The charity was established in 2000 and in the early days operated in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk functioning with one helicopter - Anglia One.

The EAAA is especially needed here in East Anglia as the region covers a vast area, much of it rural. With more than 5,000 sq miles, it contains some of England's most isolated terrain making it sometimes difficult for land ambulances to reach the scene of accidents and emergencies quickly.

St Elizabeth Hospice improves the quality of life for people in East Suffolk who have an illness from which they will not recover. Our work is centred around an individual's needs, which means specialist support, wherever it is required, whether at home, in the community or at the Hospice. We help people deal with problems such as pain, anxiety and fatigue, as well as offer practical advice and family support.

St Elizabeth Hospice is an independent charity which provides services free of charge. Our services cost £6.6 million a year to run, or £13 a minute.

The Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT) is a UK wide charity for families and individuals affected by retinoblastoma. We offer support and information, fund research and raise public awareness of this rare cancer.

Retinoblastoma (Rb) is a fast growing eye cancer of early childhood. Approximately 45% of children with retinoblastoma have the inheritable form of the disease. About two thirds of children with Rb have only one eye affected and in one third, tumours will develop in both eyes. Rb almost always develops before 5 years of age, and some children are born with the cancer.

A charity for the wounded in Britain's current conflicts

"It’s about the blokes, our men and women of the Armed Forces. It’s about Derek, a rugby player who has lost both his legs, it’s about Carl whose jaw is wired up so he has been drinking through a straw. It’s about Richard who was handed a mobile phone as he lay on the stretcher so he could say goodbye to his wife. It’s about Ben, it’s about Steven and Andy and Mark, it’s about them all. They are just blokes but they are our blokes; they are our heroes. We want to help our heroes."

Five piece 100% live, 100% eighties party band - three vocalists, three keyboard players, two guitars, and electronic drums. Predominantly Ipswich based and now featuring Hacheston’s very own Colin Sheppard on Bass! We’re very pleased to have them opening Hachfest proceedings for us this year.

Matt White & The Emulsions are an unreserved, Ipswich based, four part harmony rock covers band, with one goal for everyone in mind: Get Some!! Captained by authentic bare foot American soul man Matt White, this all star, rocket fuelled line-up of Andy Trill/lead Guitar, Steve Mears/bass and Paul Read/skins deliver a seriously joyful, shameless, unpretentious tapestry of spiritual and melodic reckless abandon at every gig. From subtle, meticulously prepared, emotive presentations of Ray LaMontagne’s ‘Trouble’ and Paul Weller’s ‘Wildwood’, to groove heavy-monsters like Queen’s of The Stone Age ‘No One Knows’ and Muse’s ‘Hysteria’, fans are left quivering and shouting ‘why aren’t you guys playing Wembley?!’. Answer: Next year! These guys are truly, livin’ it, lovin’ it and will stop at nothing to entertain the yearning masses. Miss them at your utter peril.

Formed in 2008, Walkway have gained a large fan base around the country, and the reputation as a band to look out for.

Booked solidly throughout 2009; 2010 looks just the same; including gigs in Europe and the opportunity to play the world famous “Whiskey A Go Go” bar in Hollywood, California.

With an average age of 17; distinct vocals, jaw dropping solos, and solid rhythm section show that Classic rock is back, and it goes by the name of Walkway!!!

Backstreet have been around for over 30 years, and have played most of the areas music venues and pubs over this time.

Playing classic covers from the Eagles to Led Zeppelin they have gained a reputation as a great live band to watch that suits most musical tastes.

Boulevard Blonde is a real party band. Their set can vary from Led Zeppelin to Lady Gaga and pretty much everything in between!

The band comprises experienced musicians, Vanessa Warne (Vocals), Daniel Wherrett (Guitar & Vocals), Lee Jacobs (Bass & Vocals)) and Dacre Peck (Drums & Vocals) who have between them toured the USA, Europe and the UK. They are delighted to be performing live at Hachfest and are available for parties, weddings, festivals, functions, clubs etc.

