2020 - Virtual Woo Fest

Covid-19 gave the Woo Fest team a big dilemma - cancel or try and do something on-line.

We went for the latter, after all we are the reigning Best Small Festival in the UK (UK Festival awards 2019) and we also wanted to ensure we still raised money for St Richard's Hospice during the insanely challenging year of  2020. However how we would put on a decent professional virtual experience was something we didn't know how to do!

That's when the amazing people at DRP Group stepped in and offered to run the day from their incredible studios and with their custom built-systems. We ran the day similar to a comic relief, free to view but with donation options on-line, by text and even our own phone line! 

As with any Woo Fest the line up was incredible, a mix of genres with pre-recorded "lock-down" recordings and live performances in an acoustic studio set up as an outdoor festival scene and a full on band stage in a 2nd studio. We were also able to get in 24 different acts including over 90 musicians and included a few famous faces as well as great local acts. Our comperes for the day Rich "Hursty" Hurst and Nina Das Gupta kept the day flowing incredibly well and kept us informed of the fundraising total whilst sharing messages and photos from our wonderful supporters at home.  Our supporters at home went the extra mile, creating festivals in their own gardens complete with decorations and a great time had by all.

We were thrilled to raise just under £14K which is the 2nd highest Woo Fest total in its 6 years, taking our total fundraising to over £71K

Everyone loves a real festival however, if you had to do one virtually this was how to do it and we have the great team at DRP and it's owner Dale to thank for their incredible support and army of talented technicians and producers.