught them out in a club or festival field yet, then where have you been?!” - 45live.net
LIVE HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE Glastonbury Festival - UK Space - Ibiza BBC 6 Music Festival - Bristol
Green Man Festival - Live!
Funk & Soul Weekender - Brighton Fusion Festival - Germany Jazz Cafe - London
California Soul - Live!
The Allergies - Rock Rock
Mojo Club - Hamburg Shambhala Festival - Canada Melkweg - Amsterdam
The Allergies - Move On Baby
Comedy Nig KEY:FEST
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Working with Mark Olver (BBC New Comedy Awards) and Dani Johns (Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol) we developed the increasingly popular Comedy Night. All of the comedians who perform on the night do so free of charge - donating their time for the benfit of charity.
We have specialist support and refuge accommodation for men, women, and children escaping domestic abuse
Our chosen charity for 2024 is again, Julian House. Julian House supports vulnerable and at-risk individuals. These include adults and young people experiencing homelessness, escaping domestic abuse, adults with learning difficulties and people who need support after leaving prison. They operate more than 40 different projects, accommodation sites and social enterprises across South West England. These include homeless outreach services, a 20-bed emergency access hostels and support. They also run multiple training programmes (including the
ght
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bike workshops in Bath and Trowbridge) to help people regain confidence, learn new transferable work skills, get back into education, volunteering and employment. “Our projects not only address the symptoms of homelessness but also the underlying reasons why men and women are forced onto the streets.” “We seek to build a just society where socially excluded people are supported and empowered to build sustainable, independent lives.” Our sincere thanks to Mark, Dani and the many stand-up comedians for all their help in making the Comedy Night such a joy to be a part of - and for helping to raise much need funds for Julian House.
Thursday 4th July 9:00pm
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ISSUE 2
2023