Mill Hill Music Festival Diary - Day 7 The BBC Elstree Concert Band at Hartley Hall

 It's done. It's over. It's nearly 1pm on Sunday as I write this. Looking back on the week, it has been exhillarating, inspiring, exciting and absolute bloody knackering. I am off in a minute to pick up the van, remove the staging etc from Hartley Hall and pack it up back at the studios storeoom. That will be that for me. Clare will produce a final budget and we'll have a helpers drink in the Autumn. That will be it, until next June when we will decide whether we will do it again in 2027!

So last night? Another sell out night and an amazing band. A fine selection of film music, including 633 Squadron, The music of Carry On! and the Lion King. We had a visit from Councillor Danny Rich, the Mayor of Barnet, who thoroughly enjoyed the festival and meeting some of the wondeful folk who attend our events. 

Great to see @mayorofbarnet Cllr Danny Rich supporting the festival last night. Here he is with a festival regular @calvincasino at @BBCECB film gala night pic.twitter.com/ylm6ThtPk1

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 8, 2025

The Mill Hill Music Festival gets no financial support from Barnet Council, we are entirely funded by ticket sales, bar takings and the odd donation from generous supporters. None of our committee or helpers are paid. We do pay bands and the freelance technicians who make their living in music. We believe it is important to recognise the efforts of musicians and make them feel appreciated. The Mayor rightly paid tribute to our volunteers and volunteers across Barnet. 

Here's a flavour of what you saw if you were there and what you missed if you weren't.

What a finale! A sell out crowd for @BBCECB at Hartley Hall. Thanks to our helpers, venues and everyone who came and made it so special pic.twitter.com/PDR4oW1vye

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 8, 2025

After the fun of Friday night, we had to collect the van at 9.30am from the Golf club and drive to Hartley Hall. We unloaded all of staging as we use it for the Elstree band. Then it was back home for breakfast. My sister was staying and we had a full English, of the finest bacon, sausage, egg and black pudding from Boucherie Gerard, which as I am sure you can imagine, was delicious. We then walked the dogs and before we knew it, back to the studio to get some of the instruments needed for the show that we store. We then built the platform for the brass section, checked microphones etc. 

The band had a rehearsal before the doors open, and after a short speech from the Mayor, we kicked off at 7.30pm prompt. After the band finished, we packed everything down ready for collection this morning. We then  adjourned to Mill Hill Services Club for a post festival bevvie, which went down very well.

The club shut at 11pm and we all toodled home in high spirits. 

And that is that for #MHMF2025. Normall blogging will now resume!

Mill Hill Music Festival Diary Day 6 - The Silencerz and Booze Brothers at The Mill Hill Golf Club

 So on to the penultimate night of the festival. The Party night with The Silencerz and The Booze Brothers. This night is usually the most complex to stage, as we have it outside and we need to build stages, gazebos, a marquee for the band etc, put up fencing and then  rig sound and lights. However, due to the weather, we went inside to the Molly suite. This meant that we only had to put up a stage and set up the PA sysem and lights. This meant a later start. We'd normally start at 11am. As it was, we loadedin at 3pm and set up the stage. Vince the soundman arived at 3.30pm and the bands around 5.30pm. The soundcheck was relatively smooth and we opened the doors bang on schedule at 7.30pm. The Booze brothers kicked off with an excllent set. The band features former festival organiser and great mate of us all, Paul Amsterdam. Paul is the guy who got me involved with the festival. It was Paul who first got Jazz and pop music into the festival. He needed a hand with the PA systems, and I came on board in 1999, not thinking we'd still be doing it 26 years later! Itw as great to see him and catch up.

The Silencerz did what the Silencerz always do, getting people on their feet dancing! It was a wonderful night. 

As a festival organiser, the even better news is we've now broken even! All identified costs have been covered. A few will sneak out of the woodwork, but to break even is a real achievement. We get no funding from the council or the arts counci The festival is self sufficient in funding. We have to putt on popular events. All events covered their costs and some made a surplus that goes to cover the promotion costs. We do some Facebook advertising, and dropped over 12,000 leaflets to Mill Hill houses, as well as dishing them out at key locations. This year, we also invested in some new banners. over the years, we've reinvested in things like a stage, lighting and other equipment such as trolleys. We have reached the point where we have more or less everything we need. We also have enough in the kitty to be able to hire in top quality sound engineers such as Vince Cooper last night and Stuart Waterman on Friday. I used to do the sound for all of the gigs, but getting Vince or Stuart in means I am better able to oversee the logistics on the night and deal with issues and liaise with bands and venues etc. If you are running the desk, sorting out drinks and a meal for bands, dealing with non PA tech issues etc is easier. It means we can all focus on what we are supposed to be doing.

After the band finished, we had to break down the stage etc. The bar shut at midnight and  I was home by 1.30am. A great night, but I have to admit I am tired, especially as we had to collect the van and unload it first thing. One more even to go, then that's a wrap for another two years. If you are coming to the BBC Elstree Concert band later, please say hello. 

Mill Hill Music Festival Day 5 - Jazz Dynamos

 Only two days left, where did the time go? It seems like about a year ago that we were watching Recycled at The Adam and Eve last Saturday! I know I'm biased but it has been brilliant so far. Thanks to the thirsty hordes of Mill Hill, the bar takings have nearly tipped the festival into a break even position! We are only showing a £50 defecit on this years festival. We get a few expenses etc after, so if you are coming on Saturday night, please have a few glasses of wine to help us pay the electric bill!

Last night we were blessed to have the amazing Jazz Dynamos at Hartley Hall. The band reinterpret the hits of the 70's, 80's and 90's with Jazz arrangements. I suspect that we'd have had  the punters dancing in the aisles if we'd taken the chairs out for the finale! My personal favourite number was "Take Me I'm Yours" by Squeeze, one of my favourite bands. Have a listen

So how was my day yesterday? Well it was a worrying start. We had to take our dog to the vet, as she had a large lump on her side. We feared it was a tumour. Happily, the vet examined it and said it was most likely not and had responded to anti inflammatory tablets prescribed at the last visit. That was great news and she was treated with a special dog stew (chicken, potatoes and carrots) to celebrate!

We got back and there was some admin to do. I then went to the gym, and back to the studio to load up the gear for the gig, with our chief live sound engineer Stuart Waterman. At around 5pm we arrived at the Hartley Hall. There was a kids ballet class, so we drew the curtain and set up on the stage. At 5.30 the band arrived and at 6pm we could start the soundcheck, it was all systems go. Stuart is a brilliant tech and we were ready on time at 7pm. 