Rave on – ‘a tribute to Buddy Holly and the Crickets’ formed in the summer of 2008 after meeting in Spotlight Theatre Groups production of "Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story". The show was an amazing success with packed houses dancing in the aisles every night. After the show three of the cast, who had all played in bands for many years, decided to form a band to celebrate the life and music of the late great Buddy Holly. Teddy Ready had to learn to play bull fiddle for the production of ‘Buddy’, and now that bass never leaves his side. Bo Duddley on drums can usually be found beating out crazy rhythms on anything that comes to hand and Ray Vaughan just loves to pick. The boys, who all spent many years in their local tabernacle church choirs, just love to sing in close harmony. Recently the band has been expanded to include the glamorous trio of bee-hived backing vocalists, Peggy Sue, Cindy Lou and Maria Helena, - ‘The Raveonettes’ so, If you are lucky enough to catch their two hour theatre show, you will see how they lovingly recreate the authentic sound of the Crickets and, with stories and anecdotes, tell the short but eventful story of Buddy’s life.

We asked our very good friends at local youth music project Suffolk Soundwaves to select a band to open our Saturday Hachfest line-up, and the band they have selected, from the many they have nurtured is ‘Clay’.

Clay is a Woodbridge based band, consisting of Emily - piano/bass, Caitlin - guitar/piano, Ryan - guitar/bass, Charlie - drums. Harmonious vocals combined with a strong rhythm section gives Clay their full and unique sound.

Popes of Chillitown are a six piece Britska Indie band from London, forged many moons ago from the tentative beginnings of late night jam sessions between friends. The band have burst onto the London gig scene over the past 3 years with a host of performances at many well respected venues, including legendary London venues such as The Astoria, Hackney Empire and 100 Club, as well as all around the UK with bands such as Imperial Leisure and The King Blues.

But a straight up British Ska band they are not. Blending genres and each of the members’ influences makes for a unique sound and a breath of fresh air from generic bands that make generic music for fear of punters not “getting it”. A typical Popes of Chillitown show boasts soaring vocals, orgasmic guitars, sexy sax solos, banging Ska beats and chunky basslines.

Put on them Flares and Platform Shoes ‘cos the definitive 70’s Glam Rock Covers Band are making a welcome return to Hachfest 2010! Featuring Captain John Snort, Carlos Sultana, Luke Warm and Warren Peace with vocals from Duncan Dissorderly (who looks strangely familiar and remarkably like Mat, the former frontman from local covers band ‘Dfunkt’!). We’re really looking forward to having The Glamtastics back – they’re guaranteed to entertain both young and old alike!

Manchester based artist and musician Gideon Conn has been astonishing crowds in the UK . He is a uniquely gifted songwriter who uses a broad spectrum of music to conjure up songs that you will never have heard the like of before. Whether solo acoustic or with his lively and lovable band, he never fails to fill you with wonder and leave you with a massive grin!

He released a catchy, hip hop/indie crossover single called ‘i want you around’ which was well received by radio - playlisted on Xfm and awarded breakfast single of the week on BBC 6 music as well being championed by Huw Stevens and Rob da Bank on Radio 1. Gideon’s Debut album entitled ‘new bop sounds’ is due for release in August 2010

“ I don’t believe in genres - I believe in songs.”

“the people of Britain may not know it yet but Gideon Conn is one of their national treasures” – Scroobius Pip

Angry vs The Bear is frantic. It’s noisy. It’s fizzy electro pop punk. Having been together for almost 2 years, the eccentric quartet have showcased at the SXSW 2009 and 2010 festivals in Texas to sold out crowds that spilled far into the street and received rave reviews including Gibson voting them their number 1 band of the festival.

AVB’s debut single ‘Show Emotion’ produced by Simon Gogerly (U2, Gwen Stefani) is out now and has just been picked up by Radio 1’s Huw Stephens who has made it his ‘Pick of the Week’ (29th April 2010)

The Bears will be off touring the UK again throughout May and a follow up single and six week tour is planned for September/October 2010

Recent supports include Florence & The Machine, The Hoosiers, Esser, The Pipettes, Juliette Lewis, Dirty Pretty Things, Reverend & The Makers, Red Light Company, Flash Guns and Bens Brother.

