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QUIZ QUESTION: Last year’s Ampthill Festival was the biggest yet – but organisers say they are already expecting 2014’s to be even better! The festival runs from July 4Ͳ6 and has a lot to live up to after record crowds attended in 2013. Amprocks – which kicks off the festival on the Friday evening – DOUBLED its previous attendance with more than 3,000 packing out Ampthill Park to see Toploader, The Hoosiers and Skies On Fire. “We have exciting plans for 2014 and expect to announce the headline act very soon,” said Amprocks’ Ian Scarr. “Last year was fantastic. The public responded and we put on a show that, frankly, a place the size of Ampthill has no right to put on.” But Amprocks is only part of Ampthill Festival. As well as the Proms on the Saturday night – more than 1,000 attended last year’s – the Sunday Gala parade, in its 34th year, will proceed through town culminating at Ampthill Park in what will be the best attended day of all. This year’s theme is ‘Ampthill The Musical’ and plans are already underway for a visual extravaganza that will be an absolute show stopper – with unrivalled family fun at the Park. (Let’s just hope the weather does its bit!) (Keep May 17 open for the selection of the Festival Queen and Princesses at the Methodist Church!) And there is also a welcome new addition to the festival. Welcome to the debutant Ampthill Literary Festival, which runs alongside the other events. An array of writers and literary figures, both local and national (including one or two household names!) are expected to attend. More info to follow as soon as we have confirmation. To get involved, go to http://amplitfest.wordpress.com/ “We were bowled over by the response to last year’s Festival – it was everything we hoped for and more,” says chairman Richard Benson. "With the addition of the Literary Festival we expect it to outshine even last year. Amprocks has become a massive success and the Proms is a perfect family event alongside the Gala Day. “The local community – whether it be schools, individuals, organisations and local businesses – have really supported us and we are determined to continue to grow and improve the best three days of the year. “And the main thing is, everybody had a great time. We really do have fun for all the family, something for everyone, young and old. That’s what makes it unique.” But of course, we can’t do any of this without the great Mid Beds public! So now for the begging bit… As the Festival grows, so does the need for volunteers. If you love Ampthill and can help, in any small or large way, on any of the days, in the buildͲup, or afterwards to help with the cleanͲup, to (almost) quote Lord Kitchener: AMPTHILL NEEDS YOU For further info, email volunteer@ampthillfestival.co.uk
What have Fun Quizzes, Frogs, Dogs, Wine Tasting, Beer Festivals and Mulled Wine and Mince Pies got in common??? ANSWER: They all raise money for Ampthill Gala 2014 “AMPTHILL THE MUSICAL!” Yes it’s Fund-raising time for our Gala Day again! All profits from the above help to pay for our fabulous Gala Day in the Park - this year on Sunday 6th July. Friday May 9th: the return of the fantastic Frog Racing Event in Parkside Hall Saturday June 28th: Boules Competition Rugby Club Beer Festival June 9 (date to be announced): Fun Quiz at Ampthill Rugby Club Sunday June 29th: the Annual Fabulous Ampthill Open Gardens September/October (date to be announced): the 4th Annual Festival Fun Dog Show in Ampthill Park Wine-tasting for Beginners (!) - date to be announced November (date to be announced): Free Mulled Wine and Mince-pies at Ampthill Lights Switch On
Happy Birthday to Fred for the 19th March!
Happy Birthday Amy for the 7th March!
Ampthill Open Gardens AMPTHILL GARDENERS – DON’T MISS OUT! The Ampthill Open Gardens event is now in its fifth year and has proved to be a most popular occasion attracting 400-500 visitors and raising over £1000 for local charities. Each year we welcome new gardens to participate – this year’s date is Sunday 29 June. Your garden doesn’t have to be pristine – appealing features and attractive planting are much more interesting, including the odd weed! The only stipulation is that you are a resident of Ampthill. Don’t let the weather put you off, we’ve enjoyed 4 years of good weather for our Open Gardens and everyone’s garden looked a picture! So don’t miss out! Contact Angie Murdoch on 01525 403076 (mobile 07736 452131) or email angiemurdoch@virginmedia.com as soon as possible for further details.
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As part of the Ampthill Festival 2014