Inspired Gathering 2024 Review

Its Friday, the sun is shining, and I am off for a chilled event near Northallerton on a lovely campsite. I have visited this campsite many times before, I bring myself here when I need a break from things. So, when an event takes place here, I take an interest, as it's another excuse to visit. Did I mention there is a stone circle? Well, there is.

Amongst surrounding fields, Sentry Circle stands high with views for miles around. Farmer Derek enlisted likeminded folk to help contrast a stone circle upon a high hill on site, and from here you can see into the distance. You can also catch the sunrise and sunset, and if you are lucky, like some people here on Saturday, a glimpse of the aurora borealis.

This weekend it is the turn of the 5th Inspired Gathering. This is a meeting of like-minded folk, many of whom, like me, have visited the site before to camp. This is a continuation of camping, with a sprinkling of music, workshops and handmade wares. This is my second trip to this event, and it has no plans to expand, keeping with the lovely cosy vibe. At a guess I would say there are about 200 people here, 10 toilets, 1 skip for rubbish and 1 water tap. I do not queue for a single thing all weekend, speaks volumes as some festivals try to cram as many people in as possible, sometimes to dangerous levels. This is the opposite of that spectrum... there are day tickets for sale but limited, and the field is not even half full. Its quite refreshing, giving that feeling of intimacy and space.

The music starts at 3.30pm on the Friday with Charlie Thomas, a man of electronic sounds and sounds like Nick Cave meets Lou Reed and Spaceman 3, playing guitar and synths simultaneously. The Alice Syndrome are next, playing psychedelic and space rock.  Unfortunately, I miss these two acts as I arrive after work but catch Analogue Blood bringing dance music to the stage. I personally think these guys should be on later in the day, but it may be up to them or noise levels, this isn't a loud event. Bubamara are "polka bandits" from Darlington whose music has a taste of the Mediterranean. Wakefield's Mental Block headline the Friday with reggae jams to ease sway everyone present. The stage is again adorned with amazing hand drawn artwork that jumps out under UV lighting.

Before the headline set, I take a walk up to the stone circle, to capture the sunset. I was a little early, but the view over the small site and surrounding land is always worth it. Afterwards its back down to sit around the large communal fire and listen to random jams from acts and punters alike. At an event like this, I would not be surprised if 75% of the people in attendance were musically talented in some way.

Saturday sees another scorching day. Many people are visiting the Dirty Little Dumplings tent for a range of quality food, which does indeed include dumplings, along with tacos, loaded fries, donburi bowls, gyros, Malaysian curry, mac and cheese and Indian tapas. None of these options were more than £9, making this, in today's festival pricings, a good deal. Across the arena you can get tea and coffee and cake, and the bar is found here too. There is also a campsite shop where you can get an ice cream and other bits. T shirts are for sale, again for a bargain £15, with some of the proceeds going to Yorkshire Air Ambulance. There is also a stand for the charity I'm George's Mate, a young person's mental health awareness charity. Walking around the stalls, there is a true mixture of handcrafted goods such as fairy houses, reggae dresses, painted wood art, stuffed toys, homemade tea, long cloaks, £3 clothes rails and Viking shields. You can also be healed by drums, have a massage and get a tattoo. The archery is not here this year, which happened last minute, but still the festival has chosen not to sell more day tickets to fill in the space. They want to keep it a small event, as it works so well.

The workshops on offer this year range from guided meditation, family acro (yoga), spoon carving, tassiography (tealeaf reading), and how to use colours everyday to show your aura. All workshops are free, another increasingly unusual find at a modern day festival. You can even get married or renew your vows here with Kingsland Ceremonies

Saturday's music is another eclectic mix. Caitlin Morrow wows with her sweet voice and beautiful tunes. Shell Turnbull plays wonderful pagan music and manages to do well despite the 33mph winds which have claimed my camping umbrella. They are also joined by a roaming dog on stage. There are dogs everywhere, my neighbours sadly have a dog who barks for a good hour at a time, but all in all dogs and owners are very well behaved. Talking of howling, Howlin' Matt is on next, a blues guitarist who is partial to slide guitar playing and stomping sounds. Another solo act follows with James Turner who plays folk music on guitar and harmonica.

There is the kind offer of free hair braiding by a group of children, and after I see the delights, they have added to farmer Derek's hair, I opt to pay them a visit for some colour and braids. I can see that many others take part in the fun too. The workshop tent also has some projections and comfy seats and most importantly shade, so its nice to be pampered.

Next are three acts that wowed last year and do again this year. Casey Birks delivers folk songs with strong guitar skills, and even unplugs to play in the field when a rogue loud buzzing disrupts his set. He is joined by Jon Coley to add some umpff. Nastee Chapel are a duo playing folk songs of medieval tales with historical stories interwoven, plus the sound of dancing clogs. As with last year, Birks, Coley and Nastee Chapel join forces to play a few songs which suit the glorious sunshine that hangs around all day.

The Shah-e-Marden-Group are next, a group of musicians from Sheffield and Bradford who perform qawwali music. Their uplifting vocals tones and drums wow the crowd, and a cute interaction with a dancing baby just makes it. Thatcher's Bush follow, playing roots and rock and roll music. It is at this time, just before headliners Flutatious close the Saturday with trance, folk, psychedelic and Celtic vibes, that I take another trek up to the stone circle. Many others are also up there, as the incoming sunset is beautiful.

Its another great night around the campfire, with people taking turns on the guitar. I head home early, as I have to leave tomorrow to be back for work. Sadly, I will miss another fine sunny day of workshops and music in the form of Horse, Brad Thompson, Dave Block, Jane Beacher, Loz Kelbrick, Lost State of Dan, Tom Thorne – Fumblehook, Cows lying Down and headliners Tribo do sol Band. If this day was anything like the last two days, and I have no doubt it was, then people were in for a treat.

I really think there need to be more festivals like this. Small, chilled gatherings with like-minded people where your kids are free to roam about, dogs are allowed, and people are just lovely all round. Prices are cheap at £75 (early bird even cheaper) and lots to do for free, in the most beautiful setting. I would encourage you to visit, but it won't be expanding so you have to get in there quick!

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