Now I am back in the land of the living and back to the usual working routine (well shift work where I am) I am now able to write down my thoughts about one of the festivals I went to back in August, The West Country Music Festival founded and organised by the one and only Sarah Yeo. This festival was in the most beautiful grounds a festival can be held, the sun was shining and as I am now known, Leeds Linda was ready to enjoy the day of music that was awaiting us. It is a case of if you know you know or if you have been told you have been told.
Devon is one of the most beautiful parts in the UK and Muddifold court had so much to offer artists, the crowd and all who were in attendance. Greeting you at the gates were the great team of people helping Sarah on the day as well as Ducks, Guineapigs and an array of animals to talk to. When you arrived the layout of the welcome desk to the stage to food and merch was so well thought out and planned and there was chairs and tables to eat at beside the vendors. For a day festival there was plenty of choice to eat and drink and the crepes were amazing!
I am bringing the attention back to this festival as it was one of the most enjoyable I have been to in terms of how welcome everyone felt from artists, volunteers, people paying for tickets and those there who were press. Sarah was so thoughtful in the organisation of this event and included everyone in so many thoughtful ways and it was such a wonderful day to be a part of and an event to attend in the future for sure! A hen do turned up and she went from the festival to get a card, alcohol and a small gift to present the bride to be with from the stage. The facilities were superb, in terms of green rooms, what a room with EVERYTHING you could need including pain relief. She really thought of everyone and welcomed everyone equally.
Let us get to the music and the artists who played, taking us into the day and starting us off gently with some traditional country was an artist I was not familiar with. Alan West and friends. What a treat to gently start of the day with one of the most traditional sounding country voices and a great choice of classic traditional country songs with some top musicians joining him on stage. Paying hommage to some of the greats in country music, his set was class and an education in this genre in country.
Donna Marie was up next with her set and I just love her performance in vocal, guitar and so much more, so so beautiful with some great songs in modern country with americana and folk. One of the most underrated artists in the UK scene who deserves a lot more recognition for the work she does solo and well as with Doveties. If you get a chance go and see her.
The acts on the line up for the day continued with an excellent line up of the best the UK has to offer in the country scene and that alone needs mentioning, The UK country scene is growing and there are so many talented artists in the scene and beyond presenting the best the scene has to offer and seeing all these UK acts was a treat for all music fans as well as a celebration of the range of country music styles within the UK. Other highlights included seeing the gorgeous Tennessee Twin and their stunning harmonies mesmerise the audience as well as seeing the fabulous Geoff mead doing hosting duties and doing rather well. On the day a last minute change was Nia Nichols in the place of Bob Fitgerald from the list below. It was so good seeing her live, she is quirky, original and has a very unique voice and songs. Very quirky lyrics and talent and an artist you should go and look up.
I mean just look at the line up above in the evening bringing the bands on stage after an acoustic first half and did the bands bring it! The Phoenix River band were very new to me, great singers and performers with powerful voices and many of them to produce a great sound to start of any evening party.
Sarah Yeo herself organising the whole festival, planning everything and running around asking sure everyone was ok performed a full band set and slayed. I love Sarah's voice, it is so beautiful and she is an artist who deserves more attention and success so go and listen, check out and discover.
Gasoline and Matches brought the house down as they always do, Steve and Sally are such a great team and with the band they brought the party. Steve plays a mean guitar as the saying goes so if you are anywhere near Birmingham uk you will see them and see them you must!
The headliner needs no introduction these days. Kezia Gill is such a talented performer who hones her skills to any occasion whether it is with the band or acoustically, she literally brought the party as well as the feels with a few acoustic numbers she sang about her father and mental health. This woman is carving the way for many to add them to the likes of C2C and so much more. It is amazing to watch her any time she sings. She engages the audience so well you think she is singing just to you and you go away feeling better and wanting more. A sterling headliner and what a first festival for Sarah and the team. I for one cannot wait for the next one.
Finishing off as an after party the songs and stories collective did a writers round with a fire, marshmallows and treats to eat, we were all spoiled and here is to so much more of the same in the future.
Sarah and the team thank you and see you next year! See YOU next year too in the audience!
West Country Music Festival Website website
Photos Little Ninja Photograpy. (Jill) Facebook
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