From humble origins as a fundraising event with some live music and a few barrels of beer in 2011, Lowde Fest has grown to become an important part of the local music landscape.
Despite Covid putting a halt to the festival for a couple of years, Lowde Fest returned in 2022 and is now excited to celebrate its tenth event.
Lowde Fest will celebrate big acts and champion a new wave of talent while also fundraising for the continued use of music to improve the wellbeing of young people.
This year’s event will take place on July 1 at Hazeley Bottom Farm in Hartley Wintney and will host two stages, with the Dome stage paying homage to some of the world’s biggest and best bands and performers.
Meanwhile, the Keith Bennet stage will provide a key platform for upcoming talent, including Kerry Goodhind, who has previously been featured by BBC Introducing and is now working on a new EP, and singer-songwriter Louis Coupe, whose previous highlights include performances at Radio 1’s Big Weekend and at the Royal Albert Hall.
Not only is Lowde Fest the perfect space to help launch new talent, it also seeks to raise vital funds for music-based charity projects.
The festival was the vision of founder Martin Lowde, after the death of his father. Lowde Fest is an important opportunity to support the work of the Lowde Music Trust, which champions music for good.
Its work uses the power of music to change people’s lives.
This includes providing scholarships and grants to support the next generation of the UK’s creative talent, as well as bringing music to the bedsides of ill children. Its work has included projects working with children’s hospices, and alongside Radio Lollipop in providing entertainment for children in hospitals such as Great Ormond Street.
The money raised from Lowde Fest will be used directly in these projects and will allow the trust to continue its life-changing work.
There will be plenty to keep all the family entertained, and the festival also includes a funfair with rides for younger festival-goers, as well as an array of food stands offering the best in world cuisine – plus a selection of bars offering everything from real ale to cocktails.
And if you are looking for the full festival experience, Lowde offers plenty of opportunities for camping too.
For price details, and to book tickets for the festival, visit https://lowdefest.com/