The Genesis
Hot-Wood Fest began as a one-day mini festival hosted at The Golden Lion, a beloved local pub. As the COVID-19 pandemic waned, we recognized an opportunity to bring communities together and restore a sense of joy. With a vision rooted in charity, the inaugural event was designed as a community mini music festival—with 80% of proceeds donated to MIND UK, a cause we felt was especially relevant in the post-pandemic landscape, and the remaining 20% supporting the Coedpoeth Cenotaph Lighting Project.

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Expansion and Early Success
The strong response to ticket sales and the enthusiasm of local bands quickly led us to extend the event to a two-day festival, which took place on September 4th and 5th. Building on this success, we organized a second edition in 2022 at The Golden Lion on July 30th and 31st. Despite a brief interruption on Saturday evening due to inclement weather, the festival was met with overwhelming community support.

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Growth and Innovation in 2023
In 2023, to better accommodate our growing audience, we transitioned to the Brymbo Sports & Social Complex. This year’s festival expanded its offerings with a pre-party on Friday, July 21st featuring three DJs, followed by the main festival on July 22nd and 23rd. Enhancements such as a Cocktail Van, a Party Fun Bus for Kids, cake stalls, and interactive experiences including face glitter and paint further enriched the event. Notably, 2023 marked our first event with an official sponsor, reflecting the increasing recognition and support for our initiatives.

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Looking Ahead
We had planned a two-day festival for 2024; however, due to due to unforeseen circumstances , we made the difficult decision to cancel the event. Additionally, key team member commitments have led us to pause the festival in 2025. We remain optimistic and are already looking forward to the possibility of returning in 2026.

At Hot-Wood Fest, our journey is defined by our commitment to community, charity, and the transformative power of live events. We thank you for your ongoing support and look forward to creating more unforgettable experiences together.