Beach Fest, a cocktail of vibrant sportsmanship, pulsating music, and celebration of community, has emerged as a spirited cornerstone in England’s sporting and cultural landscape.
Behind this compelling fusion stands Joe, a driving force and co-founder of Beach Fest, whose journey intertwines his passion for beach soccer, commitment to youth development, and a vision for uniting sports and music into a singular festival experience.
In this exclusive interview, we explore the genesis of Beach Fest and delve into the motivations propelling Joe Maxwell and Paul Darke to establish a festival that transcends the boundaries of traditional sports events. With an illustrious background in the Southampton FC Academy and representing England in Beach Soccer, Joe’s dedication to the sport and community-driven initiatives has been pivotal in shaping the ethos of Beach Fest.
Join us as we unravel Joe’s inspiring journey, the remarkable growth of Beach Fest, and the vibrant tapestry of sportsmanship, music, and community are woven into the fabric of this exhilarating festival.
BSmag: Hi Jeo, you have an amazing setup. Thriving since the first edition in 2021. What inspired you and Paul Darke to establish Beach Fest, merging sports and music into a festival experience?
Joe: Our inspiration was a fusion of experiencing various events, tournaments, and festivals. During the pandemic, we saw an opportunity for a Beach Festival to become a cornerstone in supporting the growth of Beach Soccer in England.
How did your background in the Southampton FC Academy and playing for England Beach Soccer influence the creation and development of Beach Fest?
Joe: Paul and I firmly believe in Beach Soccer’s potential in youth development. It’s a sport that elevates technique, control, fitness, and more. Notably, professional clubs like Chelsea FC, Southampton FC, Brighton & Hove Albion, and AFC Bournemouth are engaging with our Beach Fest.
Could you share an impactful moment solidifying your dedication to promoting Beach Soccer in England?
Joe: Representing my country was a defining moment. Wearing the England shirt while travelling to incredible places ignited my passion. I aim for young players to experience this through Beach Fest.
How does Beach Fest contribute to fostering a sense of community through beach sports and music?
Joe: Beach Fest is an open opportunity for everyone—adults, children, and even disability groups—to engage. Witnessing the joyous memories and emotions of players at the festival is immensely gratifying. As we develop, renowned live acts will soon grace our festival, enhancing the music aspect.
What challenges have you faced organizing and promoting Beach Fest, and how have you overcome them?
Joe: We’ve navigated challenges, particularly in liaising with local councils for safety and compliance with government regulations. Weather poses occasional hurdles during setup and takedown, but thankfully, our event days have mostly seen fantastic weather.”
In what ways do you hope Beach Fest will evolve and expand in the coming years?
Joe: While presently not supported by England Beach Soccer, collaboration with the FA promises upward growth. We plan to expand across the UK with interests from locations like Barry Island, Margate, Weymouth, and even abroad in Sweden and Dubai.
What strategies do you employ to encourage wider participation in beach sports, particularly Beach Soccer, within England?
Joe: Our Playwaze Community Membership offers free sign-ups for the latest updates on events and competitions. We leverage social media and local advertising to promote our events extensively.”
Can you share memorable stories or experiences from previous Beach Fest events?
Joe: We hosted the inaugural Celebrity Beach Soccer tournaments involving ex-footballers, TV stars, YouTubers, singers, and more. Additionally, witnessing Academy Beach Soccer Tournaments with renowned clubs like Chelsea FC and others has been exhilarating.
How does Beach Fest differentiate itself from other sports and music festivals, especially regarding its focus on beach sports?
Joe: Beach Fest boasts a diverse array of beach sports and activities, including newer ones like Subsoccer and Teqball. Our goal involves partnering with various beach sports governing bodies to enhance each tournament, aiming for 5+ locations covering 10+ beach sports per event in the next five years.”
at Beach Fest.
Why should anyone attend Beach Fest?
Joe: Beach Fest isn’t just about sports; it’s an amalgamation of community, family activities, delicious food, thrilling competitions, charity endeavours, live music, and more! Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or a music lover, Beach Fest has something for everyone. And let’s be honest, who isn’t thrilled spending a day at the beach with so much joy around?
Thanks Joe
Joe: Thanks for having me
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