THE FOLLYFEST TEAM

Jonathan PuddifootChair

A volunteer run, free festival, in a town the size of Faringdon is a rare and wonderful thing. I am proud to have been associated with FollyFest for the last 7 years, and to have seen it grow and develop in the way it has, first as the stalls manager, and then as chair. Each year, the thousands of hours of practice and hundreds of hours of volunteering make FollyFest best free festival this side of Radcot. As long as the community spirit that runs our town continues to be so strong, the future of FollyFest will be safe. We need people new to the town to stand up and be counted – as performers, as instructors, as organising committee members.

Jane RennellsTreasurer and Stalls

I have lived in Faringdon since 1989 and this is my second stint as a FollyFest Committee member having been secretary in 2016 and 2017 when I also had my Coffee Van at the Festival. I took a break from the committee while running Stay Grounded Coffee and Store but still felt very involved and loved the crazy business of FollyFest weekends even when the weather wasn’t kind. In fact, Stay Grounded became a refuge from the weather for many!

Now I have more time, I am back on the Committee as Treasurer as well as responsibility for Stalls. I am having great fun finding interesting Street Food, drink and art/craft stalls and am hoping for a bumper weekend.

Jenny MossSecretary

As Secretary for FollyFest, I keep a record of all the great ideas and essential requirements that make FollyFest possible. It’s a pleasure to be part of the team and support with all the hard work that goes into making this great event the success that it is.

Del BrayMusic and Bands

The token Taffy on the organising committee, now doing his fourth year as Music Programme and Line-Up Director. I moved to Faringdon in 2013 so know plenty about the place. I play in a couple of local covers bands (The Hyperbolics, Parabolics, Punk & Disorderly and NoMansLand) so have played many gigs in the town and nearby and know many of the local musical community. It’s a great event and I’m looking forward to contributing to its continuing success in 2024.

Karen CockroftThe Fringe

Hi, I’m Karen and have lived in Faringdon for 20-something years and love doing my bit for FollyFest.

I’m Fringe Events Co-ordinator which means that I am responsible for organising and co-coordinating the events which will be taking place away from the main music stages. We aim to create events and activities for all ages in Faringdon – there’s something for everyone!

Helen TomesMarketing/PR

I have lived in Faringdon for almost 30 years and FollyFest has always been one of the highlights of the year; it’s a great example of the wonderful community spirit Faringdon has to offer.

I am delighted to be part of the team organising the festival for the third year running. My role has been to look after the marketing / PR side of things. The branding has been refreshed, we have some incredible supporters on board, t-shirts, posters and banners are being prepared, and it’s been great to be part of such a wonderful team whilst getting to know more Faringdonians.

Here’s to yet another fabulous FollyFest – see you there!

Martin LongWebsite and DJ Stage

I have lived here forever and am proud to now be part of the FollyFest Team. First and foremost, I’m a DJ but I have also been known to play the guitar so music of all genres has always been an absolute passion of mine. Some people also know me for my love of all things LEGO.

I have a bit of flair for building websites so I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to support such a fabulous event in the Faringdon calendar and get involved in FollyFest.

Lexie HattonSocial Media

I live in Faringdon and am a mum to a little boy and baby girl. I’ve just joined the committee this year (2024) after many years of attending, working, being a groupie (my husband is part of a band that regularly plays) and thoroughly enjoying Follyfest! You’ll probably see me all weekend, phone in hand capturing all the fantastic events for me to pop on socials so come and say hi!

Jen RobertsGraphics & Photography

And another taffy joins the team …

I moved to Faringdon in 2013 and FollyFest has always been the highlight of my year.

My background is media – I was a film and studio director for the BBC before having my own company offering videos, graphics and website design.

My real passion however is photography and I’m excited to be part of the team capturing all that FollyFest has to offer. It promises to be another fantastic weekend!

Neil O'ReganHealth and Safety

I’ve lived in Faringdon since 2013 and this is my second time on the committee having held the same role from 2016 to 2019. Having a few years to concentrate on other projects I rejoined the committee this year.

FollyFest is such a great event for the town and it feels great to be part of the team again. My role is to ensure the event is managed in a safe manner, allowing everyone to enjoy the event without any worries. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there and having another successful FollyFest weekend!

Robynne VdVPhotography

I moved to Faringdon in 2020 and never expected (but wonderfully surprised) to have become so connected and involved in the community here! I’ve worked at the Crown, at FCC, and as the photographer at FollyFest for the first time in last year. I have a background in photojournalism so events like FollyFest allow me to capture authentic moments as they happen. I also photograph weddings and portraiture, and teach photography to international teens in the summer in Oxford. I am so looking forward to capturing the music, fringe events, and everyone enjoying themselves in the sun at this fab community festival.

Katie-Louise HerringEnvironment and Sustainability

Joining the FollyFest team was a great way to marry two passions of mine. I’ve previously organised and performed at many music events and festivals in Oxfordshire and performed some of my first ever gigs in Faringdon.

I also run my own local refill business helping others reduce their reliance on single-use plastic. I’m excited to be involved in such a vibrant event for our community and hopefully have the chance to do something for our planet too.

Carlos MalineStage Manager

Carlos has been a resident in Faringdon for 7 years. Formerly of the RAF, he has been an active musician with a local rock band and is well at home on stage.

Carlos is the Stage Manager for FollyFest and will be responsible for all activities on the three stages of the event and ensuring the bands and guests remain safe in and around the stage area.