ONCE UPON A TIME....The Story Behind Bickerstock
You may not know it but tucked away in the lanes of Bickerstaffe is a recording studio called Dead Frog Studios run by a nice bloke called Paul Draper.  It was in this studio that Paul first dreamt up the idea for The Bickerstaffe Community Free Music Festival. 'Bickerstock' as it became known is now in its ninth 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 and some others too! The festival has enjoyed support from further afield in the form of international Soca music legend andTrinidadian, Sheldon Blackman who has played and compered many times during the festival’s history.


THE FESTIVAL HOLDS THREE AIMS:


TO PROMOTE LIVE MUSIC

Bickerstock gives up-and-coming musicians 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, steel-drummer from Trinidad Clifton Harrydass, local bands: Red Men Don't Walk; Northern Daze; The Hatters; and Psychic Robot;  blues from ‘The Badge, Rock courtesy of ‘The George White Band’ and punk in the form of ‘Pink Gun Trio’. The Open Mic sessions hosted by Davy Edge and Tony Schofield are a firm favourite and give many local artists the opportunity to show-case their talents... We try to encourage younger musicians to perform, alongside older, more experienced players. 


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, backgrounds and denominations to come together and enjoy music, fresh air and usually - fingers crossed – some sunshine. Various local businesses also get involved too by offering sponsorship. This year there will be Community notice-board in the Creative Marquee, and a table where local businesses and groups can put leaflets.

TO RAISE MONEY FOR CHARITY

In previous years we have been proud to be support the refurbishment of the Bickerstaffe Mission Building, the Bickerstaffe Pensioners' Day Trip Fund, Bickerstaffe Amateur Football Club and Skelmersdale Sea Cadets. This year's charities have not yet been finally chosen.

IN THE WORDS OF SHELDON BLACKMAN "It's All Good"


2012 is the 10th Anniversary of Bickerstock so why not come along and join the party!