If there was ever a band to capture the essence of powerful dynamics, emotional sincerity and perfectly crafted songwriting, then Brigade are that band. Residing in London but with roots in Suffolk, Japan and Bristol, they are a shining example of a band that fall outside the remit of genre classification.

Here’s a band that write enormous songs; songs that wrap themselves around you like a grappling, hugging bear and won’t let go!

While 2006’s ‘Lights’ was a debut from a band who were tentatively finding their own feet and direction, ‘second album ‘Come Morning We Fight’ is testament to a group who have assertively honed their sound, challenged themselves as musicians, dared to experiment outside the norm, and taken immense strides forward in their outlook. For the first time in their career Brigade united as songwriters, ensuring that every song was created as a team effort and all voices were heard.

Since Brigade’s formation in 2003, the four-piece have turned heads at every opportunity – right from when Will Simpson moved from Bristol to London with the sole intention of forming a band with like-minded individuals.

An advert in Loot resulted in the first incarnation of Brigade, who played their first gig at the Bull & Gate in London’s Kentish Town in September '03. A few reshuffles later and Brigade soon impressed Mighty Atom Records (Funeral For A Friend’s first home) to ink an EP and album deal with the band. High profile tours and shows with the likes of Biffy Clyro, Aiden, Hell Is For Heroes, Fightstar, Minus The Bear, and Aereogramme have ensured Brigade have earned their stripes on the road, building up an ever increasing loyal army of fans as they march forward.

London based Audioporn present an uncompromising commentary on life with wit and energy, topped off with funky grooves and amusing glasses. With their unique mix of theatrics and angry politics, Audioporn are equally at home with the art terrorists of Hoxton, with the urban guerrillas of G20, or at the festivals of Edinburgh and Glastonbury.

Having produced two genre-defying albums, they stayed out of the studio last year to support the Fall and tour Europe with the recently reformed prog legends Nektar. They are now returning to their spiritual home of East Anglia after an overlong break. Coming to Hachfest for the first time, they are promising a cocktail of old favourites and unreleased material. A fine evening’s entertainment is assured.

Formed in the working class suburbs of industrial Birmingham in England in 1978 The Beat arose at a time of high unemployment and social upheaval. From the outset the band offered messages of hope and peace with an insight into sociopolitical topics would later alongside The Specials see them heralded as forerunners of the whole 2-Tone Ska movement.

The Beat's first single was the infectious cover of Smokey Robinson's 'Tears of A Clown' which on release went straight into the National Top 10 at No.6. The record, an effortless like fusion between a number of different musical styles such as Ska, Punk, Pop, Soul and Reggae, immediately saw the band finding themselves an overnight success.

Further hit singles from the first album included 'Mirror In The Bathroom', 'Can't Get Used to Losing You', 'Hands Off... She's Mine' and 'Best Friend', and with a catalogue such as this it was easy to see why the The Beat would become one of the most popular recording and live acts in the UK.

Almost in reaction to the height of their fame The Beat - to the disbelief of many - disbanded.

After numerous offers to return to the stage The Beat returned in 2003 for a sell out show at The Royal Festival Hall with the inclusion of Ranking Jnr taking vocal duties to an accolade of critical acclaim. With Dave Wakeling heading to the US Ranking Roger alongside Everett Morton, Ranking Jnr and Mickey Billingham returned to their roots with deeper rhythms, a wall of sound that transcends time and an unwavering dedication to real unity and love that leaves the future still to be written, there can be no question...The Beat are back!

Skin The Fish make a welcome return to Hachfest, with an uplifting pop and jazz inspired covers set, which is ideal to start our Sunday Afternoon of music!

The band have very close links with the Festival as, in fact, lead singer Faye, Drummer Chris and Bass player Pete are all key members of the Hachfest committee! The other members of the band are Steve ‘6’ Hicks (guitar) and Andy Heasman Fisher Heasman Fisher… sorry, er Heasman (Vocals, guitar, Keyboard and veggie burger).