The show was a sell out and a brilliant success. The only problem was Stuart had another gig to be at, so we had to get the gear packed up by 10.00pm, wirth the gig finishing at 9.30pm. We managed to get the PA broken down and  his van loaded within 28 minutes, which is a record, even for us!

We then helped the band get their gear out. I was home by 10.30pm, for a nice cup of tea and a cheese sandwich. I weighed myself this morning and my weightw as down to 102 kg! That is the lowest it's been since 2018, so if you want to get fit, you know what to do, join our committee!

The Mill Hill Music Festival Diary Day 4 - Cellophonics at St Pauls Church

Fancy being part of the team who organises a music festival? What do you need to do? Well there are several things. First of all have a love of music. Secondly, have something to offer the team. We meet monthly for a year before the festival to sort out the programme, book halls, agree the website and publicity text, get artists and work out budgets. Then you have to give up a week of your life for the actual festival. Most of all, you need to love music. Think you could do that, get in touch (https://millhillmusicfest.co.uk/contact/)

Last night we passed the half way point, the fourth of our seven events. It was our classical music night at St Pauls with the amazing Cellophonics band. They are a cello quartet, made up of some of the UK's finest cello players. Of all the events we host, the classical event is perhaps the most niche. Usually we get an audience of 50-70. Our ethos is to run as a not for profit festival and put on the best music we can, across the spectrum. When we plan the budget, we work on a break even basis. So each event we work aound these parameters. Most years, events attract around the same sort of crowd. This year, we saw a massive upturn in interest for the classical night. We had around 120 people. It is actually a great valuye night, as we gave a free glass of rather good wine, which would cost a tenner a glass in a posh winebar in London! Mill Hill Wines do a fine job supplying the best wines at a very reasonable price! The show last night was quite amazing. The highlight was a world premier for a new composition, Soliloquy by Simon Baggs, introduced by the composer himself!. The band got a standing ovation and the audience were highly appreciative. 

My day? Well we had to get supplies from the Cash and carry. I went down and covered the desk at the studio, whilst my studio manager and an assistant drove up. When they were back, I did a quick trip to the gym, then up to St Pauls at 6pm to deliver supplies. My main job was as doorman and directing people around the hall. After the sbow, we loaded the glasses and leftover supplies up, along with the rubbish and we all went home. 

It was a stunning success. Onto the Jazz night with The Jazz Dynamo's.

The MIll Hill Music Festival Diary - Day 3 - Uncovered Opera

 So having had a brilliant week of free events at The Adam and Eve at the weekend, last night we started our ticketed events. We hosted Uncovered Opera performing a selection of classic Arias. It may, or may not, surprise you to learn that Opera isn't my thing. Having said that, as a musician, I appreciate people on top of their game and it's fair to say that last nights company were brilliant. I started idly wondering what an operatic version of We All Love a Party by The False Dots would sound like? I've never thought of such a thing previously, but I suspect it would work rather well! That is what great musicians do to you! Maybe the next False Dots album will be full of Arias, although I can't see myself hitting those notes. The Hall was packed. I think we were five tickets off a completely sold out show, which was brilliant. There was a standing ovation at the end and the crowd were highly complimentary of our efforts (not that I did too much for this show).

So what did I do? Well I work on a Tuesday, so the usual routine, breakfast, take the dogs for a walk, go to work. We had a major IT issue at the studio. Our booking system stopped working on Monday morning and I spent two days working with our suppliers to get it back on its feet. It is 95% of the way there, but that was a really unwanted distraction in the festival week. At 2.45pm, I clocked off and returned home. We loaded all of the drinks up, collected wine and glasses at Mill Hill Wines and then unloaded at Hartley Hall. I did a few technical checks on microphones etc, collected a swinging sign from the studio, dropped it off and went to the gym for an hour. As I was about to come home, I got a call. Could I reprint the ticket list in alpgabetic order by surname. Clare had neglected to do this, so it would be difficult finding the payment details. I also had to pick up some bottled water. 

All of this was done and I arrived, with the reprinted list at 7pm, as the doors opened. I acted as doorman, directing punters to seats and urging them to spend their readies at the bar (sales were good, so the strategy worked!). At half time, I had a chat with some of the many friends who'd come. At 9.30 the show finished. We cleared the chairs, tidied the hall and went home. Onwards and upwards (literally, it's at St Pauls, up the hill on the Ridgeway) for Cellophonics. 

The MIll Hill Music festival diary - Day 1 - Recycled at the Adam and Eve Pub

 Long time regular readers will know that during the Mill Hill Music Festival, normal blogging activities are suspended and I write a festival diary. Yesterday was day one of the festival. We always start the festival with a free event, to get people in the party mood. As I usually do, before I write this blog, I have a look at previous years diaries. I had a look at the day one diary from the last festival, in 2023 (the festival is bi-annual). How times change! Last festival, we had Whelligan on the opening night. This time we had Recycled, one of London's best party bands. The common feature between the two bands is trumpeter Tom Hammond. Since Whelligan played, Tom joined our band, The False Dots. As a result, he's quite well known now in Mill Hill circles. Tom is also well known at Hadley FC, where he organises the "Hadley Hurl", a half time competition, where fans try and get a tennis ball as close as possible to the centre circle, for a cash prize. Last time I asked him, Tom was in seven different bands, all of which are rather different. We booked Recycled as we thought it would work well at the Adam and Eve and we weren't wrong. 

So how was my day? Well it was a bit of a strange one in truth. I got up early and went to the gym. I felt the need to blow the cobwebs away. A half hour on the cycle, a sauna and a soak in the Jacuzzi to set me up for the day. On return, I made my way to the Sacred Heart church, for a memorial mass for the mother of one of my best friends. It was a moving service, Fr John gave a wonderful homily. We then gathered in the hall after to swap reminiscences. Everyone had a bit of a drink, which sadly I couldn't participate in, as I had some driving to do.

We drifted away at around 3.30pm. At 5pm, I drove to the studio, loaded the stage, the lights and the PA system and made my way to the Adam and Eve. We set up the stage, dressed the pub and waited for the band to arrive. And waited. And waited. Eventually we got a message. They had got stuck on the M4 following an accident. The road was gridlocked. They would be with us ASAP. The support band turned up. They started to set up, the realised a key bit of equipment was missing, so they had to nip home to get it. I was starting to panic. Would we have a gig. I started playing the playlist. At around 7.30, the band arrived. We set up quickly, did a quick soundcheck and then got the support band on, starting at around 8.45pm. The support was a duo called Subverse, featuring Maddy and Al Pascal (a local music tutor). Their set was well received.

