It wouldn’t be a British bank holiday weekend without some inconsistent weather threatening to dampen play. But luckily, the rain wasn’t enough to put people off enjoying the opening hours of the Wokingham Festival on Cantley field, and their dedication was (eventually) rewarded with sunny days spent enjoying good weather, good company and extremely good music.
The festival was originally founded by Stan Heatherington 14 years ago, who wanted to offer Wokingham residents a family-friendly alternative bank holiday festival to the ‘mud and mayhem’ of Reading Festival. Now run by a board of entirely-voluntary organisers, this completely independent festival exists purely to promote good music and give people a good time.
“We like the size of it, we like the family feel, and we like to just try and enhance things each year to make it better and better,” says Chris Hillman, board chairman for the festival’s organisation committee. “Our main priority is just making sure that every act is just a really good band, and offers a mixture of original music, with a few covers and tributes, but we do really try to champion original music.”
From the volunteers who greeted us, to the audiences lovingly dancing in all weathers, this desire to champion music was evidenced everywhere you looked. The festival now boasts a second stage, where slots alternated with the main stage, so there was always something to watch and enjoy. From the constant stream of fantastic music to the silent disco on Saturday and Sunday nights, every moment of the three-day festival was filled with a palpable love of music.
One such act for whom this attitude is so welcomed is TRIM, a Berkshire band lead by Chris Trim.
“You can tell that the festival organisers really care about local artists,” he says. “They make room for them in the lineup every year, so it’s great to be part of a festival where you really feel this love for the musicians playing there. This was our third time playing at Wokingham Festival and the team always makes us feel special.”
The festival really does offer a family feel as well; evidenced by the fact my three year old continued dancing throughout the heavy downpour that greeted one of the many brilliant acts we watched on the opening day. There was a dedicated play area for kids, filled with circus skills, as well as face painting and games to play on, all of which were enjoyed by my toddler.
I asked her what her favourite part of the festival was, and she said the dancing, so I would consider that a hit.
Below is Chris Hillman’s diaries from the three days of Wokingham Festival, so you can hear even more about this gem of local arts and culture.
Saturday
The first day of the festival and despite the rain an audience appeared! No surprise I suppose, what with the quality of the opening acts on the two stages – Frankie Bird and Who Ate All The Crayons who did not disappoint and the enthusiasm of the crowd was certainly not dampened!
The weather improved during the afternoon and the crowds who flocked in were treated to quality music throughout the day culminating in the day’s headliners. Áine Deane on the Wokingham Music Club (WMC) stage showed why she is getting so much attention with a brilliant set. Pure class! She’s played at the Royal Albert Hall supported Sam Smith, dueted with Pixie Lott and played two sets at Glastonbury this year so it certainly was a treat to see her in Wokingham.
Then it was the headliner on the main stage, surely one of the best tribute bands around, Totally Blondie on the Trademark Windows stage. They certainly got the crowd singing and dancing to all those classic hits!
Sunday
Two wonderful local talents opened the two stages today, Katie Ellwood and her band on the main stage and Noa on the Wokingham Music Club stage. Both performed great sets as the better weather brought even more people out to experience another array of musical talent.
Most of our acts were local, which shows what a thriving music scene we have in the area. A prime example was Rila’s Edge, a young band from Wokingham who were so good last year in the WMC tent and have progressed so much that they were invited to headline the main stage this year. It was a major step for the band. Could they pull it off? Would they be good enough? The answer was a resounding yes. They performed an incredible set and looked like they belonged on a big stage!
On the WMC stage festy faves Flutatious returned and got the crowd dancing as always. We must also of course mention local footballing legend, Gareth Ainsworth, who performed with his impressive rock band, The Cold Blooded Hearts. They were a revelation with Gareth showing that, as well as being an impressive football manager, he is an impressive front man. A master class in rock performance!
Monday
On to Monday, which tends to focus on the prog and rock side of things. It has gained quite a reputation with people travelling from around the country to experience the music on offer. The line up showed what a wide range of styles there actually are in the genre and how accessible it is to all.
From the beautiful acoustic sound of Amanda Lehmann, through to the incredible grooves of Hoopy Frood and the danceability of Spriggan Mist to the brilliant musicianship of The Paradox Twin, the impressive showmanship of That Joe Payne and the mind blowing psychedelic sounds of Ozric Tentacles, it was a pleasure to behold.
Particular mention must go out to That Joe Payne and his band who, to close an amazing set (which also featured a show stopping duet with Sarah Bayley from The Paradox Twin) performed their version of Bohemian Rhapsody. Surely no one can match Freddie Mercury on the vocals on that. Well, Joe Payne can! Stunning!
On the WMC stage was another impressive array of talent headlined by Sonic Whip, an exciting young trio who had flown in from their native Netherlands to play. Stars in the making that’s for sure!
I also have to mention our brilliant MCs, Andy Jones from BBC Radio Berkshire on Saturday and on Sunday we had Andy Rowe, a voiceover artist who was our stage manager for the whole festival and also did a great set with his band, The Room, on Saturday. And finally on Monday we were joined by the fantastic Darren Redick from Planet Rock.
Finally, I must thank my fellow members of the organisation volunteers: Dean Nelson, Andrew Merritt, Julie Wills and Helen Taylor, as well as everyone who volunteered their time across the weekend and who we are all extremely grateful for.
