How Woodstock Festival inspired Ripon pub's forthcoming bank holiday music event

The couple behind a renowned Victorian pub in Ripon say it was the legendary Woodstock Festival which inspired them to launch their Magstock event.

It’s 57 years now since the four-day Woodstock Music and Art Fair in August 1969 wowed an audience of almost 500,000 at a dairy farm in Bethel New York.

Though Magdalens landlord and music lover Gary Jenner was too young to remember it, what he subsequently discovered about the legendary USA event has left a lasting impression on him.

“That’s why we chose the name Magstock for our festival,” Gary told Tim Flanagan of the Rejoicing in Ripon Blog.

“It’s a world apart from the size and scale of Woodstock.

"But we will have a stage for performers and professional sound system, alongside the outside bar and catering provided by Suckling Pig and Fork on the Road.

"Tilly’s Tumbles will be providing sweets for children.”

Taking place on Bank Holiday Saturday, August 29, the all-day live music festival will be based in the community-minded pub’s sizeable garden on Princess Road with a feast of local acts.

The first performers at Magstock, which starts at 2pm, will be the multi-talented duo of Ken Harper and Billy Miller, aka The Monktoneers from Bishop Monkton.

The other acts will include Just Odd, Freddie Cleary, Rough Cut UK, Desperado, Captain and the Bear and Broken Empire.

Hayley Jenner, who, like husband Gary enjoys many types of popular music from different decades, said: “This is the first time since we took over the Mags in November, that we are using the garden for a musical event.

"We have booked a mixture of artists from Ripon and beyond who, between them, will be singing songs for all tastes and ages.”

Gary and Hayley have already won praise for how they have run Magdalens since taking it over.

Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst, said: “Gary, Hayley and their family have, over the past nine months, done a great job in attracting new customers and welcoming back regulars.

"Magstock is their biggest venture so far.”