Subverse live at @AdamAndEveNW7 right now on our opening night pic.twitter.com/KyVOjyf98I

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) May 31, 2025

Recyled started at around 9.45 and played until 11pm. They got a wonderful reception, with the whole pub joining in, singing along and dancing. As we have another gig today, we left the stage set up, although we broke down the PA. 

What a great start to #mhmf16 at the @AdamAndEveNW7 last night with Recycled pic.twitter.com/TnuQqFhP37

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 1, 2025

The pub insisted on a hard stop at 11pm, so all music stopped and the bar shut. It was a great evening. I was home by midnight and had a nice glass of wine in the garden to chill. 

My Mill Hill Music Festival Diary Days 3-5

Firstly an apology. I've just been too busy over the past few days to update this. So here is a quick round up. On Wednesday, we had the Recital on the Ridgeway, by the Regency Quartet, with  a guest spot by harpist Huw Boucher. This was an evening with some incredible music. My involvement was pretty minimal. I simply transported the drinks from Hartley Hall to the venue and gave some moral support. But I did get to see some fantastic music. The event was well attended, with over 60 people turning up. The festival tries to cover as many genre's as possible and giving a showcase to some of the best students from the Royal College of Music. We had the Regency Quartet last year, they were so wonderful we asked them back. 

To my surprise, they were even better. At the end of the show, I loaded all the drinks we didn't use back into the car. It was an early night for me!

Jamie Howe on viola and Huw Boucher on harp at the recital on the Ridgeway - part of our amazing evening of classical music pic.twitter.com/HzBKLxdKm5

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 21, 2023

Thursday was a busy day. I was working a shift at the studio, as we had a recording session and I needed to cover for Fil. This was quite handy, as I was doing the sound for Emma Kershaw at Frith Manor Primary school. I had borrowed a van from our friends Paul and Mary Dawson, who run Kitchens with Elegance. Such logistic help makes a huge difference and means that we can keep prices low and make the festival as accessible as possible. They are a great Mill Hill company, so if you need a kitchen, CHECK THEM OUT! (They did my kitchen 25 years ago and it still looks wonderful). Our sponsors can only sponsor us if they have a business! I must also give a shout out to Mill Hill Wines who run our High St Box Office. They get nothing for doing it. Please nip in, buy a bottle of wine and say thanks to them, if you enjoyed the Festival!

Anyway, on with story. So being at the studio meant that I could load the van at my leisure, with our 1000 watt PA. I also had to pick up glasses and drinks from Hartley Hall. Having collected the gear, I arrived at the school at 3pm. I set up the gear and stage dressing, switched it on then BANG. One of our speakers burnt out. All of our gear is regularly inspected and PAT tested and the PA had been used the previous day. As the band were arriving at 4.30 pm for a sound check, I had to quickly go back to the studio and collect another PA system. Luckily we have spare systems, so I was able to get it all ready and the band were none the wiser. The concert was a sell out and many punters came up to compliment me on the sound at the end, which is always nice. The show finished at around 9pm, we broke the gear down and I was back in Mill Hill for 10pm, which meant I had time to grab a kebab at Cobans and a pint at the Services club. 

Tonight @TheEmmaKershaw sings the Carpenters song book at @FrithManor primary, and it sounds rather spiffing. Another sellout crowd pic.twitter.com/liPupIu1cp

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 22, 2023

On to Friday. The Party night at the Mill Hill Golf Club is always a full on day. We have to build a stage and cover it, set up lighting, put up fences, set up gazebo's. So at 10am, I arrived at the studios, loaded up the stage and gazebos and other equipment and delivered it to the golf club. The team started to assemble it and I went back for another load. By 3pm, everything was ready for our sound guy Vince, who always does the bigger events as he has a 10kw PA system. Vince rigged his PA and the Pogue Traders arrived for the sound check at 6.30pm. That went well, the support band, The Sundays (not the girl band), featuring festival founding organiser Paul Amsterdam on sax then arrived. They soundchecked, and the crowds started to arrive. The music kicked off at 8.30, with The Sundays putting in a stonking funk set.

Tonight at @millhillfest the Sundays warming up the crowd nicely for the Pogue Traders pic.twitter.com/8rzwYUsoU5

— Roger Tichborne/Rog T (@Barneteye) June 24, 2023

As the Sun went down, the Pogue Traders went on and put in a blistering set, The whole place had a bop. The event was well attended with around 200 people at the event.

We celebrated Xmas six months early at @millhillgolf club last night, with the Pogue Traders pic.twitter.com/p6iluJBJpj

— Roger Tichborne/Rog T (@Barneteye) June 24, 2023

Once they finished, it was all hand to the deck and by 12.30, the whole gig had been broken down and was in the van. I got home and had a chat and a glass of wine with a couple of friends. I was in bed by 2am!

Onwards and upwards for the final push tonight!

The Mill Hill Music Festival Preview - The Pogue Traders and The Sundays - Fri 23rd June at the Mill Hill Golf Club

 Today we are looking ahead to what promises to be an exciting and fun night on Friday. The Festival has always put on music that reflects North London and the diverse communities. After a break of several years, we decided that it was high time we once againg featured Irish music on our our programme, albiet with a strong North London influence. The Pogue Traders have become established as the no 1 tribute to the music of the Pogues. I've known the tin whistle player, Paul Evans for many years and when he joined the band, he asked me along to see them, as he knew I was a big fan of the Pogues. I was blown away and have seen them almost every time they've played in North London since, including several appearances at the legendary Dublin Castle. The band are a tribute to the music, they do not pretend to be members. 

Anyone who knows the story of the Pogues will know that Shame Macgowan is an excellent songwriter. He is perhaps, rather unfairly in my opinion, better known for his drinking, but this never stopped him from writing beautiful and brilliant songs. The best known of these is of course Fairytale of New York, but songs such as Rainy night in Soho and a pair of Brown Eyes are classics in their own right and stand comparission with the work of the greatest songwriters of the 20th Century. 

Here is a clip of Rainy Night in Soho from The Water Rats in 2022, a gig I was at and as you see the whole audience had a good old sing song and dance

The band also do a selection of well known traditional songs, such as The Irish Rover and a few of the Pogues covers such as Dirty Old Town. It is often overlooked that the Pogues contained some excellent musicians, such as Phil Chevron and Jem Finer. The Pogue Traders are similarly blessed with excellent players. I am really looking forwarad to seeing the band again. I've dragged many friends to see the band over the years and they all become firm fans, this is a great opportunity to see why, without travelling too far at all.

