Cobstock rocked
May 31st, 2009
On Saturday 30th May, 2009, I attended an excellent local festival and had a brilliant time, to say the very least. Cobstock, held at Cobnor Activities Centre, near Chichester, West Sussex, was a charity event that helped to raise money for the Centre and was kindly arranged by two locals (including mum of the Centre’s own Robin and Lois O’Connel).
Tickets went on sale in April for £20 per person, with the added option of camping on site for an extra £3.50 per person or bunking in the Residential Accommodation for £10 per room. The event was a sell-out within a matter of days and this was the first indication that Cobstock was going to be a great way to add to the charity’s funds so they can go on providing a service to children and adults throughout the local area. In fact, Cobstock was such a success that there is already talk of a similar event being planned for next year but it’s to be spread across the entire weekend, creating an even greater festival vibe.
The day’s events started with an array of activities on offer for the bargain price of £5 a pop, with a special offer of 5 activities for £20. Ticket holders could choose from sailing, kayaking, a ride on the Chair Boat, climbing, or archery and were guided through by dedicated volunteers from the Centre who gave up their day to give something back to their employers. And to top it off the weather was amazing; warm and sunny with a lovely breeze that helped the water sports no end.
Music kicked off early afternoon and continued until midnight when everyone moved over to the campfire for a good old sing song while swaying to the flames. The highlight of the entertainment for me was the acoustic duo performed by the Centre’s own Owen “Baby” Sennet, on guitar, and the lovely Amy, who gave it her all on the vocals. Their covers of Nora Jones and Eva Cassady were blinding and, although it made me giggle, a rather controversial version of Lily Allen’s “Not fair” received mixed reviews (perhaps the radio edit would have been a tad more suitable considering the audience, guys!) But don’t get me wrong, Amy and Owen did an exceptional job and we were wholly impressed that two 17-year-olds could get up there in front of the crowd, belt it out and even draw the first dancers of the evening out of their seats. Well done guys and don’t forget you’re booked for the Alner/Lassetter wedding!
After this I did my security stint checking for wrist bands as punters came through the field gate. I loved getting all “if your name’s not on the list, you’re not coming in”; it suited me just fine and also gave some of the staff who had been slogging in the sun all day a well deserved rest! Despite a few misplaced children, that we quickly reunited with their parents, and my having to endure a few shenanigans from a certain Mr Myer, all went smoothly (but I shouldn’t say that too boldly in case I get roped in to help again next year!)
The other act that got me bobbing along was Wittering’s Tim Sturdy. In my opinion, anyone who can work Johnny Cash and King Louie (off the Jungle Book) into the same set has got to be worth their salt. You may think Cash is a bit sombre for a cheery summer event such as this but I can tell you with confidence that Mr Sturdy has that certain something that just makes you smile and nod your head along with the tunes. The rendition of that Disney classic also had audience members of all ages singing along, strutting their funky stuff and I’m sure I even saw a few bear cubs swinging through the trees.
None of this would have been possible without the light and sound crew. Of course the good weather was in their favour, but the sound was crystal clear and used the water’s natural acoustics so that the harbour could share in the delights of Cobstock. And as the sun went down behind the stage the lighting flicked on and illuminated the bosun sails which hung decoratively above; a nautical nicety indeed.
There was also a good range of food and beverages available in the main field. The Organic Burger people did a roaring trade in their tasty Sussex and Hampshire sourced burgers and sausages (I munched my way through a particularly good lamb burger). Lois O’Connel also brought us the SexWaxSandwichShack, which made a variety of fresh sarnies and snacks available throughout the day. In true festival spirit there were also a few hippy stalls on site and, being the girl that I am, I couldn’t resist buying myself a soft fleecey blanket for when we were to snuggle around the campfire after sundown.
The bar was another highlight, as it should be at any successful event of this sort. There was a good range of local beers on offer, from refreshing Chucklehead Cider to hearty Ballards ale. The wine list was also particularly impressive, with a bottle to taste every palate and pocket and of course there were soft drinks to please kids and drivers alike. The bar tent also managed to stay breezy, fresh and crowd free as there weren’t several hundred people trying to huddle from the rain!
Things couldn’t have worked out better really. It seems a good time was had by all – good food, good drink, good music, activity fun and exceptional weather. Cobstock most certainly did rock and we’re looking forward to seeing the event prosper again next year. Thanks and well done to everyone who got involved it was a great success and a total of over £9,000 was raised as a result.
Kate Lassetter
www.chichestercopywriter.co.uk
Looks like a fun weekend. Cheque for my 2010 tickets went in the post today. Looking forward to the festival. Come and say hello, we’ll be in the bright orange camper van.