THE Village Pump Folk Festival proved once again why so many people flock to Westbury to celebrate the best in folk, roots and acoustic music.
Despite heavy downpours on the first day of the three-day festival, music fans were not deterred and spirits were high as the line up offered a whole host of musical talent for people of all ages to enjoy.
Clive Woodland, the press officer, said, “It was absolutely brilliant and everyone seemed to be very happy, despite the weather. So many people kept telling us that it was the most friendly festival they’ve ever been to. The musicians also said that the stage team were the best they’d ever worked with.”
Artistic director Abi Dicks told White Horse News, “It was a fantastic weekend with so many highlights. There were moments where impromptu performances kept popping up all around the festival, which is just great and everyone loved them.
“There was also a ‘make shift’ band that was put together because of a last minute cancellation. They went down a storm with the crowd. Those are the moments that you will remember because they are so random and spontaneous, but brilliant.
“Coco and The Butterfields were fantastic and Barbara Dickson had an amazing reaction. Also, Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick had a huge response from the crowd. You couldn’t fit anyone else in there, it was packed out. The crowd loved them and when they finished their set, they received a standing ovation.
“Every year, the festival gets better and better. We have a fantastic team of volunteers so a huge thank you goes out to them. They work so hard and are passionate. Once again, they have raised the bar!
“Now the team will reflect back on the festival and get feedback about what people thought. Then we start planning next year’s Village Pump Folk Festival with the aim of improving it again!”