The support band are the Sundays, a rather fine soul party band, featuring local legend Paul Amsterdam on sax. Paul was one of the early committee members for the festival and was responsible for roping me onto the committee, so if you don't like the music, please buy a ticket and come up and tell him!

Assuming the weather is good, the gig will be outside in the amazing grounds of the Golf club. Beer is good value and there will be a barbeque. 

Here's a few quotes about the Pogue Traders

“The Best Pogues tribute band I’ve ever seen” – Andrew Ranken (Drummer with The Pogues)

“I’ll come straight to the point: The Pogue Traders are absolutely fantastic. Seriously, if you ever see these guys and leave without an ear-to-ear grin spread across your chops and a song in your heart, stop and check your pulse – you may very well be dead.”– Neil Skinner – The Watford Observer

£15 (£18 on the door)

 PARTY NIGHT WITH THE POGUE TRADERS quantity

The Big Local Music Quiz - Test your knowledge of local music + Mill Hill Music Festival opening night Saturday

So how is your local music knowledge. To celebrate the start of the Mill Hill Music Festival on Saturday, here is a music quiz to test your knowledge of our local music culture. Twenty questions, which any self respecting local music afficionado will have no trouble at all putting to bed.

1. Name the Glam Rock legend, who before rising to fame was a member of legendary 60's Mod band Johns Children, and is buried in Golders Green cemetrary.

2. What iconic Golders Green venue, no longer hosting music, has a place in music history for hosting keynote gigs by both Jimi Hendrix and AC/DC?

3. What is the name of 60's Soul Legend the Foundations guitarist, who lives in Edgware, and used to run a recording studio in Hendon, where UK Rockabilly legends The Polecats recorded their first single?

4. Which founder member of Madness attended Finchley Catholic High School?

5. Which Edgware School did Sex Pistols manager Malcolm MacLaren, Adam and the Ants/Bow Wow Wow Guitarist Matthew Ashman and  Polecats guitarist Boz Boorer attend?

6. Brit Funk Legends Patrick and Paul McClean played at the Mill Hill Music Festival last year with Brit Funk Supergroup The Brit Funk Association. What legendary Brit Funk outfit did they first rise to fame with?

7. What British Soul singer and Barnet resident, first saw chart success with a song called Toast with The Streetband?

8. British Rock and Roll legend Ronald Wycherley is buried in Mill Hill Cemetery. What name is he better known by?

9. What is the name of the former Mill Hill resident, who wrote the lyrics for Born Free, as well as over 200 other hits (my sister Valerie used to babysit for him as he lived over the road from us). He does occasional work as a radio presenter?

10. Three best selling female artists/groups, all of whom started their career rehearsing at Mill Hill Music Complex studios, have won BRIT Awards, the most recent this year, can you name them?

11. What legendary Finchley venue, now a Starbucks and a Barbers, hosted regular gigs, including Steve Marriott, Dr John and Amy Winehouse?

12. If I said Steven Sieger, Loppylugs, Mill Hill Television and Soundtraxx, why would a local music lover who lived locally in the 70's/80's ears prick up. What do all of these have in common?

13. The family of the guitarist Stuart Taylor owned the garage at Holders Hill. Stuart played on the first UK single to become a no 1 record in the USA. What band did he play in?

14. When the Stranglers first came to public attention, they had a devoted group of followers. This group had a strong connection with the London Borough of Barnet. What was their name?

16. The New Vaudeville Band recorded an album in 1967, who's title celebrates which tube station in the London Borough of Barnet?

17. Which female Rap artist/singer caused a furore at Mill Hill Public School, when they filmed a video featuring drug abuse and scene's of a sexual nature in the school grounds, leading to the head getting the boot?

18. Clarence Mitchell is an esteemed journalist, who regularly used to pop up on the news as the official spokesman for the family of Madeleine McCann. What is his association with the music scene in the Borough of Barnet and why were local musicians always so keen to buy him a beer?

19. In 2013 Reggae Artist Bitty Mclean collaborated with Lee Thompson to record a version of the Ska Cassic Fu Manchu. The video featured a scene at which famous Mill Hill drinking establishment?

20. In 2008, esteemed and much missed Jazz musician John Dankworth performed at the Mill Hill Music Festival. Who was John's partner?

--- Make a note of your answers. We will publish them tomorrow. If you email me with all of the correct answers you win the Pot Noodle of your choice at Mill Hill Music Complex for free!

MILL HILL MUSIC FESTIVAL PREVIEW 

FESTIVAL KICK OFF WITH WHELLIGAN + THE JOHN SHILLIBEER EXPERIENCE + SUBVERSE

 Saturday 17th June - Music from 8.00pm

 The Adam & Eve Pub, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1RL

We kick off the festival with a free event at the Adam & Eve Pub with music from Whelligan. This great 7-piece pop band is fronted by James Whelligan with comparisons to XTC, the Rutles, Syd Barrett, Peter Gabriel and Genesis. The band’s sound will take you on a harmonic journey that is sure to have you up on your feet. Whelligan’s songs mine that English vein of quirky, psychedelic guitar pop that Merseyside bands are famous for. With songs spinning effortlessly from one to another, you won’t be disappointed by this amazing band. Whelligan’s work is also a firm favourite on BBC radio.

“Amazing” – BBC Radio 2
“Soothing the working man” – BBC Radio 4
“Outstanding” – BBC Radio Merseyside

Supported by The John Shillibeer Experience – John Shillibeer is a singer songwriter from Auckland, New Zealand, playing solo in the UK for the first time in 10 years. He plays with an Auckland based indie rock band, Fear of Ghosts, and has continued to produce his own solo music, blending alternative pop, acoustic guitars, beat boxes and electronica. Having grown up in London, John played many solo gigs acoustically at the Mean Fiddler, The Borderline and the Marquee to name a few. Originally from Mill Hill, this will be something of a homecoming.

Also supported by Subverse – a North London duo mixing eclectic styles to bring you an array of different vibes and sounds. Soon to release their first House single ‘Figure it Out” Maddy Collins on Vox and Al Pascal on guitar play individualistic acoustic versions of tunes to keep things interesting, stylistic and fresh!

Food available. Free entry.

click here for the full festival programme

The Mill Hill Music Festival 2022 - Rog's Festival Diary Day 4, 5, 6, 7 - 16-19 June

I've been a bit busy for the last couple of days with the festival, hence the lack of blogs!

