Once upon a time….
The story behind Bickerstock
The story behind Bickerstock
You may not know it but tucked away in the lanes of Bickerstaffe is a recording studio run by a nice bloke called Paul Draper. It was in this studio that Paul first dreamt up the idea for The Bickerstaffe Community Festival. 'Bickerstock' as it became known is now in its seventh year and has gradually grown in size.
The first two festivals were held in the field outside the Stanley Gate Pub - convenient since festival goers and bands could pop in for a beer! These days Bickerstock takes place at Bickerstaffe Parish Field on Hall Lane and boasts its very own licensed refreshment tent amongst other attractions.
Over the years more and more locals have come together to support Paul’s vision – strangely many of them happened to be called Paul too! The committee now consists of many different Pauls and honorary ‘Pauls’ both male and female!
The festival also enjoys support from further afield too in the form of the continued support of international Soca music legend and Trinidadian, Sheldon Blackman who has played and compeared many times during the festival’s history
Over the years more and more locals have come together to support Paul’s vision – strangely many of them happened to be called Paul too! The committee now consists of many different Pauls and honorary ‘Pauls’ both male and female!
The festival also enjoys support from further afield too in the form of the continued support of international Soca music legend and Trinidadian, Sheldon Blackman who has played and compeared many times during the festival’s history
The festival holds 3 main aims.
To promote live music.
Bickerstock gives up-and-coming bands the opportunity to perform alongside established musicians and gives the people of West Lancs the opportunity to hear local talent. We try and include performers from all genres of music. and past line-ups have included opera singer Sarah Helsby Hughes, jazz quintet ‘The Emma Holcroft Quintet’, Soca legend Sheldon Blackman, blues from ‘The Badge, Rock courtesy of ‘The George White Band’ and punk in the form of ‘Pink Gun Trio’
We try and encourage younger musicians to perform, alongside older, more experienced players. Our youngest performer, Michael Phillip, aged 12, performed in 2005, and last year’s festival featured teenage twins Liz and Shell fronting the band ‘Prospero’,
We try and encourage younger musicians to perform, alongside older, more experienced players. Our youngest performer, Michael Phillip, aged 12, performed in 2005, and last year’s festival featured teenage twins Liz and Shell fronting the band ‘Prospero’,
To bring the community together.
Residents from Bickerstaffe and beyond are made welcome and many locals get involved in helping to organise and run the day. It’s a great opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and enjoy music, fresh air and usually - fingers crossed – some sunshine. Various local businesses also get involved too by offering sponsorship.
To raise money for charity.
This year we are proud to be supporting
The refurbishment of the Bickerstaffe Mission Building
The Bickerstaffe Pensioners day trip fund
Bickerstaffe Amateur Football Club
In the words of Sheldon Blackman- ‘It’s all good!!’
You can also check out our new myspace at; www.myspace.com/bickerstock
Or our new youtube page at; www.youtube.com/bickerstockfestival