Rock Regeneration

Dorset’s longest-running community festival, Grooves on the Green comes of age this year as it celebrates its 21st event in style at Ashley Cross. And to mark the occasion it’s bigger and better than ever with an increased capacity and a greater emphasis on locally produced food and drink.

“There’s such a special community atmosphere at Grooves – that’s the main reason it has lasted so long,” says Grooves supremo Jan Crump who started the festival in 2000 as a focal point for the Ashley Cross neighbourhood. “Of course, we had to miss a year in lockdown, but we pulled out all the stops to come back even stronger last year and the response just blew us away – people were so happy, it was even more special than usual, a real weekend to remember.”

Local live music is the lifeblood of Grooves and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist Allan Turner-Ward returns this year to compere the packed Main Stage lineup headlined by guaranteed party-starters Pronghorn and Mother Ukers, as well as highly-rated indie outfit Ragwormers who were “forged from the fires of fun,” they say.

This year with more space for festival-goers to sit down and enjoy food and drink, there are even more opportunities to try something local with the launch of a new, locally made sparkling wine called Bonnay – a refreshing taste that links Champagne and Prosecco – as well as two gins bars (Pothecary and Pink Mermaid), a rum bar, two cider bars, a local real ale bar, Pimms and cocktail bar, the local Barefaced Brewery and, of course, from Ashley Cross’s favourite pub The Bricklayers bar.

There’s even the festival debut of the Shandy Shack for those seeking a low-alcohol refresher; while the famous Groove Garden offers VIP seating and bathroom facilities with a private bar. Foodies are even better catered for this year than usual with cuisines from around the world including Mauritian, Greek, Indian, German, American, UK, and not forgetting festival favourites ice cream, candy floss, cakes, sweets and treats. “Grooves on the Green is where the people of Ashley Cross and further afield come together to relax and have fun in the sun – we hope!” adds Jan.

“It’s a lively, friendly, welcoming area that’s loved as much by the young families that have moved here as by residents who have lived here much longer – and it’s that sense of inclusivity that Grooves has become deservedly famous for. Everyone is made welcome here.” The accent is firmly on family fun and the Entertainment Stage is home to a variety of special shows suitable for all ages from the likes of Mr Merlin and Okey Dokey Dragon, Squidge and Pop’s Balloons. There’s also a bouncy castle, assault course, trampolines and two face painters on site.

There’s also plenty of shopping to do on the Green with local homemade clothing, jewellery, arts and crafts. “As ever, the people and traders of Ashley Cross have been incredible,” says Jan, “with everyone pitching in and doing their bit. Without their efforts in volunteering, helping and sponsoring the weekend Grooves on the Green just wouldn’t be the same.”

Grooves will again be supporting local charities – in the last seven years it has raised more than £35,000 for Diverse Abilities.

On the door ticket prices – £8 adult, £6 Youth. Grooves Garden £15. Children under 5 are FREE. Dogs on leads are allowed on-site. Alcohol can only be bought from bars on-site bars; no alcohol can be brought into the event from outside. Glass is prohibited on site. Grooves on the Green runs from 11am on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July. The bar closes at 7pm when the park will be opened to the public again.

MAIN STAGE: SATURDAY
Main stage Presented By Allan Turner-Ward

DJ Opens Event
13:00 Beginners Luck
14:30 Soulhole
16:00 Chris Payn
17:30 Ragwormers

MAIN STAGE: SUNDAY
Main stage Presented by Allan Turner-Ward

DJ Opens Event
13:00 Xander & The Keys
14:30 Mother Ukers
16:00 Mischa & His Merry Men
17:30 Pronghorn

Links
https://www.groovesonthegreen.com/
https://www.facebook.com/grooves.ashley.cross