Anyway, here's my Diary to catch up, for all of you fascinated with what goes on if you are a festival organiser!

Thursday 16th - Joe Stilgoe at Frith Manor Primary School

9am. The first task of the day was to pick up 90 chairs from another primary school in North Finchley. We had to do this early to fit in with the schools day. I borrowed a van from my good friends Mary and Paul Dawson, who run Kitchens with Elegance. Fellow committee member Dan came with me.

Having got the chairs, we then went to get a chair mover from Hartley Hall and collect some gazebos we'd lent to Mill Hill Library for an event. Having got all of that out of the way, I went to work at around 11.30am at the studios.

I got our tech crew to knock up some black drapes for the gig, as we wanted to dress the school so it didn't look like a primary school hall. When people come to the festival, we want the experience to be as good as possible./

3pm. I loaded the van with a PA system, drapes and lights for the show, then drove to the school. By 4.30pm, it was all rigged, thanks to Dan who helped me. The rest of the crew also arrived with the bar. 

4.30pm. Joe Stilgoe arrived, he was delighted to see the piano and the system we'd rigged. He said that it was always a bit hit and miss doing local festivals but he soon settled in.

Warming up pic.twitter.com/q0F24vwAx4

— Joe Stilgoe (@joestilgoe) June 16, 2022

Look whose piano I’ve stumbled upon… this one’s an absolute beauty @jamiecullum @YamahaPianos pic.twitter.com/vI5ZHVEmMr

— Joe Stilgoe (@joestilgoe) June 16, 2022

After a very straightforward soundcheck, it was a question of waiting for the hordes to arrive, which they duly did. The gig was a sell out and everyone had a wonderful evening. The efforts we made dressing the hall certainly paid off

Day 4 of the Mill Hill Music Festival the amazing Mr @joestilgoe at Frith Manor a sell out crowd pic.twitter.com/sFTieq7WGg

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 16, 2022

 Joe did two sets and we finished by 9.30. We then had to pack up the chairs, dismantle the PA and lights and we were out by 10.30. I got back to Mill Hill, put some diesel in the van and managed to get a Kebab from Cobans. I was safely tucked up in bed, for an early start on 

Friday 17th.

An early start as the chairs had to be back in North Finchley for 8am, so the school could use them in assembly. Dan joined me and we were back in Mill Hill by 9am after unloading a van full of chairs. Back home, have a swift breakfast, walk the dogs then back to the studio to load a stage, sound equipment and gazebos. I arrived ath the venue at Mill Hill Golf Club at 11.30 am.

We then spent the day on the hottest day of the year building a stage, putting up the lighting rigs, etc. The golf club kindly laid on lunch.

Even roadies het a lunch break @millhillfest pic.twitter.com/74T82547eJ

— Mill Hill Golf Club (@millhillgolf) June 17, 2022

At around 3.30pm the band and our amazing sound guy Vince Cooper arrived. The band set up, Vince put the PA togather and the soundcheck was done and dusted by around 6.30

The Brit Funk Association are a wonderful band and truly lovely guys to boot. The support band was my old mate Gerry Keane's Recollection. I've known Gerry since I was 4 and we were at St Vincents together. He was the first mate to put a band together and I think it's fair to say his current band are the best of the lot! Both bands did super sets and got the audience on their feet. 

Day 5 at The Mill Hill Music Festival - Recollection wowing crowds at @millhillgolf - another great turnout pic.twitter.com/PPSzSUY3Fl

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 17, 2022

Mill Hill knows how to party. @Britfunkass at @millhillgolf pic.twitter.com/QL5Bj3rqak

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 17, 2022

The music finished at 11pm and we then had to break the whole thing down and pack into the van. This was done by 2am. I had a few beers, so I had to do the walk of shame back to our house. When I got home, I then walked the dogs, so it was 3am to bed. It was a fantastic night with an excellent crowd.

Saturday 18th

I had an early start at 9am at the studios. We had Rockschool exams booked, which I always am present for the set up for. I then got the van unloaded into our store rooms. The event was the BBC Elstree Concert band at Hartley Hall. The stage and plinth was required, so this had to be taken and set up. We also had to do some work on the Hall lighting to ensure that the band could be seen and could see their sheet music. Another successful night, sell out crowd and amazing music from the 1920's with George Gershwin. It looked and sounded wonderful. 

Night 6 of the festival. The music has been amazing and the venues packed. Tonight it’s the BBC Elstree Concert band at Hartley Hall, as ever a sell out crowd. pic.twitter.com/BQ1ziScyZc

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 18, 2022

I had the task of being MC for the night. After the band finished, we did a super quick load out and we were in the Mill Hill Tandoori for 9.45, with friends and family who'd come for the show (my wife plays in the band as well as being Festival treasurer). Mr Lemon at the Mill Hill Tandoori, who is a good friend kindly let us stay until midnight. All in all a very pleasant evening.

Sunday 19th.

The final day of the festival and a Jazz lunch at Finchley Nurseries. The first task of the day was to unload the van from the previous night. Then we put the PA system Gazebo's and staging to the Nurseries. We were up there at 10.30am, erected the Gazebo's set up the PA system. The band arrived at 1pm, for a 2pm start. We had been worried about the weather but it turned out to be a wonderful day. 

Around 300 people attended which was a great success. The Nurseries were most chuffed.

The grand finale of the festival at @Finchleynurseries with the amazing Razzmajazz Dixieland Jazz band pic.twitter.com/9AObrJloZM

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 19, 2022

When the band finished, we had our final packdown and back to the studio. By 6pm, we were done. As we'd done no shopping, we nipped down to BAW in the Broadway for some tasty Thai food. After that it was home for a nice bath and an early night!

And also a big thank you to @millhillwines for their amazing support as box office, drinks provider and loan of glasses. Their wine and whisky selection is amazinghttps://t.co/uUV4uhJzXP

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 19, 2022

And @MillHillMusicCo https://t.co/t9ack2wjnm for the logistic support

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 19, 2022

And our helpers and volunteers
Lizzie,@ian_mcgreevy
Paul L,
Brian S,
Fil,
Stu,
Stef,
Sue H,
Val,
Margaret,
Janet,
Kim,
Julie,
Paul T,
Angela,
Derek,
Roisin,
Paul A,
Paul S,
Martin,
Gordon,
Vince,
Madoka,
Gerry,
Jenny,
Gabby,
Matthew,
Superstars all

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 19, 2022

.

