A family music festival welcomed more than 1,300 people for music, crafts, and entertainment as it raised £16,000 last month.

MarshFest, which took place on September 14, raised the money for good causes around Marshfield, where it was held, including Marshfield C of E Primary School, Warmley Park School and College, and Marshfield Cricket Club.

This year's contribution takes the total amount raised through the festival since 2019 to £43,000.

MarshFest 2024MarshFest 2024 (Image: Jen Allan Photography) Returning for a fifth year, it welcomed Matt Owens of Noah and the Whale and his band The Delusional Vanity Project on the main stage, alongside Henry Ray and El Toro, Rubix Groove, Antalya, Fancy Biscuits and DJ Johnny. 

For the first time in the festival's history, MarshFest featured the New Music Showcase, inviting six local acts to perform on the El Toro Music Stage.

Sober Sundays, Fortitude!, The Pressure, Tom Seth Johnson, Butane Skies, and The Sunnies each performed a 40-minute set, featuring original material and exciting takes on covers.

Speaking before the festival, Hugh Campbell, from the MarshFest committee, said: “Festival number five feels like a big one.

MarshFest 2024MarshFest 2024 (Image: Jen Allan Photography) "Two stages will be a game changer for us, so we can make sure there’s something for everyone – from new music to popular crowd-pleasers to family entertainment."

Aside from the music, visitors were offered local food and drink from the likes of Chai Walla, Marshfield’s Pizza Folk, Marshfield Ice Cream, and Really Awesome Coffee.

The festival also introduced Pim’s Thai Street Food for the first time, with authentic Thai cuisine added to the list of local flavours. 

Jessica Morgan, one of the festival's organisers, said: “This year’s MarshFest saw a mix of new and classic, and we couldn’t be prouder of the outcome. 

MarshFest 2024MarshFest 2024 (Image: Jen Allan Photography) "We kept the children entertained with a craft tent by Makery Kate, Zumba with Dance Fit Bath, Lucy Lost It, graffiti canvases by Graffarty, a stand from the army and many more family-friendly activities. 

"And, having two music stages was a game changer, making sure there was something for everyone. 

"I’m pleased we’ve smashed our target, and grateful for the community’s support in making this our best total yet for MarshFest.”  

The primary sponsor for this year’s festival was MJ Church, with entertainment sponsored by Davis Groundworks and a repeated partnership with Powerline. 

Other local sponsors included Davis Meade, F. G Bond & Son, R W Knight & Son, El Toro Music, Marshfield Farm, Wyatt & Sons Fencing, Brighter Places, and Winsley White.