Simon Says successfully seeks out and showcases musical talent from in and around Leicester

Simon Says 2016

Saturday 23rd to Sunday 24th July 2016
De Montfort Hall, Granville Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 7RU, England MAP
£30 for the weekend

Despite being a local event, an annoying clash with Womad on the same weekend has kept me away from the first three Simon Says festivals in Leicester, so I was pleased to see the two events split a weekend apart in 2016 and to finally get a chance to go and sample the good things on offer on my doorstep.

Held in and around the De Montfort Hall and gardens, it could be said that Simon Says came out of the ashes of the much loved Summer Sundae Weekender that prevailed for ten good years before ceasing to be in 2012, and for sure many elements that made SSW such an enjoyable festival have been retained for the smaller scale Simon Says. The two-day event is organised in partnership with local independent music venues (The Donkey, The Musician and Firebug along with De Montfort Hall) who put together a program of mostly local talent, with a sprinkling of out-of-towners, across four stages - all for a mere £30 entry fee for the weekend (or £20/day).

Pleasingly there's an open air stage in the usual spot at the bottom of the neatly sloping lawns with set times here alternating with acts on the nearby Marquee Stage at the top of the hill and acts inside the hall allowing for maximum band-cramming if you're so inclined. The main outside area is also home to a 'well programmed' real ale and cider bar stocked by the Rutland-based Grainstone Brewery - reasonably priced too with ale at £3.50 a pint (and got even more reasonable on Sunday). On the opposite side of the field is a Kids area with workshops and story-telling, and tucked away in a small garden on the other side of the hall is the fourth music stage, the Bandstand, which plays host to an array of acoustic acts.

Roger Wilson and Chris Parkinson: Simon Says 2016

When the sun is shining the pleasant surroundings of the Outdoor Stage is a firm favourite, and it's a wrench at times to pick up thy picnic blanket and walk and instead just lie back and soak up the summery vibe. Still, even at a relaxed pace I manage to catch 12 acts on day one which would be a high score at most festivals. And there was plenty of quality too - personal highlights spanned across the Leicester music scene and ages with polished performances from veterans Diesel Park West, The Moonlights, an upstanding finale from ska stalwarts Kingsize, to great sets from newer contenders; The Brandy Thieves, Ash Mammal, and the newer still James Cherry. As the crowds disperse into town or taxis we reflect that the first day was well worth the price of entry alone.

Goldwater: Simon Says 2016

Day 2 starts late for me and I'm disappointed to arrive back at De Montfort Hall too late to catch the 'Let's Play Bowie' tribute session which for many was a highlight of the day with various band members (and festival organisers) taking to the indoor stage to perform a Bowie classic. Outside on the open air stage, Out Of Karma fail to live up to their name by radiating chilled reggae positivity, easing me back into the festival spirit before it's time to head back inside the hall for a more visceral shot in the arm supplied by the psychedelic blues-rock of Goldwater, and one of the most engaging frontman around. If you've never been lambasted from on high by flamboyant Goldwater frontman Grant you're missing out. Heading back outside slightly dazed I fear I've finally gone deaf as the gospel choir performing on the outdoor stage is totally inaudible from a distance, but they simply aren't mic'ed up, and then I remember the traditional Sunday evening quiet spell in respect of the local church service...

The variety of musical fare on offer continues on with trad Irish folk music from Roger Wilson and Chris Parkinson while Uptown Ska Collective supply more danceable sounds in the hall. Finally, non-local legends The Wonder Stuff prove a great booking to bring the weekend to a close, garnering much applause from a happy audience.

The Wonder Stuff: Simon Says 2016

Simon Says is a great effort to seek out and showcase musical talent from in and around Leicester (insert another 'punching above our weight' refrain here) in a great urban location and top value for money - congrats to all the organisers and contributors who come together to make it happen. Nothing's been confirmed for 2017 at this point, apart from expressions of willingness to do it all again - watch this space.

review by: Phil Bull

photos by: Phil Bull