The Mill Hill Music Festival 2022 - Rog's Festival Diary Day 2 - Tuesday 14th June

 So after  abreak on Saturday and Sunday, we moved to Hartley Hall in Mill Hill for our night at the Opera, with the Charles Court Opera (Check our programme for the full details). Their show was entitled Express G&S (Gilbert and Sullivan). The Charles Court Opera are a very professional set up and have been associated with the Mill Hill Music Festival for a number of years. Long time readers, who have read this blog in previous years will know I don't have much input to the Opera. They have their own equipment and crew. Most of my day was spent sorting out equipment etc at the studio for shows later in the week. 

I went down to the Hartley Hall at around 6.30 to assist with marshalling and give what assistance I could. The event was sold out and it was nice to see the people of Mill Hill turn up en masse. After the show was over, we adjourned for a quick bite to eat at Prezzo. They now shut at 10pm, which meant that we got a main course and a beer and were turfed out. I nipped over to the Mill Hill Services club for a swift shandy to wind down. 

Day 2 - We had a wonderful evening of opera from Charles Court Opera who put on their fantastic Express G&S - that took us on a whirlwind journey through all the best of Gilbert and Sullivan. The event was sold-out and is was such a splendid evening. Thanks so much to CCO! pic.twitter.com/YKZxY9DKtl

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 15, 2022

When we first started planning the festival last June, we really had no idea whether there would be an audience. We are now looking as if we might break even, which would be a massive achievement for a self funded independent festival in the current post Covid climate. There are still a few tickets left for all of the events. We had a restriction of 150 tickets for the amazing Brit Funk Association gig on Friday, as we needed to check the weather. This is looking as if we can go outside, so the capicity rises from 150 to 300 and we can start really promoting it again. If you like funk music, check this out and why not buy a ticket. It will be a gloriuos evening and a great party. After a difficult two years, come along. It's outside, so no need to worry about lurgys!

The Mill Hill Music Festival starts on Saturday with a free gig by THE ALAN WARNER BAND

 

THE ALAN WARNER BAND

 Saturday 11th June - from 8.30pm

 The Adam & Eve Pub, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1RL

Locally based guitarist Alan Warner of 1960s band - The Foundations, brings his own band to Mill Hill, with an exciting mix of rock, blues and pop covers plus original songs. It promises to be a great night out for anyone who wants to see and hear a genuinely live set. Locally based guitarist Alan Warner of 1960s band – The Foundations, brings his own band to Mill Hill, with an exciting mix of rock, blues and pop covers plus original songs. It promises to be a great night out for anyone who wants to see and hear a genuinely live set.

Alan Warner has played and performed with various artists including The Foundations, Edwin Starr, Pluto, Billie Davis, Phil Lynott, Mike D’abo (Lead Vocalist with Manfred Mann)Terry Dene,Big Jim Sullivan, Zoot Money, Vanity Fare, Phil May (Pretty Things), Don Partridge, Wayne Fontana,The Polecats,The 60’s All Stars, Mike D’Abo, Eric Haydock (The Hollies), Vince Eager,Mike Berry,Jess Conrad, Derek Quinn (Freddie and the Dreamers), The Toys (Lover’s Concerto),Ray Ennis (The Swinging Blue Jeans), Arthur Brown, Graham Fenton (Matchbox),Karl Green (Herman’s Hermits).

He has also toured and shared the stage with Stevie Wonder, The Bee Gees, Deep Purple, Genesis, Love Affair, Julie Driscoll and the Brian Auger Trinity, Geno Washington and the Ram Jam Band, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Tich,as well as appearing on TV shows including Top of the Pops, Tom Jones Show, Beat Club, Bouton Rouge and the Saturday show etc.

Mill Hill legends the False Dots will open the show at 8.30, with Alan on stage at around 9.30pm

Food available. Free entry.

Check the other events here

 View All Events

THE ROARING TWENTIES with THE BBC ELSTREE CONCERT BAND Saturday 18th June - 7.30pm

THE ROARING TWENTIES

with THE BBC ELSTREE CONCERT BAND

 Saturday 18th June - 7.30pm

 Hartley Hall, Flower Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 2JA

Nothing else comes close to the aura of quality and success in the film world. This amazing 45 piece band presents a night of music from the roaring 20s.The BBC Elstree Concert Band is back performing in a programme guaranteed to make you smile with that great big band sound and some of your favourite tunes from the American Songbook. One hundred years ago, the Roaring Twenties were starting to build up a head of steam just as George Gershwin burst onto the musical scene along with the likes of Kurt Weill and the early jazz pioneers. As we embark on the 2020s, their programme will explore the style of the 1920s and the new dance crazes which were taking the world by storm. We can see how these uplifting tunes are just as relevant today. Formed in 1984, this 45-piece band has a repertoire that reaches from light classics to show music as well as contemporary wind band arrangements. Their performances have been broadcast nationally as well as internationally through the BBC World Service.

Tickets: £16. Cash bar.

Quantity: 

https://millhillmusicfest.co.uk/event/bbc-elstree/

 View All Events

Your chance to see a genuine 1980's Funk Supergroup live in Mill Hill

 

PARTY NIGHT @ MILL HILL GOLF CLUB

WITH THE BRIT FUNK ASSOCIATION

 Friday 17th June - from 7pm

 Mill Hill Golf Club, 100 Barnet Way, Mill Hill, NW7 3AL

This all-star Brit-Funk supergroup features members of Beggar & Co, Hi-Tension, Central Line and ex-members of Light of the World and Incognito. They play a wide selection from each of the bands’ back catalogues, such as “Time”, “Somebody (Help Me Out)”, “Walking Into Sunshine”, “British Hustle”, “There’s a Reason”, “I’m So Happy”, “London Town”, “Nature Boy”, and “Everyday”. Some of the other bands that influenced them are Mass Production, Kool & the Gang, Roy Ayers, and Ubiquity. The Brit-Funk genre started in the late 1970s, it is a distinctive mix of jazz-fusion-funk-disco music. Our evening begins with Recollection, the always popular 5-piece cover-band playing all your favourites from the 60s to the present day.

More Info 

Tickets: £17 (£20 on the door). Over 18s only. Food available. BBQ weather permitting. Cash bar.

