Thriving charity festival 'Cockfest' seeking a new home for 2018

A THRIVING festival which has raised thousands of pounds for good causes is seeking a new home in 2018.
CockFest, in Cockfield, has attracted bikers, campers and musicians to the village at Easter. But the custom bike show will not be held behind Cockfield Workingmen’s Club (WMC) next year and the organisers at Cockfield Community Group are looking for a new site.
Members of Cockfield Parish Council heard how event organisers Jackie and Peter Reed had their eyes on the recreation field neighbouring the football pitch.
Ms Reed said: “Through one thing and another we cannot do it at the club next year. People come from Yorkshire and Sunderland for the weekend so it’s working well.
“We would really like to keep it in the village – the only real place is going to be the field here but we’re not sure what is feasible money-wise.”
More than £6,500 was taken over the bar at the club from the last event.
Money raised from the event helps Blood Bikes, a charity which delivers blood by motorcycle, and one other good cause in the region each year. Councillors heaped praise on the event and were happy to call on their own experiences to offer advice. Cllr Jonathan Milroy said: “I have been – it’s well organised and it’s a feather in the cap of the village to have these people here.”
Cllr Neville Singleton added that the hire of the field would not be a “phenomenal amount”.
“I know how hard it is – I used to arrange country music festivals,” he said.
Members also agreed that if residents along Jubilee Court and Coronation Terrace were made aware of any event in advance they would be happy to move their vehicles.
Cllr Christine Watters added: “It’s been done before a number of years ago – before the pavilion was rebuilt the artics came down. As long as people are made aware.”
Ms Reed revealed she’d spoken to new landlord of the King’s Head, Will Blake, and heard how Cameron’s Brewery were “keen to get on board”.
“It would great to keep the festival in the village – otherwise the festival will be on tour.
“I think people have got used to the motorbikes – they know they’re not big old scary Hell’s Angels.”
Mr Reed added: “When we have held this in the past everyone in the village has benefited.”
Members later agreed to check some of the by-laws on the land and come back with costs for hiring the field.