The Big Day
20th & 21st July 2024
Just some hours…
…until we get married!
Bride
Emma Griffiths
Emma was born and raised in Basingstoke by two loving scousers, Ian & Julie Griffiths, and is the annoying little sister of her older brother Luke.
She had a happy childhood of being a swotty teacher's pet at school, and action-packed family holidays in North Wales.
Although Emma was bright and a dedicated student, she had always harboured a desire to be a chef. So she left school after her GCSEs to study Catering at Basingstoke College of Technology.
Following tours of duty in some of the South East's most prestigious restaurants - including The Fat Duck in Bray - Emma's brain decided she'd had enough and tried to force itself out of her skull - no that isn't a metaphor!
After major neurosurgery during the COVID pandemic in 2020 Emma decided a change of career was in order.
She now spends her time running Digital Operations for an online publisher that talks about the world of LegalTech and the murky IT comings and goings of the global legal community.
Emma enjoys cooking (still!), making pottery, knitting, computer gaming and nerding out about beer and wine. Fortunately for the world, she does not harbour any desires to be a musician.
Our Story
First meet
She was working as a waitress in a cocktail bar... well actually in Robin's local pub. And a tentative friendship developed during the intra COVID months where we were so wisely encouraged to 'eat out to help out'
First kiss
Witnessing the volume of low-grade imported wine Robin was consuming at the time, Emma insisted on taking him out for 'a proper bottle', and introduced him to the curious joys of biodynamic wine on our first date. The first kiss happened that same evening - she was very insistent then, and she still is now
First "I love you"
Things moved pretty fast after this, and it became very clear to both of us that this was more than just a passing fling. We were both choking on the words "I love you" for about 6 weeks before Emma womanned up and said it out loud
Living together
With all the uncertainties of COVID we decided to make the jump to living together around Christmas 2020 - within 6 months of meeting each other, and within 3 months of that fateful first date. It turns out we're very good at it, and survive each other's peculiarities with a heady mix of quiet patience and brutal sass and sarcasm
Proposal
Following a pretty perfect New Year's Eve 2022 with family and friends in Cornwall we went for a hungover walk on the cliffs near Porthtowan to blow away the cobwebs. It was late afternoon, and the sun was low in the sky. The wind was blowing, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to pop the question.
Just as Robin was about to ask, Emma declared she was cold and marched on up the pathway. Fortunately she doesn't move quickly, and Robin was able to catch up and wrestle her to a halt before successfully asking her to marry him. She said yes and cried a lot - to the point her Mum thought we'd been in an argument rather than the happiest moment of our lives.
As it was all rather spontaneous, Emma lived with a moulded champagne cage on her finger for 7 weeks until we received the engagement ring we commissioned with a local jeweller in St. Ives
And here we all are... Anyone for a party??
Groom
Robin Major
Robin was an army brat, born in Dover infirmary and raised by his parents Ruth & Lawrence in Folkstone and Berlin. He was whisked back to Rochdale at the age of 6 to live with his Mum and younger brother Andrew.
After spending his formative years in the elite Rochdale education system, Robin was fortunate enough to land a place at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, where he spent 6 years learning his trade as a double bass wrestler and spent the limited school holidays he had playing in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.
Instead of dutifully following his peers to one of the country's prestigious music colleges, Robin rebelled and went to university in the quiet backwater of Salford to study Modern Languages & IT.
This led him back to Germany, and the beginnings of a career in IT in the Telecommunications industry, where he has unimaginatively remained until this day. He now runs his own business helping technology startups sell their wares into telcos all over the world.
Having stepped away from playing the bass for an embarrassing 20 years, Robin was fortunate enough to get involved with the amateur orchestra scene in London around 10 years ago.
Through this he has rediscovered a joy of making music, and telling bass sections what to do. He has also forged many lasting friendships with some incredible musicians and like-minded human beings.
Robin also loves cooking, eating, drinking, travelling - pretty much anything that is bad for his body but good for the soul.
