Redefest beats the elements to ensure revellers have a stomping good time
Published at 09:06, Monday, 13 August 2012
FORWARD planning by the organisers of Redefest meant the music festival was not ruined by the weekend’s deluge.
Anticipating bad weather, the festival committee had prepared an extra marquee for the music acts to move into if the heavens opened.
Right on cue, the rain came bucketing down during Welsh band Honey Fungus’s performance, but they were able to relocate and put on a barnstorming performance under cover.
Only festival closing act The Ska-Toons were unable to perform indoors, but the crowd responded well to the marquee music.
Festival chairman Jim Procter said: “If anything, it created a different, more intimate atmosphere and the bands, for instance Honey Fungus, said they much preferred playing indoors.
“They said they enjoyed being closer to the audience – and closer to the bar!
“We have learned how to improvise with these wet conditions we get in the summer, and we can’t let the rain stop us and prevent us enjoying the fun.”
This year’s Redefest got off to a flying start when Stocksfield Stompers opened in style to get the crowd going at an early stage.
Then followed a great display by Elsdon’s own Ribbon Road, while local singer Rach Lana’s performance was breathtaking.
Also proving a hit was dynamic duo Junksi and Edith Lucas.
Honey Fungus started their entertaining set outdoors before having to take it into the marquee.
Then, in a special performance for the crowd, Alex & the Wanderband were joined on stage by The Kentucky Cow Flytippers who had already impressed with a set in the open.
The quirky We Steal Flyers were also a big draw to ensure there was more than enough to cater for all musical tastes.
Mr Procter said: “I think the festival was a really good success and a lot of our regulars said that they enjoyed it more than any others.
“We aim to keep making it better year on year, so we will work hard on improving again next year.”
Nearly £1,000 was raised from the festival, and all proceeds will go to local organisations.
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk
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