AN annual music festival dedicated to the memory of a young man killed in a crash enjoyed another successful year.
Cozfest, organised to celebrate Corran ‘Coz’ Powell, was back in Sible Hedingham over the weekend.
Coz was just 21 when his car was involved in a head-on collision in Braintree Road, Gosfield, in 2014.
He was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries and died eight days later without regaining consciousness.
Friend and passenger James Simmons also died in the crash.
Almost a decade ago, Corran’s family set up Cozfest to celebrate his life and honour his dedication as a musician.
Coz's brother Jeraden, or 'Jub', said: “Cozfest is a family run event, we all chip in and take our duties on.
“It’s put together with a lot of love and care for the music community because Coz was so passionate and a well-known musician in Braintree.
“This event is different, but in a good way – it’s just a great way to tribute Coz."
The event is centred around a huge live music tent, featuring a stage and hay bale seating – where artists and musicians played their music to visitors.
There are also plenty of local business stalls, food trucks, ice cream vans and activities for children, such as bubbles and face painting.
Business owner, Malachai Chiverton has attended Cozfest for the past five years, selling handmade, traditional fudge from his local business, Ravenous Fudge.
“I’ve always loved Cozfest, I’ve been coming for 5 years now," he said.
“It’s a very family-oriented event – it’s run by a family who do it for a good cause and they’re so passionate about it.
“I like being here, it’s very laid back and you get great crowds – I mostly come for the people over the profit."
Organiser Gen Powell was grateful to everybody helped make Cozfest 2024 happen.
She said: "Despite the weather being against us during the set up and on the first day of the festival we had a wonderful, friendly atmosphere.
"Everyone smiling whilst they danced and steamed dry in the Big Top.
"Glenn Everard once again had grown his beard and hair all year and ran around collecting donations in exchange for a chance to ‘Shear The Hippy’, his own idea and one that has proved very successful over the years.
"All the family and volunteers were approached by numerous guests saying how much they enjoyed themselves so, even though the turn-out was smaller than we hoped we are happy to say the whole event was a great success.
"Love You Burlesque sponsored the bar and performed their dances during the band change overs to keep everyone entertained and Aerial Addiction brought a hoop and ran workshops and one to ones for everybody to have a go.
"We are so, so grateful to everybody who was involved, we had many new volunteers this year who offered their time and effort before, during and after the event and we include everyone who came along and supported us."
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