Stanford Festival a huge success

Crowds enjoyed perfect weather and performances by more than ten up and coming music acts from the area, at the recreation ground, in Billet Lane.

The annual event, which is in its 11th year, is organised by the Stanford Forum.

Chairman Terry Piccolo said: “I am continually amazed at the ever increasing number of people this event attracts and would like to thank all the bands who appear for free and help to make it a success. I would also like to thank all the people who make a point of telling us how much they enjoyed the day and finally one last thank you to the crew from Thurrock Council that clean the Billet Lane Recreation ground on the Sunday morning.

“The Forum pays for this service but the guys really do a great job and leave the park looking cleaner than a normal Sunday morning.”

The festival opened with a showcase from a selection of acts from the Thurrock’s Got Talent competition, which is also organised by the Stanford Forum.

Also performing was singer George Redwood, who won the talent competition.

The Beagles, Bailey, The Cover Up, Victoria James, Break For Cover, Mika, Wayward, Danny White, Queens English, Shana, Beyond Repair, Kirsty and Danielle, and Undercover, also performed.

The event was closed by popular festival regulars, The Heaters.

Despite the success of the event, Mr Piccolo has apologised to residents in Billet Lane who had their driveways obstructed by festival goers’ cars.

He added: “We will be taking steps to alleviate the problem for next years event.”

* STANFORD-le-Hope was taken back to the Forties on Sunday as the town’s annual festival got into full swing.

The action packed day had a community in the 1940s theme, complete with a Second World War tank, a 15ft hot air ballon spitfire, and festival goers in fancy dress.

There was also a performance by the Sutherland Pipes and Drums and street artists, a bouncy castle, stalls selling a variety of goods, and an open air church service for visitors to enjoy.