AmpRocks 2014
Around about 6 years ago I'd just seen the first Ampthill Park Proms. It was a great event. 1000 local people enjoying the music of a superb orchestra. The atmosphere was pleasant, blankets and picnics a plenty and there was even the odd glass of champagne being enjoyed. But I have to admit that I was preoccupied that evening. There was something stirring in my head. I couldn't help but look at the huge stage, the biggest the Ampthill Festival had ever seen, and wonder if we (the festival committee) could make even more of it.
It was in this moment that AmpRocks was born. I floated the idea with a few of the committee members and within no time a sub committee was put together. With the help of Mark, Chris, Andy and Chris, over the odd pint at the Albion, we masterminded an event that saw a meagre 150 people enjoy Pauline Black of The Selector in front of a massive stage, with blinding lights. The following year the Lightning Seeds came to Ampthill and whilst we believed deep down that it would be a success we were plagued with bad weather in the run up and there was a constant worry that we would jeopardise the Ampthill Festival as a whole if we made too big a loss.
Thankfully the festival committee members were understanding and gave us one more year to establish ourselves. The team grew a little larger, and The Feeling played to a crowd of over nearly 2000 people. We just broke even and had made a name for ourselves. AmpRocks was here to stay.
In April 2013 I moved to Bournemouth, only a two months before The Hoosiers and Toploader played to a sell out crowd! It's a
move that I don't regret and has brought me much happiness. It meant that I had to hand the reigns over to someone else. Ian Scarr stepped up and over the last two years has lead the development of AmpRocks to a point where it is not only more successful than ever (we hope to donate a large amount of money to charity this year) but also, with the help and support of volunteers on his committee, has stewarded the event to a more professional point. AmpRocks had the smoothest ticketing system ever this year, wifi on site, increased levels of security and some amazing food concessions!
(Before anyone says anything, we know we need more toilets next time!)
From four guys fretting over their beers and celebrating each individual ticket sale, AmpRocks has come a long way.
There are lots of people involved in the growth of the event and I can't name them all here, but Mark Frary, Andy Hampshaw, Chris Hayes, Chris Treacey, Ian Scarr, Graham Broe, Belinda Pyper, Cecile Terrelonge, Jack Arnold and all the others that I've missed, thank you for being part of AmpRocks.
Of course the event would be nothing without an audience! Ampthill is a unique place with a unique community. Local people really support the numerous events that happen throughout the year. The fact that almost 5000 people part with their hard earned money to enjoy in the spectacle that is live music in our beautiful park should not be underestimated.
I'm proud that I founded AmpRocks. I'm even more proud that so many other people have helped it become what it is. Thanks to all of you. x