Hay bales, guitars and British brut were in the mix as over 1000 people took to the grounds of the hotel to enjoy fine local fayre and live entertainment, with uninterrupted sunshine – and views - throughout the afternoon.
From the children’s face-painting area to Chase Distillery’s popular drinks’ stall, the festival saw visitors old and young soak up the ambience and enjoy the melodic music on both the main and acoustic stages.
Acclaimed indie trio, Wildwood Kin, opened the event with their stunning arrangements and effortless harmonies, accompanying themselves on a range of acoustic instruments.
Next up was four-piece ISLAND, an off-beat alternative band from London, who entertained the crowds with their unique, melodic sound. The boys’ summer is jam-packed with festival gigs and they are set to headline some of the city’s best-known venues, including the Scala.
Jonny Phillips opened the acoustic stage, serenading the audience with his surf-acoustic vibes. With a sound similar to Newton Faulkner and John Butler Trio, Jonny mixed the genres and relaxed the crowd with his soulful voice.
Freddie and the Freeloaders stormed onto the main stage next, upping the tempo with their unique take on classic soul and motown. The band had the audience on their feet, dancing to golden hits such as Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered.
Mudeford-based duo Coast took to the acoustic stage with their mix of original material and modernised classics. Their dulcet tones were a hit with the crowds who were enjoying the three o’clock sunshine on the hay bales.
Johhny Lloyd, whose latest track was produced by Jamie T at his studio in Hoxton and has worked with well-known names such as The Maccabees in the past, performed next on the main stage. He charmed the crowds with his raw and honest indie sound.
The penultimate act of the day, Lauran Hibberd, who draws influence from artists such as Laura Marling and Lucy Rose, took over the acoustic stage with her ethereal vocal and delicate guitar. It has been an exciting year for Lauran; she played the Isle of Wight festival last month and will be playing the main stage at this year’s Bestival.
Headliners, Stornoway, were the stars of the day, wowing the audience with their immaculate folk sound. The band lived up to the hype and their critically-acclaimed tunes entertained both young and old, providing the perfect close to the festival.
Throughout the day we offered a delicious range of local food and drinks, from the Big Green Egg’s BBQ venison burgers and pulled pork brioche buns, to the Airstream’s hot-dogs and our legendary wood-fired pizzas. For the sweeter tooth, we had classic English cakes, brownies and old-school ice creams. Visitors were strewn across picnic blankets and hay bales, indulging in the fayre and soaking in the atmosphere.
Koumis and Kettle’s pop-up clothing stall, the lovechild of a mother and daughter, sold unique pieces of clothing and accessories which they had collected on their travels across the world. From their humble beginnings in Winchester, K&K has grown into a popular enterprise, connecting people and communities through ethical and beautiful garments.
A perfect Sunday was had by all. If you missed out on tickets this time, visit Smoked and Uncut to find out about our upcoming festivals and intimate unplugged sessions.
