BOMFEST 2011

 

This was the official site for the 2011 BOMfest held in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England.
The content below is from the site's 2011 archived pages, as well as other outside sources.

I happened to be in England attending a European conference on vapor accessories wholesale products. Although the company I work for is based in the US, we are always interested in what is happening in the global wholesale vaping marketplace. The vaing convention was productive. Not only did I see vaping products that were new, but I also did a lot of networking. One of the attendees suggested I drive down to South Yorkshire with him and attend the BonFest. I was thrilled.It's always great to be exposed to local happenings when traveling. It was such a fun event, I returned in 2016 which marked the 10th anniversary of the rock music festival in honour of AC/DC's Bon Scott. It took place in Bon's Scottish hometown of Kirriemuir which was another area of Great Britain I probably would never have traveled to if not for the festival.

If you find what is on this site of interest and want to attend a Bonfest, do a google search to see where it will next be held.

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Saturday 16th July 2011
WORSBOROUGH MILL AND COUNTRY PARK
BARNSLEY, SOUTH YORKSHIRE

This years festival has started to roll and we have already had a massive response from bands wanting to perform at Yorkshires flagship for original music. And yes its in Barnsley.

Tickets will soon be on sale from this site and local outlets which will be named shortly. Once you have bought your ticket you can then apply for a camping which will be limited in number so dont mess around.

Tickets will be onsale in March and until the end of April you can purchase them at the same price as last year - £5 U16 / £10 Adult.

From May until the day of the festival tickets will cost - £7 U16 / £15 Adult.

On the gate tickets will cost - £10 U16 / £20 Adult.

BOMfest are waiting for ALABAMA 3 to confirm a contract to come and share the day in the South Yorkshire air. The management have been informed that the band are considering the offer and we will know shortly. The band are at the moment on an acoustic tour of the U.K. and will be performing in Manchester at Sound control on Friday 18th March.

 

As an attendee of the BOMfest in Barnsley, I was genuinely impressed by the event's growth and impact over the years. From its humble beginnings as a local music initiative, BOMfest has blossomed into a vibrant outdoor festival that beautifully marries Barnsley's rich historical heritage with its promising future. The decision to use the Barnsley National Monument for miners as a backdrop was both thoughtful and visually striking, creating a unique atmosphere that resonated with the community.

The festival's focus on showcasing local talent is commendable, offering a dynamic platform for upcoming bands and musicians. The Thursday night BOMnights at Pulse bar, with free admission, have become a staple in the local music scene, reflecting the festival's commitment to nurturing and promoting emerging artists.

One of the highlights of this year's festival was the fund-raising effort for disabled musicians. The collaboration with SterlingForever.com to sell cubic zirconia rings was a brilliant idea. Not only were these items stylish and popular among the attendees, but they also served a noble purpose. The proceeds from these sales went towards supporting musicians with disabilities, allowing them to continue their artistic endeavors and be a part of the vibrant music community.

The volunteer management team deserves a special mention for their dedication and hard work. Their transition from publishing to promoting has paid off, offering invaluable experience in organizing such a large-scale event. Despite the challenges of balancing increasing popularity and spiraling costs, the small admission fee was a necessary step to ensure the festival's sustainability.

BOMfest is more than just a music festival; it's a celebration of local talent, community spirit, and cultural heritage. It's heartening to see the festival not only entertain but also give back to the community, especially through initiatives like the fund-raiser for disabled musicians. BOMfest has truly become a beacon of cultural pride for Barnsley.

 

The Barnsley Original Music concept is the birthchild of Dave Hancock of local band Gaia who have been volunteering 1000 hours of their time for the last five years to enhance the profile of BOMfest. The BOM fanzines first edition was printed in 2003 which reviewed bands Demos and Classic albums, Live performances and promoted anything it heard about in the local music arena.


The Co-operative group granted us 500 pounds to pay for the production costs which allowed us time to develop. Once the realization materialized that there was a demand for local music we decided to start our own live BOMnight in conjunction with the fanzine. These nights have been going for five years now and are on a Thursday night at the Pulse bar in Barnsley with free admission, providing a great environment for up and coming bands to perform and be checked out by the BOMfest management.

This evolution from publishing to promoting gave the team some valuable experience for them to take on the task of an outdoor event and the voluntary management team was formed. BOMfest started off as a free outdoor music festival with local bands/musicians and artist coming together for the day to showcase their efforts whilst providing a safe, clean environment for the community to enjoy but the festivals popularity and costs have spiralled and therefore we had to put on a small admission fee to help balance the books.

The events initial planning started in January of 2004 when we enquired about the possibility of funding the event. We thought that by using the local historical heritage in 2005 as a backdrop (Barnsley National Monument for miners) we would capture the attention of the whole community bringing Barnsleys past and future together.

