History of Brownstock Music Festival in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 6, 2025

Brownstock Music Festival is an annual three-day event held at Morris Farm in Chelmsford, Essex, since 2005. It has grown from a small gathering to a festival with four stages and 23 areas, attracting thousands of visitors. Originally operated by Count of Ten Ltd, which is now owned by Global Radio, Brownstock emphasizes its independent and homegrown ethos. This is reflected in practices like sourcing Aberdeen Angus beef directly from the farm and hand-making festival decorations.

2005: Inaugural Brownstock Music Festival

In 2005, the Brownstock Music Festival was established at Morris Farm in Chelmsford, Essex. The festival is held annually over three days.

2009: Brownstock gains official license

In 2009, The Brown Family obtained an official entertainment license from Essex County Council, opening the event to the public for the first time. The Holloways and Finley Quaye headlined the event.

2010: Brownstock expands to two stages

In 2010, the Brownstock festival expanded to include two stages: a dance stage and a main stage. BBC Introducing covered the festival for the first time, and The Reverend and the Makers along with Dan le sac vs Scroobius Pip headlined the festival.

2011: Record attendance at Brownstock

In 2011, the Brownstock festival reached its licensed capacity of 4999 visitors, featuring 5 stages and over 100 acts. Pendulum, Example, Athlete, and Ms. Dynamite headlined the festival.

September 2012: Brownstock Music Festival in September 2012

In September 2012, the Brownstock Music Festival saw the return of The Piano Bar and the addition of The Treehouse Stage and The Stumble Inn. Labrinth, Zane Lowe, The Futureheads, and Nero headlined the festival.

September 2013: Brownstock Music Festival in September 2013

In September 2013, the Brownstock Music Festival expanded by an additional 2000 attendees. DJ Yoda, Professor Green, and The Fratellis headlined the festival.

2014: 10th Anniversary of Brownstock Music Festival

In 2014, the Brownstock festival celebrated its 10th anniversary. Dizzee Rascal, De La Soul, and Razorlight headlined the festival.

2016: 2016 Brownstock Music Festival

In 2016, the Brownstock Music Festival was headlined by Tinie Tempah, Mark Ronson, and Kelis, with over 150 acts performing over the weekend of the 8-10 July.