Sunday Overview

Guilford Live 2000 review

By Neil Greenway | Published: Mon 31st Jul 2000

Guildford Live 2000

Friday 28th to Sunday 30th July 2000
Stoke Park, Guildford, Surrey., England MAP
weekend around £60

After two pleasant days, Sunday came as a bit of a shock... people turned up in force to see the perfect line-up of Sunday music, and space became a precious thing.

crowd

A few people had obviously picked up a tip or two from their holidays, and having spread their blankets and themselves over the grass, they then persisted in scowling at anyone who dared to step on it - but with much of the grass covered with wool, they only got annoyed. Putting aside those who'd come to assert their land-rights, the rest were treated to music by some of the worlds finest musicians on a gorgeous sunny summer afternoon.


Belly Dancing

Joan Armatrading showed why she continues to be a popular live act. The crowd happily sang along and danced (blankets permitting), and the demands for more were satisfied with a rendition of Willow.


Joan Armatrading


The Hamsters

The largest crowd gathered for "new" star David Gray, who performed much of White Ladder plus a few of his older songs, and delivered it all with a sunny disposition to match the weather.


David Gray

Next up was Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra - 14 people filling the stage - providing a fantastic array of musical talent.


Jools Holland

The final act was Van Morrison, whose reputation as a superb live performer continues to be justified, and his set assured that the crowd went home glowing from the sounds as well as the sunshine.


Van Morrison

Elsewhere, the Dance Tent continued to be a venue with little purpose - this festival is a family thing, and not really one for the ravers. So, the kids zone was packed with families enjoying the facilities, and a drumming band formed a procession that disappeared around the site. Last up on Stage Two was The Real Abba Gold, who from a distance sounded like the real thing, unfortunately not quite the same close up!


The Real Abba Gold


review by: Neil Greenway

photos by: Neil Greenway


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