Sunday, 6 July 2025

Music Review The Brit Fest - Ashley Hall Showground Great British Festivals presents The Brit Fest Cheshire, powered by ABC+ Warranty


With somewhat of a brighter and sunnier Friday afternoon putting a spring in everyone’s step, the early evening did eventually bring rain to the skies above Ashley Hall Showground in Cheshire. However it certainly did not put a dampener on the spirit of 1000’s of festival goers heading to The Brit Fest for a fun packed festival full of musical legends, activities, delicious food and innovative hospitality. Although there was an optional add on date the night before with Badly Drawn Boy and Squeeze as its highlights, Friday July 4th was its first main/official day of a three day weekend festival. After all the recent sunshine and hot weather, one couldn’t help feel a little disappointed the evenings sun’s rays weren’t shining down on the festival goers. This could be felt even more after The Brit Fest’s wonderful build up and all the efforts put into making it a fantastic event. However, all I saw were smiles and laughter and people doing what they do best when faced with rain, and that is making the best of it! The great British weather can be a fickle thing and it was heartwarming to see people continuing to enjoy themselves and having fun.  

The Brit Fest, powered by ABC+ Warranty is now in its second year and I was delighted to be invited back in 2025. The Brit Fest is a festival where much is linked to nostalgia, to community spirit, friends coming together, new connections made and of course listening to great live music. After its world premier festival last year, July 4th, 5th and 6th 2025 would be the new dates to get in the diary this time around and staged at Ashley Hall Showground in Cheshire and only a mile away from the picturesque village of Hale. The event brings back to the stage the effervescent Jenny Powell and Mike Toolan to present and introduce an array of top-class acts that over the three days include artists such as, Razorlight, UB40, 10cc, Midge Ure, Chesney Hawkes, Cutting Crew, Go West, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Hue and Cry, Johnny Hates Jazz, Republica, Toploader, The Boo Radleys, Roachford and many more! Although I really sense this festival celebrates all things Cheshire and the North West I spoke to many people who had travelled from all corners of the country to be here. A big shout out to the team behind The Brit Fest, and to the volunteers who help everything run smoothly. Communication is their usp and I could witness many times volunteers helping festival goers out with any questions they had. The community spirit is what truly drew me in. Olivier-nominated brothers Anthony and Edward Prophet the team behind The Brit Fest have recently been awarded a prestigious Special Judges Award at The North West Business Awards. The family-run organisation has been the key to unlocking one of Cheshire’s most anticipated and fastest-growing festivals. The awards celebrates outstanding business across the region and the Special Judges Award highlights businesses demonstrating generational transition, outstanding leadership, strong family values and a heartfelt business journey that resonates with the judging panel. Speaking about the award Edward Prophet said:

“This award means so much to all of us. It’s for all the family - past, present and future. The Brit Fest was built on a dream of bringing people together through music, celebration and community. 

Equally, brother and Commercial Director of Great British Festivals, Anthony Prophet shared his thoughts about their achievement:

“ Winning a Special Judges Award among so many incredible businesses is truly humbling. We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from the community, our partners and everyone who has backed The Brit Fest vision. We’re more inspired than ever to keep growing and delivering outstanding experiences for everyone who joins us”

My own communications with Anthony Prophet regarding the festival highlights my own sense of his passion in this vision - it is inspiring and uplifting to hear all about what the future may hold for The Brit Fest. As for Fridays line up - we were entertained by The Boo Radleys, Roachford, Republica, Chesney Hawkes, Toploader, and Razorlight. All impressive and held the crowds in the palm of their hands! Stand outs for me were Roachford with that amazing stage presence and powerful voice. Chesney Hawkes was on top form and wowed the crowed with his impressive act and singing prowess. There were a few swooning females in that audience too! I feel Hawkes still has the charm. Razorlight closed the first days line-up and were brilliant! What is especially appealing at The Brit Fest is its support of emerging musical talent, and provides a platform for up and coming artists to showcase their star in the making quality. The Brit Fest also believe in promoting diversity and creativity, creating a space where people can come together to celebrate music and culture. 

Special mentions for The Samaritans stand from Mid-Cheshire particularly Annie and Jan who were happy to give their names and gave their time to be there for anyone who might have wanted a chat or even to know more about The Samaritans and what they do. As a fellow volunteer Samaritan I know how vital being a listening ear is and it was great to see them there. Also I want to thank Title Partner for The Brit Fest, ABC + Warranty and Managing Director Adele Reid who provided me with some warmth and shelter in their fabulous company marquee. ABC + Warranty provides outstanding services in construction and insurance sectors and their dedication to excellence aligns perfectly with the spirit of The Brit Fest. When it came to a nature call I experienced what can only be described as a five star service with a VIP toilet visit. With the actual brand name When-Nature-Calls a “cleaned after every use” feature with fresh water flushing toilets, luxurious make- up and hair styling stations which feature Dyson, GHD and Molton Brown, what’s not to love! I have never spent so long in a toilet area before and even had an impromptu hair makeover! The team behind When-Nature-Calls were super hospitable and told me all about how things work. The toilets really are cleaned after every use! 

A final shout out to Rod from Radio Alty who I met and shared a little about his emotional journey whilst radio presenting that led him to take more of a gentle pace. Such a heartfelt story and I look forward to re-connecting with him to talk all things careers, creativity and music. 

The Brit Fest is a place where not only is there fun, laughter and music galore but also where connections are indeed made, like minded people sharing ideas and where community spirit is truly felt. The Festival offers something for everyone and you can camp it or glamp it whilst there and makes for a great break away. The Brit Fest is coming back for another summer festival next year July 2-5th 2026 and I definitely recommend The Brit Fest as a fun day out or even weekend away. The passionate energy of the organisers spilling over onto everyone who has helped put this festival together shines through to make this a must go to event! 

Review Event: The Brit Fest July 4th, 5th and 6th 2025 

For information and to sign up: https://thebritfest.co.uk/

Reviewer: Mary Fogg 
On: 4th July 2025

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