CozFest 2023 returns to Sible Hedingham to big success

In what was a weekend of festivals up and down the UK, such as Creamfields, Reading and Leeds, and We Are FSTVL, Sible Hedingham’s CozFest was back in the village.

CozFest is staged each year to celebrate the memory of Corran ‘Coz’ Powell.

ALL SMILES: Spacecake were one of many artists who performed (Image: John Swift/P.Pod Photography)

Corran 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.

SPECIAL TUNE: Essex-based band Skamite (Image: John Swift/P.Pod Photography)

Friend and passenger James Simmons also died in the crash.

To honour Corran, who was a dedicated musician, his family launched CozFest about a decade ago.

ON STAGE: This Boys Fire at CozFest (Image: John Swift/P.Pod Photography)

The weekend’s event was the third since it was axed in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic, with the festival continuing to bounce back and grow stronger each year.

HANDS UP: Love You Burlesque who did the entertainment during the intermissions (Image: John Swift/P.Pod Photography)

Recently voted Essex Festival of the Year 2022 in the East Anglian Festival Awards, CozFest is described as “a small, up-and-coming festival with a relaxed and chilled-out vibe which is perfect for music lovers who are looking for a unique and memorable festival experience”.

GOING WILD: Chris MacKinnon, drummer from It's Not a Phase, Mum and close friend of Coz (Image: John Swift/P.Pod Photography)

One of the main aims of the event is to introduce new talent to the community and give them the opportunity to perform alongside established professionals at an open-air festival.

And with bands like It's Not a Phase Mum, Papa Shango and Skamite, this year’s event was once again a big success.

LIVE MUSIC: Papa Shango at CozFest (Image: John Swift/P.Pod Photography)

Coz’s brother Jaz Powell was also back to perform at this year’s festival.

Hundreds were treated to a weekend of great live music and entertainment.

Corran’s mum Gen Powell was  the main organiser of this year's CozFest and was delighted with its success.

FAMILY FUN: The festival was enjoyable for all ages (Image: John Swift/P.Pod Photography)

"What a fantastic weekend it was”, she said.

“Rain or shine, the CozFest vibe remained unbreakable.

“A big shout-out to the incredible staff, awesome bands and everyone who kept the energy alive.

“A fitting tribute to Coz and the perfect way to wrap up the summer.”