Let’s start by looking at the crowd, we talk a lot about the “Country Family” and I need to start by thanking both those new and returning to the festival; it is your presence, enthusiasm and support of one another that plays a central role. Whether you used the attendees page to ask about clothing, the temperature, money, parking, taxis, or anything else there is always someone prepared to help you out and it’s the same on site. People may arrive on site alone, but they always leave with new friends. About 80% of the attendance is returning and most of those newbies can’t wait to come back and stay for longer next time.
Why are the people so important? You help create an atmosphere where the artists don’t want to sit in a green room but are happy to mingle among you, which adds to the whole intimacy of the festival. How many country artists did you spot that were not on the line-up but came anyway to be a part of the festival? From those trying to break into county music (Leanne Brumfitt), those on their way (Alan Finlan) and some of the best we have (Kezia Gill)!
Most people turn up
regardless of the line-up -just look at ticket sales, people booking the
moment they get home, whilst some of us need a few days to recover. It is lovely to read messages where people say
“I don’t care about the line up as its always amazing”. Rest assured that the Hancocks
and Gary Quinn will always look to promote UK country music and secure you
international artists. In fact, every
year the festival grows and gets a little bit better.
This year had the added
bonuses of:
·
The Nashville Sounds in the Round Take-over
on Thursday afternoon
·
The Old Time Sailors
·
The Country Orchestra
·
Purple Rabbit Pilates and a beach
I’m not sure that they can
take credit for the weather, but it was fantastic and certainly better than
when it rains.
Everyone will have their standout
artist, but this year we think the UK artists stole the show. Why?
Robyn
Red – at just 18, this young lady is making waves. With a phenomenal voice, she
is growing in confidence with every performance and just wowing her audiences.
Gasoline & Matches – not only did they bring their Birmingham based show ‘Nashville Sounds in the Round’ to the Paddock stage giving you a reason to arrive early, but then they went on to set the stage alight with the full band which included a saxophonist, to close out the Paddock stage on Friday night. They are a polished act who just keep getting better. We were very impressed with the intro track and stage presence.
Backwoods
Creek – despite working hard as the house band, it was nice to see them take to
the stage under their own name to headline the Paddock stage on Saturday night.
They bought their usual raw energy which got the crowd to their feet and kept
them there, blowing the roof off the tent. The addition of Jeremy McComb for
their cover of Walking In Memphis showed how versatile and spontaneous they are
as a band.
Emilia
Quinn – moving up to the main stage, she absolutely smashed it, looking very
natural up there with enormous amounts of energy. Appreciated by the other artists who brought
her on stage, we’re all so glad she announced her headline tour.
Finally lets not forget the
food vendors, who work long hours to keep many of us going but with some
amazing tasting food. The stall holders
who help us look our best and help keep it country.
Holding tight to my Buckle
and Boots cup by the handle but sadly only containing coffee, I’m shattered and
my body hurts, voice is non-existent and like many of you I need sleep and
vegetables, but you know what - I’ll see you next year!
In the meantime, please go
and support local acts.
No comments:
Post a Comment