Crastonbury 2011 marked a milestone in Northumberland’s summer calendar — an open-air charity music festival held in support of the RNLI. Taking place at The Craster Arms in Beadnell, the event attracted over 1,500 people and brought together a powerful mix of live music, top-tier DJs, and big-stage performances. The headline act? The sensational Cuban Brothers, who turned the coastal village into a carnival of dance, funk, and flair.
With a vision to deliver a fully professional festival experience while raising funds for an important cause, the organisers turned to Durham Events to deliver an end-to-end technical solution that would satisfy even the most demanding riders.
The Solution
To meet the ambitious scale of Crastonbury, Durham Events provided a full-service production setup designed for high-quality audio, lighting, and DJ performance.
Audio & Stage Setup:
We deployed a 4kW front-of-house PA system using DB Technologies Flexsys F315 tops paired with DVAS09 bass bins. This was managed via a DBX DriveRack for precision tuning. A 45-meter loom delivered remote mixing capabilities using a Yamaha O1V, allowing 40 channels of clean, responsive audio control. On-stage, performers used three DB Flexsys F10 monitors, with an additional DB Opera Live 405 for DJ monitoring.
Backline & DJ Tech:
The festival featured a stacked DJ setup with Pioneer CDJ 1000 mk3s, a DJM800 mixer, and classic Technics SL1210 turntables fitted with Concorde needles. These supported an all-vinyl set on Day Two that featured a high-calibre DJ lineup. Microphones included a selection of Shure, Sennheiser, and AKG models, with full band support ranging from vocals to drum kits and guitar amps.
Lighting & Atmosphere:
Two Martin MAC 250 moving heads and two Theatrix LED wash lights created a dynamic visual backdrop. Festoon and retro lighting added warmth and character to the outdoor space, reinforcing the intimate festival atmosphere.
Recording & Promotion:
Audio from multiple live sets was captured via a Zoom H4N field recorder, enabling future content creation. Durham Events also coordinated local press and social media coverage, including features in The Journal, boosting public engagement and raising awareness for the RNLI.
The Result
Crastonbury 2011 delivered on every front — from technical excellence to memorable performances. The Cuban Brothers electrified the stage with a blend of choreography and charisma, backed by crystal-clear sound and responsive lighting. Guests were treated to a genre-spanning journey of reggae, funk, rock, and hip-hop, culminating in a DJ showcase that kept the energy high into the night.
The festival not only raised substantial funds for the RNLI but also cemented itself as a fixture on the local music scene. With overwhelming positive feedback from artists and attendees, Crastonbury was confirmed as an annual event, with Durham Events continuing to lead production and artist management.
“What an event, what an atmosphere.”
— Craster Arms Management
Explore more photos and behind-the-scenes moments by visiting the Craster Arms Hotel Flickr group. (https://www.flickr.com/groups/1086850@N20/pool/)
