THE FOLLYFEST TEAM

Jane RennellsChair

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 fun atmosphere of FollyFest weekends even when the weather wasn’t kind. In fact, Stay Grounded became a refuge from the weather for many!

I have been back on the Committee since FollyFest 2022 organising stalls for 3 years and adding Treasurer to my tasks for 1 year. These roles have now been passed on and I am Chair and looking forward to yet another incredible FollyFest weekend.

Jenny MossTreasurer

As treasurer I look after the money side of things for our community festival – keeping track of budgets, making sure bills get paid, and helping us stretch every penny of funds raised to support local music, art, and creativity. I work with a great team to make sure the festival runs smoothly and is fun, and full of local talent.

Jonathan PuddifootSecretary

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 8 years, and to have seen it grow and develop in the way it has, first as the stalls manager, and then as last year’s 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.

Carlos MalineStage Manager

Carlos has been a resident in Faringdon for several 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.

Gerry MillingtonFringe

My name is Gerry and I have lived in Faringdon for 14 years. I was one of the brave few (there were four of us back then!) on the committee of the very first FollyFest in 2013. We were super proud of what we achieved and I am delighted that the festival has grown into the fantastic event that we all enjoy today.

I took a break from the committee between 2017 and 2022, and I am very excited now to be part of the Fringe team with Helen. Our mission is to offer a full and varied schedule of events for all ages and all tastes.

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 two small children and I work as a CBT Therapist. I joined the FollyFest committee in 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. 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!