Review

Festival season is upon us once more. Festivals come in all shapes and sizes, and nowhere was that more apparent than today. I mistakenly stopped by at Donington itself, not realising that the festival was actually at the farm hotel and campsite next door. Off the tracks as it were.

Whilst I was there, wondering where the hell I should be, I watched the preparations for next weeks Download Festival. Skeletons of massive marquees being erected, miles of steel fencing, and truckloads of refreshments arriving. This was in stark contrast to the festival I eventually arrived at.

Off The Tracks is a throwback to the festivals of old. Crusty folkie types in their campervans, accompanied by children and dogs, chilling away the day in front of a small stage area adorned by little known but accomplished musicians.

Inside the pub area you can buy a venison burger if you so wish. If you don’t want to watch what’s going on outside you can clap along to the fiddles and flutes being played inside.



It’s all very chilled and wonderful. Though you do find yourself praying that the rain will stay away when you glance over your head to see the bare wires making their way across to the stage. If the wires don’t get you, the planes might. The site’s close proximity to East Midlands Airport meaning there are some very low flying aircraft indeed.

So, what of the music? The first three artists play two 40 minute sets each. First up is Faul Bradley. A folkie, blues type combination from a guy with a Kevin Keegan perm. The music is befitting the warm weather and relaxed atmosphere. As is Nigel Mazlyn-Jones, whose voice and guitar have unique qualities of their own. The only criticism of Nigel being that he may have peaked too soon. The first set appearing more impressive than the second.



Waking The Witch are next. Four ladies, each with impressive CVs that can boast working with Christy Moore, Chumbawumba and others. Their laid back demeanour which includes sending their small children around with the fliers, belies the quality of their songs.

After WTWs last set there is an hour to replenish oneself with food and drink before the evening part of the show commences.

First up on this section is the unusual but amazing Vinny Peculiar. Vinny looks and sounds like a crazed hybrid of Elvis Costello and Jarvis Cocker. I hope if Vinny turns out to be their secret love child it doesn’t spoil their still fresh happy marriages. Vinny has a distinctive style. Each song preceded by a bizaare tale and containing witty and refreshing lyrics. Vinny leaves the crowd, which is by now being swelled by the Levellers contingent, in an upbeat mood.



Derrin Nauendorf and Dave Dowling are next up. For two men with just an acoustic guitar and big drum kit, the sound is amazing. A mix of obscure covers and their own songs, they wow the crowd in time for the main event.



It is clear that most of the people here are here for the Levellers. This is an acoustic set, performed by the seven members on stools at the front of the stage. However it doesn’t detract from the performance. All the gang are here, from Another Mans War to Beautiful Day to One Way. At last the crowd are on their feet and theirs much dancing to be seen. At midnight the live festivities finish and those who are not just here for the Levellers decamp themselves in the bar area for more drinking and frivolity. This bi-annual event is truly like festivals used to be. And, I am sure, some will argue, as they should be.

Latest Updates