The annual Markerstudy Group festival on Sunday was a fun celebration for staff, family and friends and this year included a new ‘battle of the bands’ live music competition.
Four local acts were shortlisted to perform on stage all hoping to win the £1,000 prize money. Best Intentions, Kirsty Davis, White Heat and Suncharmer had made it through the first stage of the competition which launched earlier this summer.
Polished
Announcing the winner, Markerstudy Director Gary Humphreys and Rick Parfitt Junior (lead singer of the RPJ Band) told how impressed they were with all the musicians although the unique indie rock sound and polished performance of Sunchamer’s Paul Crisp, Josh Brice, Sam Dann and Jasper Morris had given them the edge.
Rick commented: “The M-Factor acts were all brilliant but there could only be one winner and Suncharmer put both the sun and charm into a fabulous day”.
Vocalist Paul Crisp added: “Big thanks to Markerstudy for choosing us. Their hospitality and the professional stage set up was perfect and we were made to feel really welcome.”
Markerstudy’s Gary Humphreys said: “We hope to make M-Factor a regular feature at our future festivals and hopefully this platform will help spread the name of these young and ambitious artists.”
Dragon Boat race receives roar of approval…
Saturday at Bewl saw more than 500 people battle it out in the 22nd annual Dragon Boat Race raising thousands of pounds for local schools and charities.
In an event now run by Markerstudy Leisure, who took over from Funraisers, 31 teams of 17 did their best to rule the reservoir taking to the water in fancy dress to generate more than £2,000 for their chosen charities and the money is still being counted. Family and friends gathered on the banks to cheer on the crews.
Eventual winners were the colourful, Marlborough House Neon All Stars, raising money for the Hawkhurst prep school. Taking second place were The Floaters and third, The Bidborough Imperial Dragon.
Bewl’s Operations Director Phil Daley said : “The atmosphere was perfect, helped by the weather and it was fantastic to see so many families having fun while raising money for charities. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to Bewl Water next year.”
Markerstudy Leisure have confirmed next year’s Dragon Boat Festival will take place on Saturday September 5.
