Outcider is a brilliant way to get back into festivals again

OutCider Festival was our introduction back into festivals from over a year of being music and field deprived. It took place on the 5th-8th August 2021 in Fernhill Farm, in Compton Martin, Somerset. Fuelled By Cider organise the festival, as well as a host of other awesome festivals and events in the West Country. The farm offers an authentic natural setting that is unpretentious, but simultaneously intimate and spacious. Big names in the festival music scene who performed at OutCider this year were Black Water County, The Bar Stool Preachers, Ferocious Dog, Skimmity Hitchers, Holy Moly & the Crackers, The Blunders, The Boot Hill All Stars, and Monkey Bizzle including many other amazing performers.

For the first time, OutCider was run over four days, as a thankyou to the faithful ticket holders. So away I went after an early shift to arrive on site to smiles from the gate staff and welcome returns from the always friendly security. A quick check in the van for banned items like glass and Fosters and I’m onto the site. This year we directed to a campervan space rather than the go where you like options of the past. I also noted an addition of a quiet camping area for the tent users should they wish. I must say though, I’ve never found the camping areas to be overly rowdy.

Three bands are playing tonight, so after a quick pitch up I’m off for a cider and a listen to The Baler Twine Boys. Whilst at the bar a covid serving system is in place, simple but effective, wait In line to be called to the bar. This at peak times lead to a bit of a queue, but moved quickly and worked well. Whilst at a visit I bumped into a festival acquaintance, Cobbs, who I never normally get time to sit and chat to, after a year or so of social distancing and isolation, now was the time to really chat, and a good few hours later and some more new friends made, my Thursday night was complete.

Friday was a slow start for me (after being up for nearly 24 hours the day before, not to mention a couple of beers too). Only one barn is open for music today, and with Dogeyed pulling out after a skateboarding accident, Nikki Perrin steps in and DJs a fantastic set at the last minute. Only two of The Acrustic Badger Band make it after the rest are “pinged” but still enjoyable as ever. All of todays music was great, but notable mentions go to a really tight performance by Monkey Bizzle, Cara Means Friend was great but the stand out for me today was Millie Manders and The Shutup with such raw energy on stage from the lead singer, I personally can’t wait to see them play again.

A quick run back to Bristol on Saturday morning (the site is about 30 mins from south Bristol) to pick Nia up and its back to site by Saturday pm.

We were very much looking forward to The Greatest Little Coffee Box on Earth, as we never like to go a festival without one of their vanilla soya milkshakes accompanied with vegan cream and golden dust. The Coffee Box is our go to place for drinks in-between making thorough use of OutCider’s bar of spirts, ales and approximately fifteen ciders (of course!). They always have delicious sweet treat for a much needed sugar hit in the prevalence of rain we experienced this year at the festival. Other food available on site this year included a Burrito stall, One Love Caribbean food (they also provided some other traditional fayre in the Agricultural shed/2nd stage, burger and chips or lasagne for example) and an oggies (pasties) stall, all of these provided at least one vegan option daily.

Saturday afternoon kicked off in a lively vein with punk rock karaoke (with full backing band). It also saw the opening up of the second stage in the Agricultural Shed, with the likes of Jake Martin, and Jess Silk amongst others. Main stage wise we enjoyed sets by  The Blunders and a very loud set by Ferocious Dog playing a mixed set of older favourites and some new offerings from the next album.

A band we thoroughly enjoyed was Concrete Rose, who are a four piece band from Nottingham, bringing a modern twist to reggae. Their frontman is charismatic and seamlessly connected with the crowd. The new guitarist - who has replaced the previous, who is currently taking time away from the band to have a child with his partner – appears to be getting on with the material very well. We could not tell at all that he’s only recently been practicing with the vocalist on perfecting such an important role. Overall, Concrete Rose are delightful to listen to and watch perform, with their lively and meaningful lyricism.

Ladies Day took place on Sunday, as it always does as a fun and inclusive OutCider tradition. Where those who would not normally where feminine attire are free to get dressed up and have a laugh, in the surroundings of cider and great music. It is always a joy to see people getting involved in a no judgement environment. The Ladies Day boutique offered garments of all styles and sizes and along with donations, raised money for Feeding Dreams Cambodia. They provide family and community support, free education and school meals for impoverished children. Well done to everyone at the festival who donated and supported the boutique for this important charity!

Sunday didn’t see us up easily enough to take part in the Ciderobics, but if last year’s is anything to go by, I’m sure it was a blast. We did get to plenty of great music though, especially as both stages alternate so you can catch both stages with ease. Or drink, eat or just plain chill. Worthy mentions for us were N.U.M.B, Crooked Little Sons, Headshrinkers, and of course OutCider organisers Skimmity Hitchers. Sunday’s highlight was The Bar Stool Preachers who as always tore the place up with all the band in dresses and with such energy and vigour. A very welcome return.

Well that was a brilliant way to get back into festivals again, no covid politics, just a system of respect that worked all weekend. Such a chilled and relaxed festival as ever, with such great stewards, friendly security (who also cook!), brilliant live music again and the best festival folk around. If you want a no fuss, well organised, down-to-earth festival of around 500 people enjoying themselves you’d have to look no further than OutCider. Well done indeed to Kev, Mike, Jane and the rest of the team.

P.S. the composting toilets were a welcome addition to the site.

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