Chas & Dave draw Lakefest to a crowd pleasing close

Lakefest 2013

Friday 9th to Sunday 11th August 2013
Croft Farm Waterpark, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 7EE, England MAP
£79 for the weekend

Daily capacity: 3,500

After a night of over exuberant partying fuelled by Levellers induced euphoria, Jagerbomb slushies and many top quality old school dance tunes provided by the ‘Tiny Planet” stall, it was a rather slow sluggish start to Sunday.

Emerging from the tent at about 11, I donned my swimming attire and took straight to the lake. This was a beautiful start to the day and certainly made me feel a little fresher. After swimming a lap of the lake, we decided to take a trip to a nearby pub to cure all ails with a roast dinner.

With a shortened programme of events on the Sunday, and it not starting until 1pm we again decided to return to the lake. After another little dip, we sat listening to the music drifting on the wind in the sunshine, and watched revellers having fun and falling off the banana boat for the best part of an hour.

We made it back into the main tent just in time to catch Wille and the Bandits, creating a sound which deceived me into thinking there was more members on stage. The 3 piece had their roots firmly placed in world, and roots music, and played a plethora of instruments, delivering a beautiful set, full of soul and passion.

Jim Lockey & The Solemn Sun took to the stage next, playing a set of alt country rock, with a big acoustic emphasis. Their sound was supported by slashing riffs, and it came across that they are a very versatile band, with tracks ranging from Mumford and Sons style folk to having a bit more pace and power more akin to the Gaslight Anthem. They proved to be a great festival band that brought people flooding in for a closer look.

Those who ventured inside and stayed were then treated to a performance from one of the better acts around the festival circuit the 3 Daft Monkeys. The Cornish masters of world folk music supplied their usual high standard of performance which seemed to set alight the festival goers feet!

At the early time of 7.30pm Sunday's main event Chas & Dave brought the event to a close. With 50 years in the business, they have honed their act, knowing exactly how to please there crowd. Delivering classics like ‘Snooker Loopy’ and ‘London Girl’ early in the set, and the crowd really enjoyed the sunny evening singing along to the Cockney maestros.

With a fair drive to get home, I got on my way with the evening as Lakefest started to draw to a close with a silent disco and fireworks over the lake, which must have been for many a perfect way to end the weekend.

I cannot wait to come back next year.

review by: Jamie Licence