Around the world in 367 days

This weekend was Trowbridge Festival weekend so a dozen or so of headed down to Wiltshire from various corners of the country for four days of Folk and Roots music. I have to admit, when I agreed to go to the festival I was thinking, Killers, Kaiser Chiefs et al and was a little apprehensive of just what was waiting for me. And yes, there was a fair share of cider swilling, long haired West Country folk but I still ended up having the best weekend!!

Folk doesn't need to mean lots of twiddly music and even when it does there was three tents and plenty on offer. Each day started leisurely with bacon sarnies off the camp stove and numerous cups of tea. Then about 2 or 3 we'd mosey down in small groups, programe in hand with an idea of the bands we wanted to see. A few trips to the Thai Curry stall, many trips to the bar and after watching a ton of top quality music we'd head back to the campsite some time in the early hours.

Weatherwise we were very lucky - especially after picking up the papers on Monday morning to hear of all the flooding around the country. It was very muddy but only really rained as we were packing up to leave.

I liked almost all the bands I saw. In particular, I really liked - Martha Tilston, Hothouse Flowers, Bellowheads, Jenna, Joe Brown and Eric Bibb although he apparently had too much stuff - some of which can be purchased on eBay... . They were all excellent live and really entertaining. I also really liked Oojami - a mix of Turkish and some sort of dance music with belly dancers that kept me up well after all the others had gone to bed - but I still had a lot of fun - until I fell over in the mud!! Overall though my favourite act would probably have to be Eric Bibb. The guys got a great voice and a lot of style but fought off some strong competition in Martha and the Bellowheads, a close second and third!

I'd still love to go to Glastonbury one year but have a feeling it might end up being the kind of thing you only do once. I could see me going back to this year after year and am looking forward to going again in 2009. There are a great mix of people of all ages and backgrounds. It's also really family friendly which helps to give it a really relaxed feel.

After a long weekend of no showering it was very of good of Jane to let us get cleaned up and have some lunch with her in Chippenham. Jane - hello, and see you again soon - PT!

Posted by Alexander on Monday, 23 July 2007 at 21:03 | Permalink