Quick Buy:

Quantity 

 

 Find out more about the amazing Mill Hill Music Festival Programme here

https://millhillmusicfest.co.uk/progboxoffice/

Some good news - The Mill Hill Music Festival is back in June

 It's been a tough couple of years, but the sun is shining, summer is coming and best of all, the Mill Hill Music Festival is back. This year there are some truly awesome shows coming up, please check out the Festival website for more details - millhillmusicfest.co.uk

The festival has a week of amazing shows. Some are ticketed and some are free. We start and end with free concerts at two of Mill Hill's most loved venues. We start with festival regular Joe Chisanga  (who regulars will know as Joe Angel)

JOE CHISANGA & THE PAMODZI BAND

Saturday 11th June - from 8.30pm

 The Adam & Eve Pub, The Ridgeway, Mill Hill, NW7 1RL

Come and join us for a night of rocking reggae. The band have built up a big following on the London reggae scene with their Big Roots sound, playing hits from some of the best such as Bob Marley and other reggae classics.

The Final Day will see

FATHER’S DAY @ FINCHLEY NURSERIES

Razzamajazz Dixieland Band

 Sunday 19th June - 2pm-4pm

 Burton Hole Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 1AS

The lovely Finchley Nurseries provides us with a lovely setting for an afternoon of jazz with lively music from the 1920s through to the 1960s to make you smile.

We have a simply amazing gig at The Mill Hill Rugby Club with 

PARTY NIGHT @ MILL HILL GOLF CLUB

WITH THE BRIT FUNK ASSOCIATION

 Friday 17th June - from 7pm

 Mill Hill Golf Club, 100 Barnet Way, Mill Hill, NW7 3AL

The Brit Funk Association features a 10 piece collective of musicians onstage  including the founder members and pioneers of Brit Funk from Beggar & Co, Central Line, Hi-Tension and ex-members of Light of the World and Incognito who perform Top 40 Official Chart hits from each of the band's back catalogue such as "Time", "Somebody (Help Me Out)", "Nature Boy", "Hi-Tension", "British Hustle", as well the classic album and 12' inch singles that have stood the test of time such as ''London Town", "Pete's Crusade:, "There's a Reason", "I'm So Happy", "Walkin' Into Sunshine" , "Everyday" and the brilliant "Bahia". When they occassion demands they of course enjoy playing a stirring rendition of "Chant Number 1" the brilliant Spandau Ballet Number 2 recording on which Beggar & Co were of course the featured horn section.

If you like big bands and the music of the roaring 20's, check out the BBC Elstree Concert Band

THE ROARING TWENTIES

with THE BBC ELSTREE CONCERT BAND

 Saturday 18th June - 7.30pm

 Hartley Hall, Flower Lane, Mill Hill, NW7 2JA

Nothing else comes close to the aura of quality and success in the film world. This amazing 45 piece band presents a night of music from the roaring 20s.

Check the website for the full programme. Over the next week, we will be looking at every event in more detail. Please come along with your friends to a few events and support the other local festivals in the Borough of Barnet this summer.

The Mill Hill Music Festival - End of Festival report

On Saturday, we had the final night of the 13th Mill Hill Music Festival. Last night, after 9 days of frantic activity, I had an early night and slept like a log! So how did it all go?

Well here is the summary. 

Friday the 14th June

Hartley Hall - The Hendon Band of The Salvation Army

I couldn't attend this event, as I was at the Adam and Eve. Clare attended, the Hall was full and the band played an excellent programme of music. The band are one of the regular features of the festival and traditionally open the festival

The Adam and Eve  - The Ron Lewis Partnership with The False Dots

This was an amazing night. My band played a short acoustic set, to kick things off and then the mighty Ron Lewis Partnership got the whole place up and boogieing

The Ron Lewis Partnership live at the @AdamAndEveNW7 tonight - it’s jumping in here tonight pic.twitter.com/ofn70O2rBQ

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 14, 2019

Thanks to @CarrieGrant1 at @BBCRadioLondon for the plug - this was some of the fun you missed last night at @AdamAndEveNW7 with The Ron Lewis Partnership more details at https://t.co/va6LrJCQyp pic.twitter.com/n8l8vIebaf

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 15, 2019

The False Dots acoustic set at the Adam and Eve #millhillfestival #millhillfest last night #music #Barnet https://t.co/td05l2CbfH pic.twitter.com/dEk77iGy5u

— John V. Keogh (@JoViKe) June 15, 2019

Saturday 15th 

The BBC Elstree Concert Band

This was the first concert to sell out and the audience were not disappointed. The BBC Elstree band are festival regulars and the audience loved their program of music from The Oscars.

If you couldn’t make the wonderful BBC Elstree Concert Band last night, this is what you missed. They are playing Allum Hall in Elstree on Wednesday. The Festival continue with tickets available for most events https://t.co/va6LrJCQyp pic.twitter.com/OkYRsRLwCE

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 16, 2019

Sunday 16th 

The Adam and Eve - The Ron Russell Partnership

Our traditional Jazz lunch was well attended and was a blast. It's not often you see a Jazz lunch end with the double bass player dancing with members of the audience!
This was me during the soundcheck!

And it is happening again! @millhillfest ! Pop in. pic.twitter.com/0N6mS6oGjx

— Adam and Eve (@AdamAndEveNW7) June 16, 2019

Monday 17th

Mill Hill Synagogue - Stewart Curtis with K-Groove

This is a beautiful venue and there was some excellent music played. Stewart Curtis is a highly accomplished musician and the crowd were given an absolute treat.

Live! Stewart Curtis with K Groove live at The Mill Hill Music Festival right now pic.twitter.com/pV7kM0gAyZ

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 17, 2019

Tuesday 18th 

Hartley Hall - The Charles Court Opera performing HMS Pinafore

This was a tumultuous night. Once again Hartley Hall was packed and the show was excellent. Charles Court Opera are highly professional and put on a show that is both uplifting and great fun.

And a packed house to boot! pic.twitter.com/86gG7ecwsK

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 18, 2019

Wednesday 19th 

St Pauls Church - Organ and Harp Recital

This show featured some absolutely amazing music, from such great composers as JS Bach. The acoustics of the church are incredible and this was the best attended classical concert the Festival has staged at St Pauls.

Beautiful sounds in a beautiful setting. Tonight’s organ and harp recital at St Paul’s Church pic.twitter.com/DOpwfu86D5

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 19, 2019

Mill Hill Golf Club - Jimmy Cannon and Elizabeth Tillotson

Sadly I could only pop in for a quick shandy after the recital. I caught a number by Elizabeth Tillotson, which was an excellent jazz blues number. Every table was busy, so I rather hope a few new people have discovered the delights of the Mill Hill Jazz Club.

