Posted by Christopher Friedenthal 08 May 2011
Festival patron Seth Lakeman delivered an energetic but somewhat predictable set, predominately choosing classic material from his third and forth albums over tracks from his latest release Hearts and Minds. Back performing with his band (minus Bellowhead’s Benji Kirkpatrick) he still proved an audience favourite, getting the entire hall standing within seconds of starting his set.
Local lad Jim Moray was to be seen in the Colston Hall environs all weekend in various guises - Morris dancer, Silent Disco DJ, and partaking in late night sessions in the bar all on top of his Main Stage performance. Performing solo, he took the opportunity to showcase various new tracks alongside older material, including Lemady, which was a personal highlight. It was a shame, however, that new single ’Big Love’ didn’t make the set list.
What can one write about Show of Hands that hasn’t already been said? Their unique combination of thought-provoking lyrics and a well honed eye for a big chorus never fail to get the crowd exercised. They opened with an older song, “Is there anything left in England that’s not for sale” which recent events prove to be relevant still.
Today was a special day though, being frontman Steve Knightley’s birthday and he was treated to two renditions of Happy Birthday. One delightfully doom-laden from Phil Beer and one from the two Jims when he rushed over after his set to catch the last few songs at the silent disco.
Headlining the third day of the resurrected festival were the force of nature that is Bellowhead. They rolled out a fitting set of road-honed high-energy classics interspersed with well-placed slower numbers to give the audience a few precious moments to recover.
Never one to stand still, we also get a couple of fresh arrangements and the beautiful new opening to old favourite Across the Line surprised and delighted in equal measure. They put their all in to it, with Benji Kirkpatrick making more than one spectacular stage jump and Justin Thurgur executing an unplanned tumble backwards over a stage light.
As a spectacular rain of confetti left an inch thick layer on the stage, Frogs Legs & Dragon’s Teeth drew the festival to a fitting end, robbing the crowd of the last ounces of energy. The crowd left, tired, happy, and covered in bits of silver paper.
With an unbeatable line-up, there was no way to not enjoy Bristol Folk Festival, and the many side acts and workshops were an added extra. It was a shame, however, that the main stage venue was seated for most of the weekend, as it definitely hampered some of the more energetic acts and both headliners on Friday and Saturday.
It’s been 32 years since the last Bristol Folk Festival and if there was any remaining doubts whether the city needed such a festival, these were put to rest over the weekend. Nearing capacity every day, the smiles of the audience members leaving the venue each night spoke volumes as to the success of the three day indoor festival.
Roll on next year!
Review by Mary Stokes and Christopher Friedenthal
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