Bocking and Braintree gardens to host returning music festival

Braintree and Bocking Public Gardens is getting set to be transformed for a summer festival on June 3-5, with live music, comedy, a kids' zone, food, drink and more. 

Organiser Rachel Woodcraft, who owns the Coffee House in the Gardens, said: "Our festival for the royal wedding in 2018 went incredibly well, with thousands of people turning out.

“After a couple of years postponement, we are excited to come back bigger and better than before"

Co-organiser and local recording studio owner Elliot Richardson added: "We have some incredible acts for this year's festival.

“These artists have played some of the biggest festivals in the world, on TV and toured all over the UK and Europe.

“There's going to be something for everyone."

Hotly anticipated are Braintree-based Missing Andy, stars of Sky's Must be the Music show, whose single The Way We're Made was a Top 40 hit in 2010.

Another star making his hometown return is Jay McAllister, also known as Beans on Toast, who will round off his UK tour with a slot at the festival on Saturday evening.

The comedy tent is being run by Braintree Comedy Club and visitors can expect some familiar TV faces, as well as seasoned stand-ups offering previews of their Edinburgh Festival shows.

Rachel added: "We have tried to make the event as family friendly and accessible as possible.

“We have a professional storyteller for the little ones, as well as a selection of inflatable rides to keep all the kids occupied.

“We have a wide selection of different bars and food vendors to cater for every taste.

"Crucially, we are raising money to help fund the gardens, which are run by a charitable trust.

“They're the most beautiful spot in Braintree, and we'd love to be able to raise plenty of cash to help keep them looking good for the people of the town to enjoy for years to come."

To book tickets, which are £5 per day and free for under 16s, visit festivalinthegardens.com.