"A New Breed of Farmer"
Andy Green, 36, of Montpeliers Farm in Chelmsford is breaking with his family's farming tradition and has now decided that the way forward is to give more back to the community. Montpeliers, associated with the 'V' music festival, the World Scout Jamboree, Race for Life and the Essex Young Farmers Show is set to break precedence as being seen as one of the most versatile venue sites for the county.
The change has not happened over night, Andy explained, "When work started on the Essex Showground I knew the Young Farmers would need a new venue for their annual agricultural show, so I approached them to use my land. " He gradually saw the potential of diversification and although he still deals with livestock, and grassland some of his fields are set aside for use as an outdoor venue. Having obtained the relevant premises license he plans to create quality events as well as host them.
"I see this plan as an asset, not only to my business but also the local community. I want to create quality events which cater for the whole family. Families nowadays need not only quality family time together but value for money in the process. I know from experience that when I take my children to purpose built venues, such as theme parks, the experience can be hugely expensive and sometimes not value for money. I want to offer something affordable and entertaining which will cater for the youngest right through to granddad of the family."
Andy's great grandfather moved to Chelmsford around 100 years ago and bought Montpeliers Farm where he raised his children. Surrounded by acres of arable and livestock land, you can be nothing but impressed at the location. Situated only three miles from Chelmsford Town Centre, 'Montpeliers' is perfect, near enough to be in the hub of a progressive town but still feel you are in a country environment. Times have certainly changed and Andy now has around 220 acres of land across 11 fields but with a portion of his land set aside he has new seeds to sew.
"I have now looked at the viability to use the licensed land in a positive way", he said. The licensed land totals approximately 70acres consisting of three separate fields. " We will be presenting good quality events at spaced intervals during the year but we are also available to hire the site to management and event companies, whether it is the whole 70acres or even just the smallest field which is approximately 11acres. We have already been approached to consider corporate events and product launches, but it is important for us to consider the right events and make sure the land is used, effectively and realistically, giving consideration to our neighbours as well".
He went on to explain, "The V Festival started back in 1996 and by 1999 had grown bigger than anyone expected. I recognised the need for additional quality camping for the festival and thought that Montpeliers filled that gap. As the festival increased in popularity, the camping increased from 450 people to 21,000 for 2007 over 4 fields."
Andy has called on the experience and expertise of Kerry Whitaker, who has taken on the role of Events Manager. Kerry started working with Andy in April 2007 and for their first event they are planning to launch The Essex Balloon Festival, which is no small undertaking.
Kerry said, "I think this is a fabulous opportunity to use my experience and knowledge of event management. I have been given a blank canvass, a huge outdoor site to work with and I think a Balloon Festival ticks all of the boxes in terms of family entertainment"
"The balloon festival will be unique; there has never been anything like it in Essex. We have had an enormous amount of support from local companies and are looking forward to welcoming new partners to the concept of 'Montpeliers'. To make it affordable we are offering a special pre-event family ticket for £22. The very special feature of this weekend is the spectacular Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, where the balloons glow in the dark to accompanying music and fireworks. Special shapes are on show and even our very own Chelmsford Balloon will be on display. We have the Somerfield parachute display team and many other activities on the arenas. It really is a must for everybody on that weekend. Everyone will know about it as two of our well known media partners, Essex FM and BBC Essex will run competitions for flights in balloons and a chance to get involved with the presenters".
Apart from this amazing live entertainment there is an entertainment stage, fairground, trade stalls, food & craft marquee and a beer tent.
The first balloon and kite festival in Essex will take place on the weekend of September 15th.
- Ends -
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Additional information on balloon festival can be obtained from Montpeliers contacts:
Andy Green Kerry Whitaker
Landowner Events Manager
Montpeliers Farm Montpeliers Farm
Margaretting Road Margaretting Road
Writtle Writtle
Chelmsford Chelmsford
Essex CM1 3PL Essex CM1 3PL
Tel: 01245 422522 Tel: 01245 422522/07891 466935
Email : andy@mpevents.co.uk Email: kerry@mpevents.co.uk