Are you attending?
Kindly respond before 31st August
R.S.V.P.
The Major Wedding Fest will take place not far from the market town of Stockbridge in Hampshire in a secret field known locally as "Khyber". The nearest village is Broughton.
If you use Google Maps, you can find Khyber here: https://goo.gl/maps/w2khxkr3am3KEyoV9
If you use What3Words, you can find Khyber here: https://what3words.com/even.educates.intelligible
Khyber is an incredibly pretty location, with the added benefit that we can play music there and party until we all flake out or until the sun comes up - there will be no formal curfew
As you can see from these photos, Khyber looks stunning when lit up at night, and we will have access to warm food and fire pits all evening to keep you cozy in the cooler hours
Accommodation
The Major Wedding Fest will take place over 2 days on Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st July 2024. We're assuming that many of you will want to stay over and have prepared a list of accommodation options in the local area.
We are also planning to have luxury bell tents on site, with actual beds in them so you can stay around and party without needing to sleep on the floor.
Those of you who wish to bring your own camping gear and camp in the field are welcome to do so!
Major Wedding Fest Programme
What's Happening When at Wedding Fest Weekend
Food & Drink
All of our food and drink will be able on a self service basis at various stations around the Khyber field. Here's a rundown of the main things you can expect:
Main Event
13:00-20:00
Argentinan-style "Asado" Barbecue
by the team at From The Ashes
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Beef Rib on the bone with chimichurri sauce
Smoked Lamb with mint dressing
Corn-fed Chicken with garlic aioli
Burnt pit vegetables with pesto
Chorizo sausages
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Vegetable & herb salad
Potato salad
Flat bread
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Pickled Cucumber
Pickled Chilli
The Snack Shack
Savoury nibbles to keep things salty
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Stockbridge pork pies
Cold roast sirloin of English beef
Beal's Farm English Charcuterie
Condiments
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Selection of Hampshire Cheeses
Selection of vegan cheeses
Pickles & Chutneys
Crackers
---
Hampshire Water Cress
Apples
Grapes
Crisps
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Selection of breads
The Sweeti Tipi
Sweet temptations through the day
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Cookies
Brownies
Tarts
Meringues
Cakes
Pastries
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Candy Floss
Giant Lollipops
The Wedding Fest Bars
Staying happy and hydrated
There will be 2 bar locations available
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On draught:
Great Beyond Hoxton Lager
Great Beyond Hoxton Fresh IPA
Crafty Apple Cider
Three Daggers Ale
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Wines:
Prosecco
Red wine (Tempranillo)
White wine (Picpoul de Pinet)
Rosé wine (Vin de France)
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Spirits:
Gin
Vodka
Kentucky Bourbon
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Cocktails:
Aperol spritz slushies
Rum punch
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Selection of soft drinks
Night Shift
20:00-00:00
Firepit Cookout
Comfort food to keep you warm
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Persian vegetable stew
Couscous
Salad
Sourdough bread
Big Breakfast
09:00-14:00
Mister Blue Sky
Wakey wakey, rise & shine!
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Selection of fresh pastries
Shakshuka
Eggs
Sourdough bread
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Bloody Mary
Orange Juice
Apple Juice
Tea
Coffee
(+ whatever is left at the bar!)
Music & Entertainment
We have a packed schedule of music and entertainment throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday morning. Here's the Wedding Fest running order:
The Ceremony
12:00-12:45
This is a wedding after all! Emma and Robin will make their vows on stage in front of the assembled Wedding Fest Guests.
Music:
A Boy and A Girl (Whitaker, Voces8)
Sweet Creature (Harry Styles)
The Reception
12:45-13:30
Please join Emma and Robin in the area near the main stage for a glass of Hampshire Sparkling Wine, and the background musical accompaniment of world-renowned Stringfever
Music:
Stringfever acoustic string quartet set
Wedding Fest Orkest
13:30-15:00
With such a talented group of musical friends, it would be rude not to organise an orchestral performance to remember.
