In 1993 the concert was expanded by
bringing in more performers, widening the range of music
and making the whole thing more professional. The
committee built a small stage inside the marquee, hired
a professional sound and lighting company and arranged
for a drum kit and backline amplification to be provided
for bands to use. To achieve this, they had to seek
sponsorship and grant aid. The result was a much better
show, a bigger audience and the beginnings of a
reputation for providing a really good, entertaining day
out with a certain relaxed "vibe".
A couple of years later, Peter Dale
decided to withdraw from the committee to pursue other
interests. In his place, a number of talented and
hard-working individuals were recruited from the town to
help organise the festival and push out its boundaries.
In the fourth year, they attempted to
involve every school in the Maldon district, via a
"Kids' Choir" which they hoped would attract hundreds of
youngsters. It was well-intentioned, but didn't work
terribly well and was an experiment they didn't attempt
to repeat!
What did quickly become clear, however, was that there
was no shortage of other performers - the younger pop
and rock bands in particular - keen for the chance to
show off their talents. As word spread about what a
good, fun event the show was, they started getting calls
from all over Essex and even London and Kent - all this
for the chance to come to Burnham and play for nothing!
