Pear Fest '24: A Spectacular Celebration

On Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd June 2024, Black Pear Software hosted an extraordinary celebration at Bartlam House in Shrawley, Worcester. Pear Fest '24 was not just a festival; it was a magnificent 'Soilstice' celebration that highlighted the vital role of soil health in our environment and personal wellness, all while embracing the revolutionary spirit of the 1980s.

Soilstice Celebration

Unearthing the Rhythms of the '80s

Pear Fest '24 proved to be a truly remarkable event that brought together sustainability, wellness, and pure entertainment. As the longest day met the most radical decade, festival-goers revelled in the revolutionary spirit of the 1980s—where synth-pop commanded the airwaves, epic tales unfolded on silver screens, and video games began their digital conquest.

The festival's dynamic mix of music, gourmet delights, and vibrant atmosphere thrilled attendees from daylight to dusk. Throughout the weekend, innovative conversations about sustainability enriched discussions about both the earth beneath our feet and the health that sustains us.

Pear Fest was a celebration for all ages, with families enjoying the gardens where children could play and explore. The friendly donkeys and beautiful rural setting added to the joy and wonder of the experience.

Retro Rhythms

Day 2 Ignited with '80s Vibrance

The second day of Pear Fest came alive with the sounds and styles of a dynamic decade. Attendees enjoyed the unique talents of Remi Harris and Hattie Briggs once again, and as the day transitioned into evening, the electrifying energy of That 80s Thing swept everyone into the night. Their seasoned ensemble delivered an unforgettable show featuring powerful vocals, soaring guitars, and that unmistakable '80s drum sound, all wrapped up in an ambiance of neon and leather.

Culinary Delights and Crafty Sips

Festival-goers embarked on a flavour-packed journey showcasing the best of contemporary Italian cuisine with a low carb, healthy twist. Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi returned to Pear Fest to serve up their legendary dishes, bringing their expertise from running a successful cookery school and a string of acclaimed restaurants across London.

The culinary excitement continued into Saturday morning, following the previous year's success, with the Caldesis presenting another one of their highly-acclaimed cookery demonstrations. Festival-goers had the opportunity to engage with these culinary maestros and discover the secrets behind their exquisite creations.

As Saturday afternoon rolled in, Pear Fest's cherished traditions returned. The aroma of the pig roast mingled with the rustic scent of sourdough pizzas emerging from the traditional wood-fired oven – both perennial favourites that captured the essence of the festival's culinary spirit. These mouth-watering staples were perfect for enjoying with friends old and new under the summer sky.

World-Class Speakers: Pioneers of Regeneration and Wellness

Pear Fest '24 featured an enlightening series of talks delivered by an impressive roster of speakers, including familiar faces and leading pioneers in the fields of regenerative farming and ecological medicine. Each speaker brought unique insights and inspiring perspectives that resonated deeply with the audience.

Adam Alexander

From Screen to Green: Championing Heritage Crops and Cultures

Adam Alexander, a consummate story-teller with forty years as a successful and award-winning film and television producer, delivered a captivating talk. His films have included documentaries about little-known cultures (A Year in Tibet), popular food series (Return to Tuscany, The Urban Chef), and gardening programmes (A Year at Kew, A Garden for Eden). He has won awards for culturally important ethnographic series including Hughesovka, Eutopia, Unholy Land and Russian Wonderland.

Adam shared his latest project encouraging people to reconnect with their local food culture by reviving local varieties held by the HSL and heirlooms he has discovered in the UK. These are being grown by market gardeners and re-introduced to communities through farmers markets, local shops and veg-box schemes. His book The Adventures of a Seed Detective was published in 2022, and he discussed his upcoming book, The Accidental Plant Breeder, which will be published in March 2025.

Roger Morgan-Grenville

Soldier, Explorer, and Guardian of Biodiversity

Roger Morgan-Grenville was a distinguished addition to the Pear Fest '24 line-up. A prolific writer, eloquent speaker, and dedicated campaigner on issues pertaining to nature and biodiversity, particularly within the United Kingdom, Roger's work is driven by an acute awareness of the stark biodiversity loss that has occurred within our lifetimes—the sobering statistic that we have effectively lost half of what we once had.