The Wedding Fest Orkest has 60 members, and has been put together especially for our big day. This amazing group will be performing after only 1 rehearsal!
Music:
Peer Gynt Suite no. 1 (Grieg)
Introduction & Allegro for Strings (Elgar)
The Lark Ascending (Vaughan Williams)
Symphony no. 8 - 1st movement (Dvořák)
Symphony no. 3 - 4th movement (Beethoven)
Lord Strange
15:30-16:30
Lord Strange is a striking instrumental folk trio that performs traditional tunes from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Scandinavia, America & more!
Music:
Selection of international folk music
Wedding Fest Septet
16:30-17:15
The Wedding Fest Septet is a group of 7 special friends who have come together especially for the Major Wedding Fest:
Ellen Gallagher (violin), Emily Domingue (viola), Francesca Peach (cello), Robin Major (double bass), Elliott Devivo (clarinet), Jo Towler-Wareham (french horn), Sharuddin Rosunally (bassoon)
Music:
Septet in E flat Major (Beethoven)
Wedding Fest Quintet
17:15-18:00
The Wedding Fest Quintet is another group of 5 lovely friends who have also come together for the Major Wedding Fest:
Neville Haddon-Tam (violin), Juliette Reid (viola), Robert Jacobs (cello), Robin Major (double bass) and Roland Anderson (piano)
Music:
Piano Qunitet in C Minor (Vaughan Williams)
Lord Strange
18:00-19:00
A second set of uplifting foot-stomping folk music from Lord Strange
Music:
Selection of international folk music
Stringfever
19:30-20:30
The world-renowned classical crossover act Stringfever has performed over 1000 shows in 32 countries. They're a little bit Classical, a little bit Rock & Roll, and a whole lot entertaining - and they're also some of Emma & Robin's best friends on the planet!
Music:
Stringfever main stage show
Mavis Grind
20:30-21:30
Mavis Grind is a 4 piece band from Broughton, around the corner from Khyber. The band is named after a location in the Shetlands, and bass player Pete is an old friend and current work colleague of Robin's!
Mavis write and perform their own songs - an eclectic mixture of up-beat rock, punk and ska numbers. The line up includes:
Stu Robertson (guitar, fiddle, vocals), Dave Evans (guitar, vocals), Pete Beckley (bass, vocals), Chris Todhunter (drums)
Music:
Selection of Mavis Grind original songs
The Moruks
21:30-22:30
The Moruks are a DJ act made up of Emma's brother Luke & partner Joana. The Moruks will be taking to the stage to perform a set of eighties bangers designed to get you up and shaking your thang
Music:
Selection of 1980s smash hits
Uncle Tom's Cobbleys
22:30-00:00
Uncle Tom's Cobbleys perform toe-tapping covers of popular Rock, Pop, Ska, Folk, Country and Metal tunes to see you through to the witching hour. You may recognise some of the band members!
Music:
Selection of well known pop and rock songs
After Midnight
00:00-????
Our official entertainment programme finishes at midnight, after which there will be no more amplified music out of respect for the local residents surrounding Khyber and those Wedding Fest Guests who want to get some sleep in the campsite.
We are free to continue playing quietly and singing around the firepits, however, so bring your guitar, fiddle, harmonica, and best singing voice for impromptu musical shenanigans!
Music:
Whatever happens happens...
Breakfast Ibiza
10:00-11:00
Legendary violinist, string arranger, and showman Stephen Hussey will be dropping in from his busy tour of Classic Ibiza shows to play some energising tunes on his violin to get the day started
Music:
Various rock pop and Ibiza classics
(arr. Hussey)
All About The Bass
11:00-11:30
It's my party, and I'll play if I want to!
Robin is back on stage again with the wonderful Robert Jacobs - again! They're going to play a Double Bass and Cello duet together. Of course they are.
