Abbie Panks is one of the Directors of Festival Too in King’s Lynn, one of Europe’s biggest free-to-attend outdoor festivals, which is about to celebrate 40 years of live music. Ahead of the opening weekend, Abbie looks forward to this milestone year
Can you remind readers who you are and what you do?
I’m Abbie Panks, I work as a Head of Communications and Engagement across West and North Norfolk. I’m also incredibly proud to be a long-term committee member and Director of Festival Too, one of the biggest and longest running free-to-attend outdoor festivals in Europe.
Are you King’s Lynn born and raised? What do you love about the town?
I grew up just outside of King’s Lynn and I’ve always felt a strong connection to the town. What I love most is the spirit of the people, resilient, creative, and full of heart. There’s a real sense of pride in the heritage of the town, but also a hunger to keep evolving. Whether it’s the historic waterfront or the way we rally together for events like Festival Too, King’s Lynn has a spirit that’s hard to put into words.
When did you first get involved with Festival Too and how would you describe the event?
I first got involved unofficially around 12 years ago, and officially about 10 years ago. For the volume of work that goes into putting on the festival each year, we’re a pretty small committee and all of us are Directors to share the responsibility.
Festival Too is more than just a music event, it’s a true celebration of our community, creativity, and connection. Over the three weekends our line-ups consist of everything from school bands, local acts through to international artists, there’s something for everyone.
Our festival is also free to attend so no economic barriers, and it’s fiercely loved by the people of West Norfolk and beyond. We’re thrilled this year to receive the High Sheriff of Norfolk’s Award for Great and Valuable Services to the Community.
How do the team manage to put on a free-to-attend festival year after year?
I think if you asked any of us, we’d all say It’s a labour of love. We work all year round to fundraise for the festival, this year to the tune of £250,000, so over the 40 years, collectively we’ve raised millions to deliver the festival for our community. In addition to the fundraising, we coordinate everything from booking acts to setting up the stage, putting out barriers, stage management, and promotion. Everything – we’re all very hands on!
We also have a fantastic team of volunteer stewards who help us during the festival, and we are supported by generous local sponsors and businesses who believe in the value of a free, accessible festival for the community.
At the heart of it all is people power. Festival Too exists because people care. Our volunteers give their time, energy, and skills. Local businesses step up with sponsorship and in-kind support. The Borough Council helps with some funding and logistical support. And our audiences, thousands of them, show up, donate, and bring the energy that makes it all worthwhile.
Who would you like to thank for making it such a success?
First and foremost, the incredible volunteers who give their time, energy, and passion to make it all happen. Our sponsors, who continue to back us even in challenging times.
The local authority, emergency services and our medical team, who help keep us safe. And of course, the audiences, families, friends, and festival goers of all ages who turn up in their thousands and bring what we lovingly refer to as ‘the coolest car park in the UK’ to life
What can people look forward to this year, the 40th year?
This year is extra special it’s our 40th anniversary, and we’re going all out with a lineup of artists and genres of music reflecting our 40 years
We kick off on 28th June as we always do with tribute acts, this year Noasis and Taylored Swift before our annual fireworks display over the river to mark the start of the festival
We’re also really looking forward to our ‘official 40th birthday party’ on 5th July with a nostalgic 80s night on featuring pop icon Sonia, The Wild Boys and the legendary Tony Hadley
Across the six festival dates, we’ve got something for everyone including Ella Henderson, Ash, Eades, Jo O’Meara, Ska Souls and a whole lot more.
How can people find out more about this year’s event?
The best place to stay up to date is our website and social media where you can find the full line-up, dates, FAQs and timings.
Are you looking forward to another 40 years of the Festival?
Absolutely! Festival Too is part of the fabric of West Norfolk. As long as the support is there, there’s music to play and people to dance, we’ll keep going.
The first Festival Too 2025 weekend takes place on King Staithe Square, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1JE and the second two weekends at Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, PE301JW. Festival dates: Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June; Friday 4th and Saturday 5th July; Friday 11th and Saturday 12th July. For full line-ups, schedules, and the latest updates, visit festivaltoo.co.uk or follow on social media.
Saturday 28th June: Taylored Swift, Noasis
Sunday 29th June: KES Choir, Platform 30 DJ winner, Without My Addiction, Eastern Sons of Soil, Modern Haze, Adam Brucass, Edison Lighthouse
Friday 4th July: BOTB winner – Dead Horse, After Drive, Ska Souls, Rick Parfitt Jnr Band
Saturday 5th July: Boogaloo, Sonia, Wild Boys, Tony Hadley
Friday 11th July: Easy Tears, The 355’s, Eades, Ash
Saturday 12th July: Little Planets, Adam Tucker, Jo O’Meara, Ella Henderson
Official Festival Too After Party – 90s Dance Anthems – Tickets available via Alive Corn Exchange
Street entertainment will be available in King’s Lynn Town Centre Saturday 28th June; 5th and 12th July
(Featured image of Abbie Panks – supplied)
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