We caught up with Adam Brown Brownstock's Festival Director over a pint of Brewers Gold, to discuss all things Brownstock, and how the festival intends to celebrate its tenth birthday

As this is Brownstock’s tenth year did you feel an obligation to put on a big party this year?

Absolutely, we are very proud of our history and the event Brownstock has grown to be, especially considering the competition out there on the festival scene, we must be doing something right. We are very busy here at HQ planning lots of exciting surprises.

When you started Brownstock did you ever envisage having the likes of Razorlight and Dizzee Rascal?

Not at all, when I think back to the early years we would never of dreamed of iconic acts like Dizzee Rascal and Razorlight gracing our stages, it is surreal! I’m glad we can provide an affordable alternative to V Fest, in the local area, with this calibre of act on the line up.

Compared to previous years, your 1st line up announcement is particularly strong, can we expect more of the same?

With these kind of names at the top of the bill, there is no shortage of acts keen to support them. We certainly still have a large array of acts to come. The Goodshed line-up is shaping up to look very strong and the vast majority of that is still to come. The acts playing on the smaller stages like Stumble Inn, Comedy Club and Treehouse is all still to come and I have no doubt they will be stronger than ever, it seems everyone is getting into the excitement around our birthday celebrations, definitely not one to be missed.

Last year saw the introduction of the Saloon Bar and a Spaceship DJ both, can we expect any more new areas?

We are definitely mindful not to overdo the number of stages, especially when our capacity is limited to the same as last year, I’m a big believer in maintaining the atmosphere across the event rather than spreading people to thin. Having said that we are in talks about one additional area and have big plans to develop venues like the Saloon Bar and Skate Park.

With the growing number of families attending Brownstock do you plan to add a quiet area to the camp site?

Definitely, the feedback on this stood out from last year so we have been looking at what other events do to improve the family experience. Plans are not finalised as yet but there will be improvements.

You actively encourage local bands, how many will be performing this year and can they still apply?

Yes this is a big part of our heritage and the number of applicants grows considerably year on year. I would estimate around 50 up and coming bands/DJs will be performing across the stages during the weekend and around half of these will be sourced locally. The Treehouse Stage is more or less dedicated to up and coming talent as well as a chunk of the earlier slots on the other stages.

A number of smaller festivals are looking to adopt cashless systems, is this something you are considering, if so what will be the benefit for the Brownstockers?

Yes we are considering it but it’s a big step and there a large number of things to take into account. There is potential for huge benefits for Brownstockers; the key ones for me are mitigating the risks involved in carrying cash to and around a festival and significantly cutting down queuing time, not just to get into the festival but also at bars and food outlets etc as well. Its allows them to top up during the weekend and we all know there is nothing worse than running out of money at a festival.

As it’s your tenth year will you be having bands and attractions that have appeared in previous years?

There is plans to dig out some of the old attractions and there will definitely be acts from the early years making an appearance. Don’t want to give away too much!

Tenth birthday parties usually have kids games, do you intend doing the same, and if so will it be messy?

No doubt there will be lots of messy games throughout the weekend. It wouldn’t be a birthday without surprises so be prepared for lots random and spontaneous goings on. Think giant musical chairs….

What is your favourite memory from the previous 9 Brownstock’s?

There has been lots but a personal one would be, back in the early years, losing a bet and having to sing my own rendition of Time of your life by Green Day and subsequently crowd surfing from the front of the main stage, none of which was that successful. A peek into the life of a performer, turns out it’s not for me….

Last year was the first year you adopted the no day tickets, will this apply this year?

Yes, there is no intention to release day tickets this year. As a result of stopping day tickets last year, the general feeling is that it encouraged more people to immerse themselves into the whole weekends festivities, which is what we like.

Have you increased the capacity for this year’s festival?

At this stage there is no intention to increase the capacity for the 2014 festival. So, off the back of a sell-out year and record sales to date, my advice is don’t miss out on the party and make sure you get your tickets early.

Artists booked to appear at Brownstock include: Razorlight, The Feeling, Jack Beats, DJ EZ, P Money, Doorly, Goldie Lookin Chain & Nothing But Thieves

Brownstock Festival takes Place at Morris Farm, Chelmsford from 29th - 31st Aug
Tickets are avallable from here