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YOULGRAVE MUSIC FEST HISTORY |
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2001 The First Youlgrave Music Festival What a Party ! It became clear after the first half hour that this was going to be a success. The party began with a gutsy confident performance by Vertical Strokes who replaced Rebound at short notice. Over a hundred people had already gathered, with the crowd growing steadily as more and more people of all ages wandered onto the playing fields. The only hiccup of the evening was in the change over for another band, the situation remedied by an enthusiastic reveller grabbing an acoustic guitar and giving an unrehearsed back room performance. The Fest was placed firmly back in touch with the experienced hand of Hazard. Unnecessarily apologizing for another 60's number, the band had the same audience that had bounced around to Vertical Strokes; this was not a night that was going to have any age barriers.
David and Denise Figg of Hollands Butchers manning the Barbeque The fantastically brave poet Mark Gwynne Jones followed with his first rendition of the night. Simply floating above the few hecklers, he grabbed his audience with relish with his hilarious off the wall poetry. By now it was a huge affair, the evening being supported by upwards of 800 people with at least 700 actually paying! The bars and barbeque enjoyed fantastic business; no child was complete without a balloon hat made by Richard Walker, who single-handedly ran the children's entertainment, keeping hundreds of kids happy whilst mum and dad played at the bar and awoke their dancing muscles in the main marquee. Onwards with the music, Ecuder, what a band! Destined for bigger things I'm sure with an inspired set. Mark Gwynn Jones had an easier passage in his second set collecting a new following.
Sleepy Revellers With huge local support, Switch took to the stage and gave a remarkable, professional performance for such young heads. An incredibly hard act to follow. But by now the crowd was up for dancing. The powerful drumming of Titch of Fat Fish, reminiscent of African drum beats, pumped up the night to a brilliant climax with Phil Atkinson, an original Youlgrave lad, proving himself the best lead guitarist around. Phil Wildbore, the lead singer, was left to party with the rest. Great night, everyone involved wants a repeat. And the bonus ball, an estimated £1000 plus for special needs children. THANK YOU for your support. Dan |
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2002 Youlgrave Music Fest a family occasion Saturday 21 September saw the second year of Youlgrave Music Fest. The event was, once again, a resounding success.
To make sure the event catered for all the family, entertainment for children was high on the organisers’ list of priorities. Karen Wildbore and helpers were on hand painting faces for children. Mary-Ann Wragg made a fine apprentice to Karen, seen above is her work, commissioned by Reece Weller. There was also an inflatable slide and a slippery pole, seen below being enjoyed by Gowan Ratcliffe. All the children’s events were provided free of charge to the kids.
Outstanding performances were given by all the bands and by poet Mark Gwynne Jones. I think Fat Fish were mistaken in forfeiting the headline slot to youngsters Switch – I didn’t stay after I’d watched Phil and co perform, and there were lots of similarly minded people on the road as we went home through the village. Pictured below is Twice Round giving a rendition of the Youlgrave favourite Hi Ho Pommy Aggr … sorry … Silver Lining.
The evening went well but sadly, there were significant number of people on the field who hadn’t paid for a ticket. The traders agreed not to serve anyone without a hand-stamp, but others obviously bought for them. We’re fairly sure the culprits were younger attendees with effects compounded by the fact that some bypassed the ‘problem’ by bringing their own alcohol – further reducing the profits and increasing the incidence of underage drunkenness. The organisers put a lot of effort, not to mention the significant financial outlay made by the manufacturers of Road and Go Vicinity jeans, who pay for the tent hire, PA and insurance. The money raised was a little less than last year, but thanks to those who did buy tickets and contributions from the Bulls Head, Farmyard, Hollands Butchers and Roses Newsagents, donations were made each to Whitworth and Newholme hospitals and to Youlgrave Guides. Emma Youatt |
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2003 Range of talent on show at Youlgrave Music Festival It was mid September in Youlgrave. The sun was shining, the barbecue was lit, the bar taps were on and a plethora of local musical and artistic talent had amassed to take part in the third annual Youlgrave Music Festival. For the first time the festival organisers had planned the event out over three days, offering an eclectic selection of musical genres together with inspirational local art, great food, dance, and, of course, the obligatory bouncy castle! The unique Gill Brothers were among the entertainers on Friday evening. The festival began on Friday with 'acoustic day' and was kicked off with a first public performance by local violinist Olivia. Talent and good looks – watch out Vanessa Mae! From there the day passed from the fantastically engaging skiffle combo Joan's Babies to the intense acoustic energy of Fatfish. Local favourites the Bakelite Blues Band played a laid-back lounge set before Quirky Turquoise blended diverse influence into their truly original sound. Acoustic day was rounded off with a jaw-dropping performance of re-worked world folk and original composition by Sheffield group Sally Doherty and the Sumacs. As they played their opening song the tent fell instantly silent. Some people were so moved they almost forgot to clap!
Saturday’s rock ’n roll night featured Dip. Onwards and upwards in tempo to 'ROCK SATURDAY!' Opening act the Hipshakes dragged scores of youngsters from the surrounding sleepy villages to spring and jostle to their fresh party punk tunes. The Verses took a darker, heavier approach and treated us to an impressive drum solo. Glisten stormed through popular covers and self-penned tunes to a fantastic crowd reaction before some madly eccentric pop rock bliss courtesy of Dip.
Fat Fish, fronted by festival organiser Phil ‘gravel voice’ Wildbore. Roped In played classics to make you scoff your hotdog and get dancing before Fat Fish boomed through their irresistible blend of edgy rock and soul. As if that weren't enough, in the gaps between the bands the crowds were kept entertained by much loved local acoustic act the Capers. Saturday’s headliners Switch showed just how far a few local lads with some creativity and determination can take it. Sitting on the cusp of national success, they blew us away with their fabulous infectious grooves!
Mellow tunes at the Sunday lunchtime jazz slot. After the Saturday night blowout, Sunday's proceedings took an altogether different twist with an afternoon of jazz and the return of Sally Doherty, this time bringing some soulful Latin American jazz. Well known jazz diva Rosie Brown and her band also performed some jazz swing with clever improvisation for the chin-strokers! Wash all that down with great local art exhibitions from Russell and Karen, add some red wine and pate and you're in for the ultimate rounding off three days celebration of creativity.
Mary-anne, Emma and Natalie, plus other members of 1st Youlgrave Guides, help clear the playing field of rubbish earlier in the morning – over 20 sacks were collected for recycling. What more could you want from a weekend? From classic old favourites to the freshest of the fresh original local music. From metal to jazz, from blues groove to folk and classical. The kids bounced, the music played and everyone was moved. Fantastic! Here's to the next one! James Singleton These write-ups are taken from Alport, Middleton and Youlgrave's newsletter, the Bugle, the publication is available, 10 editions each year, at www.thebugle.org.uk. |
