It’s all systems go for Tribfest’s 20th anniversary in 2027

Now, not a trace remains. The 5,000 festival-goers have gone, the stages removed, rubbish cleared and the deer returned to graze on the parkland.

But the hard-working team behind the festival are already planning next year’s event. The 20th anniversary of Tribfest will be bigger and better than ever, says Ed Faulkner, who, with wife Jo and daughter Dempsey, directors of Ed Entertainments, organisers of the festival.

“People think Tribfest is one week in August, but organising it is a 52-week-a-year job,” said Ed. “We started planning a few months ago and are now gearing up to sell discounted tickets for 2027.”

Conceived by Ed in 2007, Tribfest has run every year except 2020, when Covid forced cancellations. It grew from a few hundred at Driffield Showground, moved to Beverley Polo Club and has been at Sledmere House since 2012.

What began on a modest scale has grown into a major event attracting thousands of music fans to the Yorkshire countryside each summer, building a loyal following over time.

Ed is particularly proud of the way Dempsey has developed her skills over the years. She was 13 when she manned a sweet stall at the first festival, later helping on the bar during holidays. It is now her full-time job and she and her father work closely together.

“Over the years Dempsey has taken on more responsibilities. She’s brilliant. We have different skill sets,” said Ed.

“I scout for and book the bands and organise equipment, while Dempsey handles marketing, social media and administration. She’s a languages graduate and much better at drafting press releases than me!

“Being a small team means we can respond immediately to queries and make instant decisions which simplifies things.”

Ed, now 66, is contemplating taking more of a back seat in the next few years. With that in mind, long-time friend and colleague Johnny Calvert was brought back into the Tribfest fold this year.

Dempsey said: “Dad will never properly retire; he’s always going to be part of the festival. Everyone knows him and loves him. He built it up from nothing – it’s his baby – and it will be very difficult for him to actually hand it over to somebody else.

“He stands on the gate on the last morning waving, high-fiving and saying goodbye to everyone. People really appreciate that, and it’s personal touches like that which keep them coming back year after year.”

Ed added: “Yes, I’m rubbish at being in the background – I am the lead singer for a tribute band after all!”

Ed and Dempsey are keeping tight-lipped about next year’s anniversary show.

“We’ve got some exciting things planned, but we’re keeping it as a surprise,” said Dempsey.

A lot of time, effort and money goes into making Tribfest a success, with impressive light and sound equipment and fantastic facilities for festival goers..

Around 50 world-class tribute bands played across the Main Stage and Big Top this year, with dozens more in five tents around the site.

The line-up included tributes to Oasis, Bronski Beat, Bowie, Abba, Madonna, Pink Floyd, UB40, The Beatles and Pulp. Some were regulars, others made their debut, but all received a warm welcome.

John O’Neill, who closed the Main Stage on Sunday night, has toured the world with his Bowie tribute act but had wanted to play Tribfest for years. Born in Hull, he left at five but retains a fondness for the city.

“I answered an advert for a Bowie tribute and got the gig. I share a birthday with Bowie and thought I could do a good job. I’ve been doing it full-time for 20 years,” he said.

Jay Austin wowed the crowd with his stunning Jimmy Somerville tribute on Saturday.

“We did Cologne Pride last month in front of hundreds of thousands, but Tribfest was one of my favourite gigs last year,” he said. “We came back this year because of positive feedback on social media and we’ve really enjoyed it.”

In the acoustic tent, the Nick Rooke Band played original material influenced by Irish folk and his love of the sea. He first played Tribfest 13 years ago and has returned twice since. This time, he was accompanied by his 18-year-old son Benny, playing his first gig with the band.

“I love doing Tribfest. It’s absolutely brilliant; it’s amazing,” said Nick.

All weekend tickets include free camping and parking, with motorhome and caravan options available for an additional charge.

Discounted tickets are now available for a limited time.

Visit the Tribfest website in October for a preview of next year’s line-up, facilities and accommodation.

www.tribfest.co.uk/