Jimmy Cannon and Elisabeth Tillotson at the @millhilljazz club - another amazing night of music in Mill Hill pic.twitter.com/ctkU63CTL0

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 19, 2019

Thursday 20th

Hartley Hall - The Alan Barnes Octet

Alan Barnes is a true giant in the Jazz world. This was a special gig for the committee. It was the last concert organised by Brian Peerless, our Jazz expert, before his sad and sudden passing last November. His great friend and fellow committee member Luciana read a heartfelt tribute to Brian. The band also dedicated several numbers to Brian and Alan shared some great stories.

This amazing number is Blue Note pic.twitter.com/rPIdscJT3J

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 20, 2019

Friday 21st 

Mill Hill Golf Club - The Foundations with Recollection

The Foundations were amazing. Hits such as Build Me Up Buttercup and Baby, no that I found you, were interspersed with soul classics. The Foundations were the first UK multi racial band to have a no 1 hit. I think the audience saw why! Recollection as support were excellent.

Recollection live at @millhillgolf for the Penultimate night of the festival! pic.twitter.com/xeBg4MB04L

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 21, 2019

The Foundations live at the @millhillgolf club. An amazing gig pic.twitter.com/Ve1OgIO2L7

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 22, 2019

Saturday 22nd 

The Adam and Eve - Joe Angel and the Pamodzi band + Charlotte

And we finished with a  real blast, Joe Angel at The Adam and Eve. This was an amazing night, the busiest ever according to the pub. I didn't count (how could you), but I wouldn't be surprised if over 300 people were there. There was literally no room at all when the band were playing. The support from Charlotte, a young artist from Mill Hill County High was also brilliant. I suspect that she will be a star of the future, not too many people can carry off an Amy Winehouse number, with just a single guitar, excellently performed by Ollie. 

View this post on Instagram

The view from the sound engineers desk. An amazing gig last night at The Adam and Eve with Joe Angel at @MillHillFest - absolutely packed!

A post shared by Mill Hill Music Complex (@millhillmusic) on Jun 23, 2019 at 1:58am PDT

Our final night! Back at the @AdamAndEveNW7 with an amazing new talent Charlotte opening the show. Check this out pic.twitter.com/0ur6Jq5mLg

— Mill Hill Music Fest (@millhillfest) June 22, 2019

So that's what happened. How did it happen? Well in the early summer last year, the festival organising committee held a meeting to decide whether to proceed or not. The committee were Dan Bleich, Sarah Bourn, Lucia Carabine, Gerry Keane,  Brian Peerless, Joan Scannell MBE, Clare Tichborne and Roger Tichborne (me). The first job was to agree to proceed. With this in the bag, we then set about securing the venues. One of the great by products of the festival is that we can put some cash in the coffers of the local venues, which helps support our local community. We soon agreed to proceed and secured Hartley Hall, St Pauls Church, The Adam and Eve, Mill Hill Golf Club and The Synagogue. With the venues secured, we all started recruiting artists for the program. I was tasked with organising the popular music slate. This meant The Ron Lewis Partnership, The Foundations and Joe Angel. Joan organised the Salvation Army, Sarah organised the Recital, Dan organised the Opera, Clare organised the BBC Elstree Band and Brian the Jazz program. I also booked the Klezmer, Val at The Mill Hill Jazz club organised her act. In October, we had meeting to pencil the names in. The next meeting was scheduled for early December. Before this occurred, a bomb was dropped. Brian unexpectedly passed away. This was a massive shock to us all. The first question was "should we proceed", but all agreed that Brian would be horrified if we didn't. There was also concern that the Jazz bands were doing Brian a favour and may not be so interested. This proved to be completely unfounded, as they were desperate to pay tribute.

By Jaunary, we had the programme ready. There was much proof reading etc. By March, 12,000 leaflets were ordered and we then had a three month publicity blitz, with a huge leaflet drop and social media posts. We also had numerous logistic planning meetings. In the past, Lesley, our bar co-Ordinator had dealt with that, but she was unavailable. Clare took on the co-ordination and a team of volunteers was put together, with Joan and Clare sorting the details.
 In April, whilst leafletting, we had a volunteer to replace Brian. Rob Sykes got hold of a leaflet and offered his help. It was agreed that he'd attend meetings etc and see if he enjoyed the experience. I think he did!

As it was the 13th Festival, being superstitious, I was worried. The sad passing of Brian was not exactly a great start. I am pleased to report that apart from an accident at St Pauls, requiring a precautionary ambulance and Dan being savaged by a sausage dog on the final night, it went rather smoothly.

I must, at this point,  say thanks to the people who have helped, especially Fr Stephen and Gillian and Pete at Hartley Hall, Paulo and the team at The Adam and Eve, Rabbi Schochet, Gerry and Marshall and their team at Mill Hill Synagogue, Rev Jo, Rev Jan, Bob, Jenny and Jill at St Pauls, Val and Gordon at The Mill Hill Jazz Club, Pete and the team at Mill Hill Golf Club, and our amazing helpers Mary, Sue, Yumery, Joan, Val, Elaine, Gordon, Stephen, Fil, Matthew, Paul and all of those that my brain is too fried to recall right now. Thanks to Marina Hobson OBE, our patron for her continued support.  Without all of these people, we couldn't stage the festival. For Clare and Dan who do most of the paperwork etc, the festival is a year long activity, I handle the logistics with Gerry so for us it is a hectic two weeks. For the rest of the committee, there are specific tasks in the run up and then some very busy and late nights. I usually put a stone on during the festival and my cholesterol goes through the roof, as all I eat is burgers and chicken from Red Rooster at midnight! If we did it all the time, I'd probably be dead long ago. 

The numbers were good. Around 150 musicians participated. A finger in the air calculation is that over 2,000 people attended. We run the festival on a not for profit basis. The aim is to pay the performers and to keep prices down. Every venue met or exceeded its numbers, so we have a small profit to carry forward to 2021. Unlike most festivals, there is no grant, no subsidy and no major corporate sponsors. Mill Hill Wines, support us, by acting as box office at no cost, which is amazing. They also help out with loan of glasses etc. Please buy a bottle of wine there if you enjoyed the Festival, or even better attend a tasting!  You won't be disappointed.

My company, Mill Hill Music Complex sponsors the PA and sound equipment. This is probably worth £2,000 and makes the popular music content deliverable. It is one of the benefits of running your own business, you can do such things. From a hard nosed commercial perspective, it is good business, as it puts the words "Mill Hill Music" in the public psyche, and we have had great support from BBC Radio London etc, in the promotion.

Yesterday all of the PA systems, lights and staging went home! There will be repairs and testing this week, but all in all, it's been a very successful week.