Americana International Festival brings the American dream to life

Americana International Festival 2013

Thursday 11th to Monday 15th July 2013
County Showground, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG24 2NY, England MAP
£120 all five days with camping

Daily capacity: 29,900

This Americana International is now in its 33rd year, and showing no signs of stopping.

This four day event attempts to bring that little bit of the American dream to life, as well as transporting people back to a time when life was so much simpler. There is also a mammoth feast of music over the four days, as well as numerous stalls and rides to keep children occupied. This is one festival that prides itself on being family friendly.

This year the event was basking in tropical heat from that golden orb in the sky known as the sun. Unlike last year when everyone was using the George Stephenson hall as a shelter from the rain, this year everyone was using it as a form of shade from the intense heat.

Due to the raging heat, I thought this year I would attempt to wander around the site to see what it had on offer, rather than just baking whilst sat watching the musicians on one of the stages.

As for music, this year had an incredible line-up throughout the event, artistes such as PJ Proby, and Georgette Jones (daughter of Tammy Wynette) to name just a couple. One of the reasons that I enjoy this show is because each year I stumble across something new musically.

The bands mainly play rock n roll or country music. This year it was the perfect genre of music to listen to whilst sat down in the baking sun. It added to the laid back atmosphere.

The great thing about this show is that it isn’t just about the music, even though there is lots of it in abundance. This show tries to be a great all round show with plenty of things to look at and do even if the music doesn't quite suit your taste.

One of the obvious attractions aside from music is the vast display of vehicles. Ranging from Chevys to trucks that are longer than some British streets. Some of the vehicles are for sale if you should feel the desire to drive away in a piece of American history.

Even the vehicle owners are more than happy to answer any questions about their vehicles. This all adds to the overall friendliness of the show.

In the past I have always been impressed with the stalls and vendors selling food and drink, and once again this year was no exception. As per usual there was there was a stand that makes fresh lemon juice as well as the usual American food stands. However due to the raging heat, it felt as if there weren't so many places to buy a drink from. It felt like a long walk to find a drinks stall in the blazing sun. Thankfully the prices were very reasonable and this was a godsend as being so hot you needed to keep buying drinks to stay refreshed.

Aside from the fair rides, there was also the wheel of death, which you could go and watch for a small fee of £2.50. The show consists of daredevil bike riders riding their bikes on vertical walls and defying gravity. Certainly worth taking a peek if you haven't already experienced it.

One of the reasons the Americana International appeals to me, is because it is an all round attack on the senses, you have the visual delights of multi coloured vehicles and the bright lights of the fair rides, as well as the enormity of some of the vehicles which really are bigger than some houses. Then there is the smell of gasoline and American burgers as well as the delightful tones of bands playing as well as the roar of v8 engines from Ford Mustangs.

This show has something for everyone and is able to cater for lifelong American enthusiasts or for people who know very little about these things such as me.

Sadly this is the final year of being at Newark County showground, next year it will be at a new venue (Prestwold Park) so fingers crossed that it keeps the down to earth friendly atmosphere that makes it so enjoyable.

review by: Luke Seagrave

photos by: Luke Seagrave