THIS YEAR’S Wokingham Festival was a ‘very, very good weekend’ according to organisers.
Thousands flocked to Cantley Park from Saturday through to bank holiday Monday to enjoy three days of music, food and drink.
Acts on the main stage included Dutch progressive rock band Focus, Pink Floyd tribute act Crazy Diamond, and local bands such as Third Lung and Selina and the Howlin’ Dogs.
A second music area, the Wokingham Music Club stage, provided an opportunity for up-and-coming bands to showcase their talent, including Deva St John, Katie Ellwood, and That Joe Payne.
Of the main stage, Mr Hetherington said the festival managed to provide audiences with a good variety of music, with something for everyone.
Mr Hetherington said the Wokingham Music Club stage had grown in stature in recent years, starting off as an acoustic stage to this year’s showcase.
“Every single act had people stood outside the tent. It has never happened before and it was quite amazing,” he said.
“Some of the youngsters performing are just incredibly talented. It really does bode well for the future of live music.”
In a letter in this week’s Wokingham Today, the organising committee said: “It was just wonderful to see so many people getting together to have a fun enjoyable time in a friendly community atmosphere. If you aren’t aware, the festival isn’t a big corporate organisation, it is run by the community for the community.”
And Stan Hetherington, who is the mastermind behind the event, was thrilled with how the festival had gone.
“We were expecting attendance to be down on last year, as it was one of the first events taking place after the covid lockdowns, but Sunday and Monday were busier and numbers were similar to last year, more than meeting our expectations,” he said.
And among the audience was one of the organisers of another festival, who called Mr Hetherington on Monday to praise the organisation of the event.
“He said that it was just an amazing event that punches above its weight,” he explained. “He was very, very complimentary, and it was encouraging.”
The beer festival went well, with a team from Twyford Beer Festival organising the event.
“They’re just a pleasure to work with,” Mr Hetherington said. “Nothing is too difficult, taxing, or too much trouble for them. Ian (Wisdom) and his team are just a joy to deal with and such good humoured.”
Mr Wisdom, who was raising funds for male cancer charity Orchid, felt the weekend had gone well.
“What a lovely weekend for everybody,” he said. “What can I say about the team behind the bar? Absolutely brilliant – every one of them pulled their weight, working solidly right the way through.”
He said the festival was a chance to showcase local breweries, who have a passion for brewing.
“The standout beer for me was one from (Wokingham-based brewery) Bonds Brews. The Stars and Stripes is a really nice beer. Well done Dean for brewing that.”
He’s hopeful that the team will be returning for next year’s event.
Before then, there’s the return of Wokingham Music Club, another of Mr Hetherington’s activities.
“I’m passionate about bringing music to Wokingham,” he said.
His first planned gig of the season, Curved Air at the Winnersh Royal British Legion on Friday, September 9, has been cancelled, but Steely Dan, playing music from Steely Dan, will be taking place at the same venue on Saturday, September 10.
For more details, log on to: http://www.wokinghammusicclub.co.uk/