Roger approached his mission with a unique blend of hope and realism, intertwining science with personal anecdotes to craft narratives that resonated with humanity's role in both the degradation and potential restoration of nature. He spoke passionately about his work as a staunch advocate for the Eurasian Curlew, working tirelessly to restore Britain's largest wader to a robust population. He also discussed his campaign to re-establish Natural History as a core element of education for all children.

Before dedicating himself to the conservation of nature, Roger served with distinction in the Royal Green Jackets for nine years, with deployments across five continents. His adventurous spirit led him to lead the first successful expedition retracing Shackleton's remarkable journey across South Georgia, showcasing his leadership and tenacity.

Souren Ala

Visionary in Garden Design and Wildflower Meadows

Souren Ala, born amidst the rich cultural tapestries of the UK and Iran, and enriched by his experiences in the southwestern USA, returned to the UK in 1998 equipped with a diverse background. After earning an advanced degree in Geology, Souren embarked on a successful 15-year career in hydrocarbon exploration and contaminated land investigation/remediation, before a profound shift led him to his true passion—horticulture.

A self-taught horticulturist, Souren's professional journey in garden design began at the millennium's turn following the completion of a Level II RHS certificate. Over the past 23 years, his dedication to garden design, creation, planting, and maintenance has transformed numerous landscapes, each infused with sustainable and innovative practices.

Since 2014, Souren has been a vibrant voice in "The Hardy Plant," the prestigious journal of the Hardy Plant Society, and he took the helm as editor in 2019. He shared his deep-seated passion for bulbs and wildflower meadows, demonstrating how they can enhance biodiversity and beauty in any space. His talk provided invaluable insights on how to design and nurture wildflower meadows, drawing from his vast expertise and innovative approach to gardening.

Monique Parker

Nourishing Connections: Rediscovering Our Bond with Nature for Health and Harmony

Monique Parker, a qualified nutritionist and author of the book 'Conversations on the Lost Connection with Nature', spoke passionately about nature in all its forms, especially the effects it has on our life, health, and well-being.

Having experienced the healing qualities of nature herself and having witnessed it in her clients and many other people, Monique shared the message about the special relationship we all have, consciously or unconsciously, with nature, the benefits for our health and well-being, and the necessity to restore this lost connection to save our planet and our future.

Monique discussed her strong interest in food, not just the growing, cooking and eating of it, but also the issues of our broken food system, and of course the link between food and health, which also features in her book. She talked about the how and why of the book, her relationship with nature, and about the inspiring people who contributed to it.

Dr David Jehring

CEO, Black Pear

Our CEO spoke about the journey he is on to use agroecological methods on the land at our HQ in Worcestershire to improve the soil and biodiversity and how this ties in with improving the health of our citizens and cutting the burden of chronic disease.

He demonstrated how the technology that Black Pear pioneers can aid in social prescribing of lifestyle interventions to make this available to patients at scale, alongside work he is doing as a trustee of the PHC.

Dr Jenny Goodman

Champion of Ecological Medicine

Dr. Jenny Goodman, a seasoned ecological doctor with over two decades of experience, graced the festival with her expertise. A strong proponent of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Dr. Goodman's philosophy is grounded in the belief that diet, reduced toxin exposure, and lifestyle adjustments are critical in treating chronic conditions and improving overall well-being. Dr. Goodman shared her insights into ecological medicine and gave attendees a preview of her upcoming book, which promises to be a significant contribution to the field.

The audience was inspired by these extraordinary individuals who are not just experts in their fields but also passionate about sharing their knowledge to make a difference in the world. Their sessions proved to be a transformative experience for anyone interested in the intersection of health, diet, and sustainable living.

Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi

Restauranteurs and low carb advocates

Giancarlo and Kate Caldesi, who had a string of successful Italian restaurants and cookery schools across London, saw their life change when Giancarlo was diagnosed with diabetes. Suddenly the energetic Italian chef was overweight and depressed with excruciating pain. But when a nutritionist friend suggested he do the unthinkable and drop the pizza, pasta and bread in favour of a low carb diet, his condition was transformed. The couple have co-authored a low carb cookbook to combat diabetes and created gluten free pasta recipes as well as finding alternatives to pastry, bread and pizza.

They demonstrated how to prepare some of these healthy recipes and provided food at Pear Fest, allowing attendees to sample first-hand how healthy food can also be delicious. You can read about their healthy recipes at https://www.thegoodkitchentable.com/.

Christopher Bellamy

From Electric Vehicles to Biodesign: Innovating for a Sustainable Future

Chris Bellamy, a designer and engineer fascinated by how we can live in more sustainable and regenerative ways, shared his remarkable journey. After studying engineering at the University of Cambridge, Chris started his career at Jaguar Land Rover, where he helped to develop their first electric vehicle, the Jaguar I-Pace. He then transitioned to the footwear and apparel industry, developing customizable and recyclable shoes, aiming to reduce and improve the staggering annual production of approximately 20 billion pairs of shoes.

Realizing that incremental improvements to plastics and metals would never be sufficient to meet climate targets, Chris shifted his focus towards working with living systems, embracing the philosophy that nature does it better. This pivot led him to complete a Master's in Biodesign at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts, London, where he explored the potential of living materials. As part of his degree, Chris had the unique opportunity to work and teach in French Polynesia, learning about the region's profound relationship with nature and how it could inform sustainable practices worldwide.

Chris discussed his plans to apply this knowledge in launching a sports nutrition business aimed at resolving the paradox of people engaging in sports for health benefits while consuming foods more suited to astronauts. This venture reflects his commitment to integrating sustainable, nature-inspired solutions into everyday life.

Pear Fest '24: Jazz Club Evening

The festival began with an extraordinary evening at the Jazz Club, featuring the enchanting acoustic sounds of the Remi Harris Trio, with special guest trumpeter Magnus Pickering from London, and the dynamic jazz vocalist Tina Oldham.

Remi Harris Trio

The Remi Harris Trio delivered the pure magic of acoustic Gypsy Jazz. Led by the exceptional Remi Harris on acoustic guitar, the trio delivered an authentic Gypsy Jazz performance on this special occasion. Their set focused exclusively on this charming style, infused with the spirit of Django Reinhardt's pioneering music and other jazz classics. Known for their dynamic and heartfelt performances, the trio has dazzled audiences worldwide, including appearances at prestigious venues and festivals such as Buckingham Palace and the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Magnus Pickering

Special Guest Trumpeter

Magnus, a celebrated trumpeter from London, joined the trio for a selection of pieces. As the leader of the Weatherbirds and one of London's most sought-after freelance jazz cornet and trumpeters, Magnus has an impressive track record. He has performed with notable musicians such as Ewan Bleach, Brandyn Shaw, and Alex Mendham and his Orchestra. His vibrant and expressive trumpet sounds added a special dimension to the mix, perfectly complementing the acoustic setting of the evening.

Tina Oldham

Special Guest Jazz Singer

Tina Oldham, a gifted jazz singer from Berlin, graced the stage with her soulful vocals and compelling storytelling. Tina brought a blend of jazz tradition and contemporary influences to her performance, captivating the audience with her deep musicality and innovative style.

Caldesi Cuisine

Gourmet Dining Experience

The evening was complemented by a delectable two-course meal prepared by renowned chefs Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi. Their culinary expertise provided the perfect accompaniment to an evening filled with exceptional music and ambiance.

Pear Fest '24: Music Festival

As the longest day met the most radical decade, Pear Fest '24 revelled in the revolutionary spirit of the 1980s—where synth-pop ruled the airwaves, epic narratives unfolded on silver screens, and video games began their digital conquest. The day kicked off with the exceptional talents of Remi Harris and Hattie Briggs, and as evening fell, the electrifying energy of That 80s Thing swept everyone into the night. The audience experienced powerful vocals, soaring guitars, and that unmistakable '80s drum sound, all amidst an ambiance of neon and leather.

