BeanFest is bigger and better

THE ADVERTISER is sponsoring this year’s BeanFest music extravaganza – the sixth.

THE ADVERTISER is sponsoring this year’s  BeanFest music extravaganza – the sixth.

And for the first time, the event will feature comedy and street artistes.

The one-day music feast is on July 11 at Roundwood Farm in Rawmarsh, but the former free festival will now cost £3 for adults to attend.

Headlining this year are Antarctic Monkeys, System of a Down tribute act Steal This Band, Novana (Nirvana tribute) and Rage Against the Bean.

There will also be a comedy rap performance from You Tube star MC Devvo and street artists will be getting creative with spray paint.

The charity festival was founded in 2010 in memory of music fan Rob ‘Bean’ Crook (inset)  who died in a car crash, aged 23.

Since its inception the festival has raised £15,500 for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice and organiser Simon Hartley said he hoped to add another £2,000 to that this time.

This year, organisers have total control over the event as it has now been set up as a registered company, so all profits will go direct to the charity.

“In the past pub landlords have run the bar so they given us the venue for free but have taken the bar profit,” he said.

“Now it is run 100 per cent by Rob’s friends.

“The main reason we have introduced a fee for over 18s is so we can keep on top of trying to stop underage drinking, so only people with paid for wristbands can buy alcohol.”

There will now be a bigger bar selection and no queues.

“We will also have more food traders and for the first time children’s rides.”

But guitarist Simon said the reason behind the event had never changed.

“We are still doing it for Rob.

“He was my best friend for ten years, when the accident happened it was such a shock.

“Because a lot of his friends were musicians we decided to put this together to carry on his legacy.”

Simon added: “It’s great to see how it has grown from 200 people in a car park to a 2,000 to 3,000 capacity festival.”

Tickets can be bought on the gate on the day of the festival with under 18s free.

If you are interested in volunteering contact [email protected].

Wristbands can be purchased on the day.

As the build up begins to this one day festival, the Advertiser will be bringing you exclusive interviews with the acts and organisers.

For more information and the full line-up, visit www.beanfest.co.uk

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