The 12th Hanwell Hootie free music festival will take place on Saturday 10 May – keeping the town ‘firmly on the musical map’.
Since it was first held in 2013 as a free music festival by local people, the Hootie grew in renown and popularity. And 2022’s event was possibly the biggest yet, across 2 days. It included bands performing on outdoor stages, in a big top tent and, of course, at a lot of Hanwell’s pubs.
When it returned last year, for the 11th time, the not-for-profit event was a little bit smaller in scale – but still stretched across the town and featured a wide selection of top-notch talent and a busking boat; and attracted thousands of music lovers.
Andy McRobbie, co-founder and music director of the Hootie, said: “We hope everyone enjoyed our 11th edition last year and the new format we had. This year will be much the same and we pray for the same beautiful sunshine.
“Our core mission remains unchanged: to support young and emerging artists, celebrate Hanwell’s rich musical heritage, and instil pride in our vibrant corner of west London —placing Hanwell firmly on the musical map.”
The festival has showcased hundreds of new, young and emerging bands from across the UK over the last decade, as well as supporting local musicians and bringing back some popular and famous ‘oldies’.
Andy said: “Since the beginning, we’ve proudly paid our artists fair fees while ensuring the festival remains free to attend, and these values remain at the heart of what we do. This year, we are happy to welcome back the popular busking boat, and we also have the Sandy Park stage and a whole host of other venues dotted all over Hanwell.”
International backing, community heart
The first Hanwell Hootie was held in 2013, after receiving the support of Ealing Council and the financial backing of the internationally-renowned Marshall Amplification.
It was held in honour of the founding father of the company, Jim Marshall (or ‘The Father of Loud’, as he became known) who had died in 2012. Jim opened his first music shop in Hanwell in the 1960s, which became a magnet for many of the rock heroes of the era – from Hendrix to Townshend. A plaque marks the spot where the shop stood. You can read more about Jim’s impact, and the area’s connection to rock music in past stories on Around Ealing website – there was even a film made about it.
The community ethos of the festival has never changed, however.
“We are run by a very small team of volunteers who give up their spare time to make this festival what it is,” said Andy.
“Organising the Hanwell Hootie is a real team effort and a labour of love for us all. We’re grateful for the support of our community. It’s always exciting to bring great live music to Hanwell and the sheer volume of applications from bands was staggering.”
Want to get involved?
Anyone who would like to be part of the festival, can contact the Hootie’s volunteer team at volunteers@hanwellhootie.co.uk
Andy said: “It wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our amazing volunteers, who give their time to make the event so special. A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who helps bring the Hootie to life.”
For general enquiries, you can email info@hanwellhootie.co.uk
