Cheers to all involved, it was a pleasure having you.
Hi all,
Sorry it's taken me this long to write this but I've been absolutely jangled from the festival!
HUGE thanks to all the acts who were involved in Darwen Live, the feedback we've had is amazing, I'm not blowing smoke when I say that the quality of the bands/performers this year seriously impressed me.
We don't normally do the Sat night but after the success of this year we will from now on, we got busier as the night went on which was a shame for the earlier performers but it didn't alter the fact that you were really enjoyable and impressive too. So thanks to Call Me Diva, Bright Shapes, New Antiques and Blackjacks - I'll definitely be in touch about future gigs.
Sunday was mental. Had so many people saying what a great day they had and there was hardly any bother from idiots which is always a definite bonus.
Great opener from Violet Hill, it's a nice way to start the festival giving a chance to a young band. Then Teri Birtwistle stepped into the 4PM spot with less than a days notice and couldn't have done a better job, lovely person and really talented.
Cassini Club went next up and certain problems aside, I'd def watch them again, loved the Blur cover of Girls & Boys, it keeps the crowd interested when you throw the odd cover into your original set and it is a mixed crowd not just there just to see you after all. The Right Lines chilled things out perfectly afterwards, they're only young but have kept improving loads this year, they would be very poplular in a lot of venues on here - very bookable.
I've run out of superlatives for India Mill, they're one of my favourite bands anywhere, they're the first band I want to book for it every year and I would happily pay to watch them.
The Vyne Madness were excellent in the potentially difficult 8PM spot, I had quite a few people asking me who they were, we're looking forward to getting them on again very soon. Andy Mack was very popular doing his Oasis set (then a two-hour singalong next door!) at 9PM and it's not easy preceding Cherrybomb who aren't just a top band but huge local favourites, but then it's probably even harder to follow them but The Last Gang In Town did a cracking job. They've played us for the last few years now and this was definitely the best I've heard them, they've really kicked on.
Special mention to Fatty & the Boom Booms who were still intending to play when they were down a drummer, but managed to sweet talk ex-drummer Lee into a cameo performance for us! Everybody loves a dance to these lads, they're a really fun party band and fair play they were on the beer from 2PM until after 1AM! I wish all my bands were as keen as you guys and wish all my customers were too!
I couldn't be there on the Monday but everybody was talking about Pete Presleys Raised on Rock, saying how fun it was, how we should've had you on the Sunday instead, etc! The Chain then closed a brilliant festival and we just want to add a massive thanks to CUE Music (and Campbell) without whom it wouldn't be possible for us to put on the event.
I'm sure all the bands would love some specific feedback so if any of you were there for any of it then feel free to add your comments.
Cheers x