The Lancashire Hotpots were the first band that I got it together to see on Saturday. A very funny lot indeed - comedy folk is a fine way to start the day! Witty, down to earth songs that brought many smiles from the appreciative audience.
Out to the courtyard for a bash on the drums courtesy of the Inter-Africa crew. A percussion collective with lots of drums (obviously!) tambourines and the like, there much have been thirty or forty folk drumming together... it was great to see so many involved and enjoying the chance to play.
Next, on the mainstage was a very special presentation for Dr Al - the first person to buy a ticket for the very first festival! And he hasn't missed one since.He was presented with a crystal tankard from Boz (OTT organizer) – a lovely gesture and one that reflects on the loyalty of all concerned.
The band Tarantism got the evening entertainment under way and were creating some wonderful music. Beautifully layered folk soundscapes with congas, flutes, guitar, banjo, bass and drums.
Kissmet followed with their high energy, melodic, pulsating rhythms which even featured a bangra version of a rock classic (the name of which has since escaped me!). Truly delightful.
Caught The Roulette next in the barn, winners of OTT's Amber Valley Battle of the Bands competition, they played some hard edged blues-based rock with good style. They even had some audience participation with members of the crowd invited to sing (or try to!) along with the band.
And so to Dreadzone, the headliners for Saturday. Although they suffered with the onstage sound at the beginning, from the front they sounded magnificent. The new guitarist gives a harder edge to the songs and MC Spee, although in obvious pain and on crutches, soon whipped everyone into a frenzy. A hugely entertaining gig that left us all soaked, happy, breathless and baying for more.
More dancing and jamming in the courtyards followed and continued until about 4-ish. What an exhausting night. A look around the campsite revealed lots of little sessions going on till daybreak. People gently singing, playing guitars, and the odd drummer, all combining to make for a happy contented lot. At 7.30 I thought it best to have a little sleep!
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