A FESTIVAL which has seen its popularity rise over the past few years is returning to Essex next week.

Brownstock Festival (BSTK), which is pitching up at Morris Farm, Lower Burnham Road, Stow Maries, has fast become one of the UK’s most popular small festivals.

The festival is held over three days, and has done annually since 2005. It attracts thousands of visitors each year, being run independently by the owners of the farm, the Brown family.

The festival started small, but now has four separate stages and 23 festival areas.

The festival takes pride in its independent and home-grown roots, which Aberdeen Angus beef from the farm being the only beef you can buy at the festival. The family themselves hand make many of the festival areas and decorations.

Line ups for the festival have seen bigger and bigger artists each year performing on their stages, which have been described as an up-close and personal festival atmosphere which is crammed with personality and personal touches.

Brownstock shortlisted for “Best Small Festival” by The UK Festival Awards in 2013 and 2014 and for “Best Dance Event” in 2015.

Last year saw their eleventh festival since they started up with 150 people in 2005. They now welcome over 6000 visitors each year.

The family are proud of their varied line up and entertainments across six stages, which we think make sure Essex is firmly on the festival map. Artists such as the rappers Example, Professor Green, Dizzee Rascal and De La Soul have performed on the mainstage, as well as indie rock band The Fratellis and drum and bass giants Pendulum.

This year’s line-up includes rapper Tinie Tempah, Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac, pop band Scouting For Girls and DJ Mark Ronson.

Beyond the main stage you can head to the huge Good Shed dance big top which has seen sets from some of the best DJs in the world. Also, The Stumble Inn is strictly house music only.

The rest of the festival is scattered with hand built areas and other entertainments.

The festival takes place from Friday July 8 to Sunday July 10, with tickets starting from £99. To book, visit www.brownstock.co.uk.