This bank holiday weekend (26th – 28th August) a roster of more than 40 new musical acts, ranging from dance to metal, will take to the stage for a 48-hour festival of new music at Old Reigatian Rugby Club, with proceeds going to local homeless charity Renewed Hope*.
Organised by local nonprofit New Music Nights, Reigate’s New Music Fest, sponsored by Reigate Architects, is now in it’s 9th year, jam-packed with musical performances, alongside activities for all the family to enjoy, including food stalls, a dog show, tomahawk throwing, touch rugby and Taekwondo (plus free camping all weekend!)
We caught up with New Music Nights founder Tim Glynne-Jones (with just 48 hours to go) to find out what makes this weekend festival so special, highlights for 2023, and what to expect when spending a night under the Surrey stars.
What first gave you the idea for the New Music Festival?
We’d launched New Music Nights in 2013 (organising monthly gigs in local venues) when a couple of friends, who were raising money for the YMCA, asked about joining forces to put on a small outdoor fundraiser at Reigate Rugby Club. That was 2014. Since then, it’s taken on a life of its own, largely thanks to the incredible energy and enthusiasm of the team and the superb support of local people and musicians.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Always the music. We’ve got over 40 acts this year and the quality and variety always blows me away.
How can you describe the atmosphere in the camp site?
Haha.…it depends which end of the camp site you go!
The family end is tranquil, serene, idyllic; the teenage end is, er, lively. But we keep the peace and make sure everyone gets through the night in good shape.
How do you source the acts?
They source us. I get inundated with requests to play each year. There is an incredible number of very talented people writing original songs around here, and our reach is extending every year. We’re getting bands from as far as Brighton and London these days.
What’s your most memorable moment over the years?
There are lots; funny, thrilling, moving… I think some of the headline performances by bands like Bedroom Boredom, Basis and Fever Rouge and the reaction they got from the crowd have been pretty amazing. But there have been some beautiful solo performances in the heat of the afternoon too where you see people in the audience looking at each other and mouthing “Wow!”
This year has been a whole new challenge for us because we’ve moved venue from Reigate Rugby Club to Old Reigatians Rugby Club and pushed the date back from mid-June. We’ve also teamed up with Renewed Hope to make it a big fundraiser. All that has added pressure but also opened up a lot of new opportunities. I can’t wait to see how it comes together.
Sponsored by Reigate Architects and supported by numerous local businesses, including Dragonfly Studios who are in charge of the sound, Reigate’s New Music Fest uses this platform to encourage young people with an interest in music, production and events to help behind the scenes. Sound on Stage 2 is managed by Reigate College students, and other local students help with things like publicity, setting up and managing the gate, gaining valuable experience in the process.
The volunteering aspect is what really makes this work. We are not looking to profit from it so we’re able to keep ticket prices low and focus on giving everyone a great weekend out.
Tickets can be purchased here starting at £10.00 for a student ticket.
*All proceeds from this year’s New Music Fest will go to local charity Renewed Hope, a Redhill based charity that provides practical solutions and emotional support to the homeless, vulnerable and isolated of East Surrey. Renewed Hope aims to provide new hope and the opportunity to build a new life to anyone that seeks their help. For further information visit Renewed Hope’s website.