Originally conceived in 2001 by a group of Kent-based musicians and music-lovers as a one-off tribute to the memory of a fellow performer, Gazastock has evolved into a fully-fledged public music and arts festival that is set to attract more than one thousand dedicated party-goers this year.
Held in an idyllic rural setting on the Gaza Estate between Sevenoaks and Tunbridge Wells, Kent, Gazastock has raised more than £74,000 for Hospice in the Weald, the festival’s chosen charity and the organisation that cared for John Gaster, the much loved and sorely-missed local musician to whose memory Gazastock is dedicated.
This year’s festival, due to be held over the weekend of 4th to 6th July, will see performances by upwards of 25 bands, duos and solo artists in a packed schedule that embraces a diverse musical spectrum.
The festival itself consists of a main Marquee with twin stages and licensed bar; and a Tea Tent offering all sorts of yummy refreshments and a chilled atmosphere to act as an alternative to the Marquee’s big party vibe. A Kid’s Tent provides a programme of musical and non-musical diversions for little folk, whilst a Healing Area offers a host of calming alternative therapies.
Despite having metamorphosed from private party to public event, Gazastock has not lost the grassroots ethos that has made it one of the best-kept secrets on the local music scene. The organisers include the original group responsible for the first party, now supported by a small army of volunteers and professional staff.
The performers, all of whom give of their time and talents for free, are drawn principally from the local area. Pub-band stalwarts and hoary old session players line-up alongside emerging young original talent striving to make their name on the UK music scene.
The growing band of performers has now been joined by a growing band of commercial traders who, together with the many food and drink operators, support the overall fund-raising effort, both financially and materially.
Among the leading corporate supporters are Gaza Timber, the festival’s founding host and principal benefactor; and Abbey Charitable Trust, an arm of Abbey plc, whose imaginative match-funding arrangement has hugely boosted funds raised for Hospice in the Weald.
Support also come in the form of donated products, especially music-related, for the charity auction that takes place on the main stages during the festival. Gazastock also raises funds through the sale of branded promotional merchandise, including souvenir programmes, T-shirts lighters, CDs and car stickers.
For more information about Gazastock and how you could help, please contact: Gazastock Festival Office, Gaza Timber, The Gaza Trading Estate, Scabharbour Rd, Hildenborough, Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8PL Tel. 01732 463245 (business hours). You can also email us at: enquiries@gazastock.co.uk.