Astonbury

Astonbury - The Event

Astonbury is a village open-air music festival for the whole family. All of the performers and background team are from Aston Abbotts, or associated with Aston Abbotts or the local area in some way

It all started in 1999 as fulfilling a dream to do an open air concert. Initially we had some 110 people turn up on a damp wet night but since then the weather has been great with numbers now up to just under 500.

Following on from the success of the previous six events Astonbury 2009 will be on July 18th 2009. The location is the recreation ground in Aston Abbotts, Bucks. This year our chosen charity is Muscular Dystrophy.

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For 2009 info see The Latest

Astonbury 2008 - The Report

Well, it's soon to be time for Astonbury 8 but it only seems a short while since Astonbury 7.

For the 2008 Astonbury even more people came to see us and join in the fun. The great news was that we had some new singers and some returning after a break away. The weather was almost kind to us in that it at least did not rain, however it was an unseasonably cold night. Fair play to the audience - they stayed and reveled in the proceedings.

Gazebo city appeared to frame the outer reaches of the audience arena, and for the first time we were able to park cars on the rec. This was so much easier for all those attending from outside the village.

The whole event was organised by the team under the chairmanship of Phil Corrigan, with Dave Lewis and Phil Spooner as the resident techies, putting all things electrical together, assisted this year by Donnie Douglas who seemed to know where to get everything that we had forgot. The stage was built by Shillingford Scaffolding and fitted out by Rod Rothero and Peter Shorrock.
The sound system was by Martin Audio and had come to us direct from the Pyramid stage at that other event - Glastonbury. The whole thing could not be put on without the help and assistance of all those mentioned above.

Andy Stefanczyk

Kicking off the show was Palmer and Palmer, where Nigel and Ant played Emerson Lake and Palmer. Compere for the night was the ever ebullient Andy Stefanczyk. The show then featured the considerable guitar skills of Brian Hawkes.

Straight from her holidays and onto the stage came Pat Daniels, who was kind enough to forgive Neil for his c*ckup on her set. Solo sets came from Bridget Brandon, John Whyte, Simon Gresswell and new to us the excellent Jackie Burgess. Rachel Sutton, having escaped from her band Squid for the night, stunned us all with superb renditions of Duffy songs.

It seemed to be a bit of a girl fest as the audience thrilled to voice of Chrystina Tomlin and her slick band. Chrystina is a talented lady who writes all her own material. Then to open the second half on came the Chunkies. Nuff said. Fortunately the pace was carried on with 'In Reverence' the Aylesbury Gospel choir rattling out the Bob Marley stuff.

Another of our sensational home grown vocal talents was Haley Wilkinson, who riveted the audience with her incredible voice and superb delivery.
Chunkfunster played a terrific set including 'Whole Lotta Rosie' where the Wongster was able to demonstrate his guitar talents.

To round off the night the Chunkies sorted the audience out with a bunch of hooligan songs including Baggy Trousers, Ruby Ruby and Radio Gaga .
In charge of the ever more sensational closing fireworks was Lol Hinds.

Thanks to all that were there and thanks to all the performers for a great night that people are still talking about.

If you want to be a part of Astonbury either on the organisational side or on the performing side then please get in contact

About Astonbury

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Anthony

Astonbury is a fun show for local talent, their family and friends.

It is a remarkable thing that there is a cluster of musical talent centred on Aston Abbotts and we have been able to develop, expose and enjoy these talents over the years.

Quite a number have either been knocking on the door of fame or have their own bands and appear in quite a wide area. The whole thing is run by a small team of eccentrics who look after everything from music, show design, set and stage, lights , electrics and sound.

On this site you will find information about our artists, our team, and what happens on the big day. You can also check for the latest news of Astonbury 2008 and find out more general information on our FAQ page.

All of this hard work would be wasted without an audience - so it it is YOU who make the whole event worthwhile.

Please check here for ticket information.