A MUSIC festival held in a garden has been hailed as a success despite the poor summer weather.
Musicians Francisco and Emily Correa, who host the Ham Farm Festival in their garden off Emersons Green Lane, said the new marquee to cover both the stage and the audience “made all the difference”, providing a “cosy, convivial and intimate” atmosphere, whatever the weather happening outside.
The festival took place over three days from July 27-30, with nine concerts and three interactive music workshops.
Musicians also performed three concerts in care homes during the festival, which is a charity supported by Emersons Green Town Council and South Gloucestershire Council.
Emily said: “As well as the professional double-bill evening concerts, local community groups performed daytime concerts which were free to attend.
“Bristol and East Kingswood Brass Band performed a fabulous set despite the pouring rain on the Sunday, and the festival’s opening concert featured young musicians from South Glos Rock and Pop school – it was fantastic to see so many teenagers and their families supporting each other.
“As it grew dark, aside from the fairy lights all the light and attention was directed to the stage, where for three nights world-class performers from different genres (classical and folk, world and Americana and swing jazz cabaret) delighted and surprised audiences.”
The festival is now in its third year, and another new addition was a sold-out autism-friendly concert, organised after audience feedback from last year’s festival.
Emily said: “A very special event, providing professional music in a non-judgemental safe space, and enabling the festival to reach more people in the community, this event will become a regular offering at Ham Farm Festival.”
Plans are already under way for next year’s festival, which will take place from July 27-29.