- By Adam Holden - Virgin Red Room
- Sep 05, 2013
With accelerated growth and a rapid increase in ticket sales, Brownstock this weekend took a giant leap forward in the festival world, cementing its place in the summer calendar.
Only in its ninth year, the event has come a long way from its inaugurating Brown family party that showcased localised and family talent that played music on the back of a trailer.
For 2013, it is now a fully fledged festival that gave home to over 6,000 people for the weekend on a farm in Chelmsford, Essex - Stow Maries.
With high calibre acts such as Mark Ronson, DJ Yoda and The Fratellis, it more than highlights how far the family has taken the event.
The festival itself has a soothing atmosphere, ultimately relaxed and free of that chaotic and frenzied drama that one would associate with larger festivals, and even some boutique ones too.
Key to the relaxing and tranquil environment is the abundance of space that the family has to offer. From the car parks, campsites and festival arena itself, it never felt crowded, which makes everything at the festival much more accessible and effortless.
The crowd itself was a mixture of all different generations, as Brownstock includes fun for all ages and highlights those traditional festival family values that keep people returning the next year, including skate parks and children’s entertainment. Although one thing you can tell, is that your are definitely in Essex.
And if you are wondering why that notion is so easily distinguishable, it is the fashion attire that the majority of the campers showcased. Short shaved hair, ridiculously tight tees and of course the flat back caps, all over done with a myriad on display, which at times just seems amusing.
The music over the weekend was of mixed variety and mixed quality. Unfortunately for the Brown family, who are all on site over the weekend conversing with punters and showing their faces, original headline act Rudimental pulled out last minute due to unforeseen American duties. With quick work, the organisers managed to pull in Professor Green, who despite bringing one of the largest crowds to the main stage all weekend, portrayed that replacement vibe, as though he was bitter about being second choice and ultimately just ran through his best numbers. By no means an awful show, but knowing how much different and probably better Rudimental would have been received, it is a shame – but not of the end of the world….. FULL ARTICLE HERE