With seven stages, around 140 acts, the Family Area and Community Art what better way to spend a weekend with the world on your doorstep!
This year’s festival continued not only our tradition of bringing musical diversity from our local community but also introduced music and artists from around the world across the seven stages, as well as stimulating debate.
The Main Stage is the home of our world music acts, with music from across the globe. There was something new to discover at every turn; we had Raghu Dixit from India, Australia’s C W Stoneking, Cuban Ska Cubano, Congolese Kanda Bongo Man, Senegalese Kadialy Kouyate & UK based innovators Oi Va Voi and Jim Moray.
Sponsored by Gioteck
Featuring, in the main part, the softer side of the festival bands, this year our Saturday headliner was The Selecter featuring Pauline Black & Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson. Other performers included singer songwriters, country / blues, folk, latin, Americana, reggae, bhangra and a whole lot more.
The Highfield School Soul Band opened the stage on Sunday as part of our youth focus day.
Hosted by Gareth Lloyd from BBC 3 Counties, this stage showcased the best of our local unsigned acts along with a selection of acts from the national scene. With everything from indie, electro and hip hop to rock, metal and punk, all delivered with a big smile and bags of energy.
Early Sunday afternoon saw Herts Music Service take over the stage to showcase the best of the up and coming performers from our local schools. A chance to witness the stars of the future.
The Rev Michael Roden hosted the more contemplative side of the festival. With music ranging from folk, through classical, jazz and gospel to Central Asian traditional music and Eastern European folk. The Rhythms Conversation on Sunday brought us thought-provoking discussion.
We are indebted to St Mary’s Church for allowing us to use their pews and helping create a very special atmosphere.
Chris Ripple brought you another eclectic line up of poets, musicians and leftfield entertainment. You had the chance to sample something diverse and unique within the festival.
Icehouse Stage
This new performance space was housed in a 300 capacity marquee. On Saturday it hosted acoustic acts, magicians and comedy and on Sunday hosted youth performances covering music, dance and the arts.
Blunt Beats and their special guests returned with their chilled out tunes for you to relax to on the special grassy picnic space overlooking the whole festival site.
Our Family Area — with its nautical theme — offered parents and children the chance to take part in lots of exciting activities. You could have your face painted, learn about aerosol art and enjoy music, storytelling and entertainment.
A very friendly atmosphere, and the music was great
Powered by
