We are delighted to once again welcome The Sandbrook Vaults as a key sponsor for the 2019 festival.
The Sandbrook Vaults is a local Market Drayton based, Joule’s pub, run by Laurence Payne, co-founder of the Rock and Bowl Festival.
For the last five years the Sandbrook Vaults have been main sponsors of our amazing ‘Sandbrook Vaults Music Stage’ on which up and coming bands showcase their incredible talent and fantastic music!
We caught up with Laurence to find out about the inspiration behind the 'Rock and Bowl Festival 'and why he is still rocking around the clock!
Can you tell us a little bit about the origins of the Rock and Bowl Festival and the inspiration behind setting it up?
"It was set up at the Coach and Horses pub in 2009 to put on a fantastic day of music and raise money for local and national causes that were close to my heart.
We never dreamed of the response we would get. In those days we collected money on the door and were able to give that away. Once we were unable to use the land at the Coach and Horses Pub we had to move the picnic area which transformed the festival into the fantastic show it is today. However this meant, with it being a public event, that it brought huge costs.
Today we support charities where we can through direct contribution, donations, skills support and grants, once we have ensured the stability of the festival for the following year."
You describe yourselves as ‘the small festival with a big heart’ – can tell us a little bit about your most heart warming Rock and Bowl moments?
"There are so many to choose from. So many heart-warming moments but one of them has to be the time a mum and dad told me that their daughter was so excited about Rock and Bowl she said it was “better than Christmas”!
Another was an email explaining how a group of friends had become re-acquainted at the festival, after moving away some years ago! They now make it an annual event and get-together."
The festival’s ethos is about putting something back into the local community. How are we doing that in 2019?
"This year we will again be supporting a national charity – Mind, but, once we have ensured next year’s show is a go, we will also be looking to grant donations to other local groups in need of support."
What is your favourite part about being involved in the Rock and Bowl Festival?
"It’s a combination of things really – obviously the fantastic music (I spend mostly nights off watching live music) but also seeing the moments of pure joy on people’s faces - transfixed by their favourite band, the show and pure spectacle.
Also, it’s the feeling of community with the town and most importantly the 90+ volunteers who help to put the event on. Without them this wouldn’t happen!"
What is the most challenging part of organising the festival?
"Balancing running three pubs and the event. It takes an enormous amount of time to organise with the rest of the team, (Jeremy Blandford, Andrew Richards and their teams) and it simply just should be the best show we can possibly put on for the town."
Can you tell us why live music is so important to the Sandbrook Vaults?
"Music, put simply, is at the heart of The Sandbrook Vaults. Without the beat of live music it’s very hard to keep things fresh and interesting. I love our live music nights which we have hosted non-stop for over 10 years."
Who is your favourite Rock Bands?
"‘Red Rum Club’ of course . They are doing amazing things and this year could see them break through. Also Bombay Bicycle Club and The Rolling Stones."
What is your favourite Joule’s Ale?
"I love a Blonde!"
If you can’t wait until May, head down to our Easter Warm up Weekend taking place on Sunday 21st April at the Joule’s Brewery Red Lion Pub. It’s free to attend and there will be great live music!
Don’t miss out on the main event! Rock and Bowl Music Festival - May bank holiday!
The annual Rock and Bowl Music Festival, takes place over three days every May bank holiday weekend in our hometown of Market Drayton.
Located in the town’s picnic area near the Tern River, the festival site is a beautiful green space close to the centre of town – a great place to host our boutique, Shropshire music festival.