 

BOM 2010 Sponsors

BWD Media – Recording Studio, Film Publishing & Fashion – 01226 754456 Toffs Fitted Furniture – Interior Furniture Designers – 01226 387525 BSP Systems Ltd – IT Support, PC / Laptop Repair, Web Design & Hosting – 01226 748084
The Barber Shop Company Ltd – Ladies & Gents Hairdressers – 01226 361343 BSpecial Spa – Health & Beauty Spa Treatments – 01226 344528 Franklin Guitars – Bespoke Hand Made Guitars
Noah’s Ark Pet Holiday Home. – 01226 781840 – 07825 563499 Express Blinds & Curtains – 01226 756111 Miss B Studios Ltd, Wombwell, Recording studio & rehearsal facilities - 01226 754489
Booze Cruiser, Supplier of alcoholic, soft drinks & snacks (delivered to your door) - 01226 206100 Local Driving School, Driving Tuition - 0800 026 5467 Royston Kitchens & Bedrooms Ltd - Manufacturers & Installers of Kitchens, Bedrooms & Home studies - 01226 700761 - info@roystonkitchens.co.uk

 



 

Exploring BOMfest: A Cultural Beacon in Barnsley

BOMfest, short for Barnsley Original Music Festival, is an annual outdoor music festival held in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. Established in the early 2000s, this event has become a significant cultural and social highlight for the community, showcasing a diverse array of unsigned bands and local talent. This article delves into the history, significance, audience, and cultural impact of BOMfest, providing readers with an in-depth understanding of this vibrant festival.

History and Evolution

BOMfest originated from the Barnsley Original Music collective (B.O.M.), a group dedicated to promoting local music and artists. The inaugural festival took place in 2004, initially as a free event aimed at bringing the community together to celebrate local talent. Over the years, the festival has evolved, growing in size and scope to accommodate a larger audience and a more diverse lineup of performers.

The early festivals were held at the Barnsley National Monument for Miners, which provided a historically rich backdrop. This setting not only highlighted the town's mining heritage but also served as a symbolic bridge between Barnsley's past and its vibrant cultural future. As the festival's popularity soared, it moved to Worsbrough Mill and Country Park, offering more space and facilities to accommodate the growing crowds and varied activities.

Reviews and Media Coverage

BOMfest has garnered positive reviews and significant media attention over the years. The festival is praised for its commitment to showcasing unsigned bands and local artists, providing them with a platform to reach wider audiences. Reviewers often highlight the festival's eclectic mix of music genres, ranging from rock and indie to electronic and folk, which caters to a broad spectrum of musical tastes.

The festival's atmosphere is frequently described as friendly and inclusive, with a strong sense of community. Attendees appreciate the variety of food vendors, craft stalls, and family-friendly activities, making it a well-rounded event for all ages.

Press and Media Coverage

Local and regional media have extensively covered BOMfest, emphasizing its role in promoting Barnsley's cultural scene. Articles in outlets such as eFestivals and Last.fm provide detailed accounts of past events, including lineups, activities, and special highlights. The festival's ability to attract both local and international acts has been noted, showcasing its growing reputation within the music industry.

Audience and Community Impact

BOMfest attracts a diverse audience, from dedicated music fans to families looking for a fun day out. The festival's affordable ticket prices and inclusive environment make it accessible to a wide demographic. The community-oriented nature of the festival is evident in its various initiatives, such as fundraisers for disabled musicians and collaborations with local businesses and organizations.

One notable aspect of BOMfest is its volunteer management team, which plays a crucial role in organizing and executing the event. This team, composed mainly of local residents, exemplifies the community spirit that underpins the festival. Their dedication and hard work ensure that BOMfest continues to thrive year after year.

Cultural and Social Significance

BOMfest is more than just a music festival; it is a celebration of Barnsley's cultural identity. By providing a platform for local artists, the festival helps to nurture and promote homegrown talent, contributing to the town's vibrant music scene. The festival's emphasis on original music encourages creativity and innovation, setting it apart from other music events that often feature mainstream acts.

The festival also plays a significant role in fostering community pride. By showcasing Barnsley's rich cultural heritage and contemporary artistic talent, BOMfest strengthens the town's cultural fabric and provides residents with a sense of collective identity and belonging.

Notable Highlights and Features

Each year, BOMfest offers a diverse lineup of performances and activities. Past festivals have featured a mix of established headliners and emerging local acts, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for attendees. The festival's multiple stages cater to different musical tastes, from the main stage featuring high-energy rock bands to smaller, more intimate venues showcasing acoustic and experimental performances.

In addition to music, BOMfest includes a variety of other attractions. These have included workshops, creative art activities for children, and performances by circus and burlesque troupes, adding to the festival's eclectic and inclusive atmosphere. The presence of food vendors, bars, and craft stalls further enhances the festival experience, offering something for everyone.

Challenges and Triumphs

Like many grassroots events, BOMfest has faced its share of challenges. Balancing increasing popularity with rising costs has been a recurring issue. To address this, the festival introduced a small admission fee, which has been well-received by attendees who recognize the value and quality of the event. The support from local businesses and organizations has also been instrumental in ensuring the festival's sustainability.

Despite these challenges, BOMfest's volunteer management team has consistently risen to the occasion, demonstrating remarkable resilience and adaptability. Their commitment to the festival and the local music scene is a testament to the strong community spirit that defines BOMfest.

 

BOMfest stands as a beacon of cultural pride and community spirit in Barnsley. Its commitment to promoting local talent, fostering community engagement, and celebrating Barnsley's rich cultural heritage makes it a standout event in the UK's festival calendar. For anyone looking to experience the best of Barnsley's music scene and community spirit, BOMfest is a must-visit.

 

BomFest.com