Last year on a wintery night, Oli, Marcus, Jim and Lizzie sat in Under The Bridge studios jamming out the "Jimi Hendrix" chord trying to write their first song. After countless fag breaks (Oli's fault) and Jackie's speciality cups of tea, "Quite Like You!" was written. A demo standard recording is the one on the myspace.

In just a few months Deadbeats have come a long way, getting to the grand finals of the UK's infamous Soundwaves Battle of The Bands, and performing at brilliant Brighton venues such as The Providence (Western Road), The Prince Albert, and The Ocean Rooms. Deadbeats "We Got The Killer Grooves" EP has been recorded in Summerhill Studios in Suffolk, and was released in early April 2010.

The Lullabys sing acoustic folk/rock songs of love, loss and hope. Formed by Gav Roberts and Brett Alexander Robertson, last year saw the release of their debut EP ‘Maybe Tonight’ followed soon after by the album ‘The Long Goodbye’. The band appeared live on several radio shows, most notably Stephen Foster’s show on BBC Radio Suffolk. In April a new EP will be released to coincide with a tour throughout East Anglia where The Lullabys look set to soothe the broken hearts of many who have ever dared to love.

Roy is middle England’s finest band – four guys all called Roy bringing you the finest in tuneful, harmony filled pop!

Voodoo’s Child are an established three piece rock band based in Ipswich who play a tribute to Jimi Hendrix and also have a full set of classic rock covers too!!

Staying true to the Hendrix sound and vibe we play all Jimi’s hits plus a number of covers by bands like – Led Zeppelin, Cream, Free, Deep Purple, AAF Nickelback – to name but a few...

Voodooschild are a Rock Experience!

Crumbs for Comfort are a band of six musicians from East Anglia who class themselves as Indie Folk Rock, with harmonies, wall of sound keyboards, bass and rolling drums.

With a passion for playing original songs that regard the beauty and history of the East Anglian coastline as well as interpretations of popular songs, Crumbs for Comfort are an established gigging band around the Norwich area and have featured on Future Radio.

From humble beginnings as an acoustic duo, the band has expanded and is ready to reach out to a bigger audience on a bigger stage

David Baalham – lead guitar, Andy Heasman – guitar / vocals, Stu Brindle – bass and Steve Webster – drums are thrilled to be playing Hachfest!

Named from the words on the back of a horse van, their first CD was “Skywire” and their second “Accidental Music” was released in 2007. Currently completing a 3rd album available on the day.

Stu and Andy also run the Suffolk Songwriters nights at the Steamboat Tavern, Ipswich!

The B. Goodes were formed with John Brett & Phil Jackson writing and recording in late 2008 and by Summer 2009 were joined by Jay Goodrich & John Randall (formerly of Rosalita), with a shared view to write and perform original music taking influence from the 50's, 60's & 70's. The sound which came out was a mixture of beat, surf, soul and rock 'n' roll. The B. Goodes are an energetic and dynamic live act with the emphasis very much on having fun.

What started as a unique ploy to spread happiness to the people of Brewer St using the marriage of kazoo and storytelling has now become a way of life for these brave lads and lass.

The band formed in the Summer of 2008 and since then have created a unique repertoire of tunes containing lyrics that make you laugh and music and music that makes you want to stomp. They are a five piece band consisting of a perculiar bunch of characters namely: Hotblack Barry of The Mound, Lady Trixie Pee Pee (vocals, Kazoo and oddities), Father Palava and Mojo Colonel Plum on Guitars and vocals and Rongo Moonface III on Drums!

The band performed last year at Hachfest, and we’re really pleased to welcome them back – certainly one of our favourite bands of 2009!

We are very pleased to welcome local band Whiskey Chaser as our Sunday headliners.

Lead singer, John ‘Fanny’ Adams, describes the band as “Punk/folk with bagpipes and kilts”.

A highly entertaining and energetic band, who will provide a fun and lively end to a fantastic afternoon of great local music!