Festival pits its wits against a big cash crisis

But if you haven’t got a ticket to one of the biggies don’t panic because there’s enough to feed your ears on your doorstep.

Among the options is Barnsley’s BOMFest, but only just.

Every year is a challenge for the organisers - and they somehow manage to pull it off. But this time the big unsigned gathering at the old Barnsley Main colliery site really did look wobbly.

The Barnsley Original Music Collective Trust say they’ve always felt they were banging their heads against a brick wall when trying to raise money to finance the event. But this year tested the volunteers to the limit.

“We had seven funding applications rejected with not one bid going our way,” confirms BOM chairman Dave Hancock. “Quite unbelievable; before this year we had quite a good track record with funding bodies.”

After a disastrous funding rejection by the Arts Council it looked like the BOMfest was doomed until a deal was struck with Barnsley Council, although BOM is also relying on local businesses to sponsor the event and cut an expected 6000 deficit - potential sponsors can still get in touch on 07914620331 (from 10am) and 07767035579 (from 2pm) or email [email protected].

In spite of the backroom worries this year boasts the strongest line-up yet, with Senser from London headlining, returning to Barnsley after last year’s washout.

They previously supported the Red Hot Chilli Peppers on a world tour and are here supported by Father, flying in from Croatia.

The action takes place across several stages with a solid mixture of local talent from town rockers Seventh Son stepping up with the likes of The X Rippers, Straight Razor Angels, Hooker Bentley, Starrlings, Sheffield troubadour Ian Britt, local bluesman Tom Attah, The Paradigms and Channel 4’s Pop World winners Midair 91 and Area 15.

The Extreme Stage runs noon-5pm then becomes the Acoustic Roots Tent. The Urban Stage - with the likes of Yezza, Paddy Orange, Barnsley’s Inductionloop and Wakefield’s Ganjassassins - will be in a large marquee with full light show and a “have a go” section while the Darley Arts Stage will also catering for anyone wanting to get up and play.

As well as stuff for kids you can expect DJ workshops, Poi (spinning and fire spinning) and fair rides.

“We would also like to thank the massive amount of interest we have had from bands all over the country and beyond who have sent demos in to play the festival,” adds Dave. “Do not be too disheartened as we received over 300 top quality recordings.”

For more details see the official website site - www.bomfest.com

Sticking with outsiders, Chesterfield’s Oakstock continues its 17-year run this Monday at the back of The Royal Oak Pub, in Brampton.

Beginning at noon, some 14 local bands are set to play this free event which is headlined by Firecracker. Other acts include Vida, Bullitt, Freefold and Ovacast.