Ultra 90s, Groove Cartel and Dependant Variables to headline 2024 Bourne Festival at Wellhead Park
A town is gearing up for one of its biggest events of the year later this month.
The line-up has been confirmed and preparations are almost complete for this year’s Bourne Festival which will be held at the Wellhead Park from Friday, May 31 to Sunday, June 2.
It has been run by Bourne Round Table since 2002 and has developed into one of its major fundraisers.
Last year’s event, extended to four days to to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, attracted thousands of festival-goers - as well as a curious swarm of bees - and raised more than £40,000.
Proceeds go to local charities, groups and individuals, such as the £25,000 donation made to Bourne Skatepark two years ago.
“We’re well on track - the bands are all booked, the beer is ordered, we just need the weather to hold out now,” said Bourne Round Table trustee, and festival organiser, Ian Collins.
“We had a really good turnout last year and made a really good amount for the local charities.”
The live music this year gets under way on Friday at 6.15pm with the first of four acts, headlined by Dependant Variables from 9.30pm.
Almost 11 hours of music from nine bands on Saturday will be headlined by Groove Cartel from 9.30pm to 11pm, and festival favourites Ultra 90s return to bring the festival to a close with their live dance anthems on Sunday in the 6.45 to 8.15pm slot.
“We try to make as many of the bands as local as we can to showcase the talent that we have,” Ian said.
The beer festival will offer a tantalising range of 80 real ales and 25 ciders, and runs from noon to 11pm on Friday and Saturday, and noon to 8pm on Sunday.
There will also be a fun fair, crafts, food, and stalls, all giving the wider community a chance to let its collective hair down.
“It is such a community festival and we get a fair chunk of the town come down for it,” said Ian.
“It’s a good way to unwind during the summer, and it’s a nice family atmosphere, which is the main thing.
“We get people of all ages, everyone from kids all the way up to the older folks in the town coming out - there’s something for everyone.”
For details of who’s playing when, and more information about the festival, visit www.bournefestival.com
The festival keeps the group’s 13 trustees occupied most of the year, while up to 40 volunteers help run the event over the weekend.
“In terms of planning, it’s a year-long thing, but there’s a big team of us who do it,” Ian explained.
“A lot of money and effort, and a lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into it.
“But everyone always enjoys it - mainly because of the community spirit.”