From a Cricket Field Dream to a City-Wide Phenomenon
This week on the podcast, I’m joined by two men who are the absolute definition of on a mission.
Andy and Martin are the visionaries behind what began as a small, grassroots event in Askern with just 100 people back in 2016—and has since grown into Doncaster Music Festival, one of the most exciting music events in the north, now pulling in over 12,000 people and hosting huge names like Razorlight, Scouting for Girls, Toploader, and this year’s headliners: James Bay and Heather Small.
But this isn’t just a story about festivals and big crowds. This is about what happens when two lads back an idea, get creative with resources, and refuse to give up—no matter how unlikely it might seem.
It was a genuine pleasure to sit down with them and get to know the men behind the music. From how it all began, to the key moments that shaped the festival’s journey, and the lessons they’ve picked up along the way.
And of course—it wouldn’t be a proper festival deep-dive without a few behind-the-scenes gems. From outrageous dressing room requests, to the moment they were forced to pause the festival mid-headline set, and the unpredictable chaos that comes with running a live event—this episode has plenty of surprises.
Whether you’re into music, entrepreneurship, or just love a good origin story packed with grit, humour, and heart—this one’s got it all.
Podcast episode now live on all your usual platforms. For the full video version, head to Spotify 🎙️
#onamission #podcast #Doncaster #doncastermusicfestival
It might not always be sunshine and rainbows, but sometimes you’ve got to create your own magic, and this clip captures the heart and soul of Donny Fest.
Come rain or shine, they’ll be bringing the energy, and I for one wouldn’t want to miss it.
For the full episode and a behind-the-scenes insight into the men behind the music, and what it really takes to build a grassroots festival of this scale, tune into the latest episode of the On a Mission podcast — available now on all major platforms.
#OnAMission #OnAMissionPodcast #EllieMcKay #DonnyFest #FestivalVibes #GrassrootsFestival #BehindTheScenes #PodcastClip #UKPodcast #MusicWithMeaning
If you’ve listened to the full interview, you’ll know it’s not been without its challenges, but creating moments like this makes it all worthwhile.
Tom Meighan is an absolute legend, as are all the acts on this year’s line up. I really enjoyed this one, a proper opportunity to showcase local talent. Doncaster is a better place because of events like this, and I for one won’t be missing it!
Catch the full interview on all the usual platforms. Head to Spotify for the video version.
#onamission #jamesbay #heathersmall #oceancolourscene
#donyfest
It’s the Guiseley Sounds AFTERMOVIE!
Well done to the festival organisers/staff on putting together an AWESOME show! 🤗
Looking forward to next year! 📆
#videoproduction #musicfestival #festivalcontent #guiseley #festivalmedia
New music news in the coming days
First batch of shots from the press shoot for the said new music
Future tour plan talks
Things are moving in the right direction 🧡
📸 - @jesswillflashyou
#fyp #singer #songwriter #music #pov
MARPRIL YOU HAVE BEEN A ROLLERCOASTER BUT A BEAUTIFUL ONE! 🧡
1. Locked in at @portercottage_ // @underthewireuk 📸 @jesswillflashyou
2. Busking in the big smoke
3. Putting pen to paper with @establishedsounds // @andyog12
4. Busking with are kid @charlottebranson_
5. “Daz smile we’ve just recorded a banger” @bradwiddowson
6. Back at @andysmanclubuk
7. Lil knock with big G @matty.goddard
8. Peace and quiet
9. FAMILY @caddy252
10. Trying a home tarn brekky @jordan.gray.1023
11. Community hiking at Rivelin
12. Snoooooooooooker
13. Posing twat
14. What a big head I have
15. Zero on a barge
16. What face do owls pull to make the ooooo noise @smjohnson_
17. One of many travels
18. Got a new mate @industrytapsheffield
19. Sheffield you beautiful I tell ya
#singer #songwriter #fyp #music #musician
So this is one of the songs I mentioned and one I’m going to release this year. I wrote it coming out of a dark place having been struggling with hitting partying hard and basically using it to cope and to mask my depression and past trauma’s, not realising it was an issue. I not only wrote this song for me but for the thousands if not millions of people out there across the world that can relate to this lost feeling and to give ourselves a reminder that you can come out of the other side 🧡
Lost Boy will be released this year, maybe sooner rather than later 👀
#singer #songwriter #music #fyp #life
It’s an absolute buzz to announce I’ve signed a management deal with @establishedsounds who I’ll be working under moving forward.
Looking forward to this journey and the work ahead. Things have just gone up a gear! 💫
🚨 Throwback to last year at Donnyfest 2025!
📅 Donnyfest 26 is coming folks.. go get your tickets now!
#musicfestival #doncaster #donnyfest #festivalcontent #uklivemusc