Remi Harris Blues Band

Blues Band Showcase

Saturday at Pear Fest began with a powerful performance from Remi Harris and his band, as they brought back their acclaimed Blues set from last year. This dynamic group featured the soul-stirring vocals of Dave Small, the robust basslines of Tom Moore, and the energetic rhythms of drummer Shane Dixon.

Paying homage to the legends, their performance covered a range of iconic sounds—from the evocative melodies of Peter Green to the heavy, guitar-laden riffs of rock giants like Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Led Zeppelin. The set proved to be a soulful tribute to the greats, crafted with virtuosity and passion.

The audience was captivated by the blend of intense blues and rock that set the tone for a day filled with musical brilliance. The band's chemistry and skill ensured a performance that resonated with fans of classic rock and blues alike, making it a perfect kickoff to a day of vibrant festival entertainment.

Hattie Briggs

A Musical Revelation

As the musical journey continued on Saturday, Pear Fest was thrilled to welcome back Hattie Briggs, whose extraordinary voice and evocative songwriting left an indelible mark last year.

Discovered while busking at Paddington Station by none other than Les Mis star Alfie Boe, Hattie Briggs' talent quickly catapulted her onto larger stages. Within six months, she was opening for the renowned tenor on his UK tour, culminating in a standing ovation at the Royal Albert Hall. With musical influences like Jeff Buckley, Joni Mitchell, and Goldfrapp, Hattie weaves together elements of pop, folk, and electronic music into her own distinctive sound. Her tracks have resonated on BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 2, and BBC 6 Music, capturing the hearts of audiences nationwide.

Special Pear Fest Commission

Last year, Hattie was commissioned to create a song specifically for Pear Fest. The result was 'Wild: Learn off the Land,' a powerful composition that embodies the festival's themes of living in harmony with nature and fostering mindfulness. Her performance of this song was a highlight of the festival, casting a spell over the audience with its profound message and stirring melody.

Memorable Performance

Hattie and her bandmates, Jas and John, enchanted the festival crowd once again. Their set was filled with beloved tracks, new material, and the unforgettable 'Wild: Learn off the Land.' Hattie's heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies made this another memorable performance at Pear Fest.

That 80s Thing

A Decade of Hits

That 80s Thing brought to life the quintessential sound of the 1980s with their electrifying performance. Featuring powerful vocals, soaring guitars, funky bass lines, and that quintessential '80s drum sound, they captured the essence of an era that revolutionized the music scene. For eight years, this band has been lighting up stages across the UK, gaining a reputation for their energetic shows that are as much a visual feast as they are a musical journey.

Dancing the Night Away

As the final act of Pear Fest, That 80s Thing delivered a performance that had everyone dancing like it was still the '80s. Their set was a celebration of all things '80s, from pop anthems to rock classics, ensuring that every festival-goer could sing along and dance to the hits they know and love.

Ending the Festival on a High Note

The festival finale with That 80s Thing ended Pear Fest on a high note. Whether attendees lived through the '80s or simply appreciated the timeless appeal of its music, this band provided the perfect soundtrack to conclude an unforgettable day of celebration.

A Weekend to Remember

Pear Fest '24 was truly the ultimate '80s throwback and so much more. Partners, customers, and fellow enthusiasts came together for a weekend of unforgettable music, insightful discussions, and good vibes all around. The festival was brimming with inspiration, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences that will be cherished by all who attended.

The Pear Fest Mission

Our legendary chief operating officer Sean O'Mahoney had a simple vision that Black Pear would one day put on the best music festival with the finest bands, drinks and food in the country. He wanted us to put on a show worthy of our amazing partners and customers to celebrate everything you do away from the confines of the office. Following his sad passing in 2020, we are on a mission from God to realise his vision—and Pear Fest '24 was a magnificent step forward in honouring that mission.