Music:
Duet for Cello & Double Bass (Rossini)
Nat Franklin Trio
11:30-12:30
The Nat Franklin Trio has been performing as a jazz ensemble at private and corporate parties for over a decade. Their repertoire ranges from dinner/breakfast and cocktail classics to the more groovey/loungey end of the spectrum.
The Franklins' bass player, Andy Waterworth, is a good friend of the Majors and we're excited to see them in action at the Major Wedding Fest!
Music:
Various jazz, swing and latin numbers
Sven Heubes
12:30-13:00
The multi-award winning magician and conjurer Sven Heubes is one or Robin's oldest friends from his time in Düsseldorf back in the 1990s. Sven is honouring us with a visit to the Major Wedding Fest for a special rendition of his show. Prepare to be amazed!
Nat Franklin Trio
13:00-14:00
(Featuring Sven Heubes)
The Nat Franklins are back to close out the Major Wedding Fest in sophisticated style. They will be joined by the multitalented Sven Heubes on vocals for this set.
Music:
Various jazz, swing and latin numbers
Fun & Games
Let's face it: spending 12 hours in a field with premium food & drink and an awesome selection of music and entertainment acts could get a little tiresome. So we've organised a few extra activities to keep you on your toes:
For Children
Our younger Wedding Fest Guests will be cared for by our dedicated team of children's entertainers.
Activities include:
Comedy Magic Show
Party Games
Action Dances
Dance Competitions
Wizard Workshop
Interactive Story Time
Balloon modelling workshops
Face Painting
For Adults
Our adult Wedding Fest Guests can participate in some grown-up fun. Older children can participate with parents' permission
Activities include:
Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting
Archery
Axe Throwing
For Everyone
Positioned around Khyber field you will find entertaining things to do that will suit adults and children of all ages
Activities include:
Vintage horse carousel
Lighthouse helter skelter
Giant Jenga
Giant Dominoes
Giant Connect 4
Hook A Duck
Coconut Shy
Ring Toss
Tin Can Alley
Noughts and Crosses
Skittles
Splat The Rat
Bean Bag Toss
Boules
Rounders
Sack Race
Egg & Spoon Race
Tug Of War
We hope you have fun!
Gifts
We do not want any gifts from our Wedding Fest Guests
We already have a very well stocked household and more clutter than we can cope with!
If you would like to contribute to the Major Wedding Fest, and our plans for a well-deserved holiday/honeymoon after all this is over,
we have set up a Go Fund Me page where you are welcome to make a donation:
Frequently Asked Questions
Many of our invited guests have asked us questions about the Major Wedding Fest
Here is a summary, along with some hopefully helpful answers....
Q: What time does the Major Wedding Fest start?
A: The Major Wedding Fest starts at 12:00 prompt with our Wedding Ceremony. Please try to arrive by 11:30 at the latest.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: The Major Wedding Fest is a party in a field. You are welcome to dress up smart and/or glamorous if you choose, but we are not expecting anyone to turn up in their Sunday Best. In fact we strongly encourage you to wear casual clothes and footwear that you are comfortable in and don’t mind getting a bit grass-stained or dirty.
Q: How much money should I bring with me?
A: Absolutely none - all the food, drink & entertainment are free for all Wedding Fest Guests!
Q: Which nights is it possible to camp?
A: The campsite for people sleeping in Bell Tents or bringing their own equipment will be open from lunchtime on Friday 19th July until lunchtime on Monday 22nd July. You are welcome to stay in the field on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.
Q: I'm camping in the field. Which meals do I need to organise for my guests?
A: We will provide meals for campers from Saturday morning onwards, starting with a light breakfast of pastries and drinks. If you are staying in Khyber field on Friday night, please make your own dinner plans.
Q: Can I cook at the campsite?
A: You can prepare food and boil water using a specialist camp stove if you have one. You may not build fires or use disposable barbecues under any circumstances.
Q: Are there toilets and washing facilities?
A: Yes! We have ample toilet facilities for all, including an accessible toilet for those with walking difficulties. 10 showers are available for those staying on site. Please bring your own towels and toiletries!