A Fat Pigeon review

A week ago, Audlem hosted one of the best day's music anywhere in the UK, set in amongst five days of top quality music, arts, theatre and exhibitions available in one visit to anywhere.

I may be biased, but I would support this with the fact that Audlem saw artists from Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Leeds, Exeter to name a few, mixed with local talent we know to be the best in their field.

VenuesLocal venues hosted Didgeridoo competitions at the Mill shop, Embroidery, Art, Photographic and the superb Audlem Lives exhibitions at the Methodist Church with opera from Fran Hughes and the freshest a cappella from In the Smoke.

St James' Church saw musical performances, the St James' School band, a cappella from the Village Quire and Loud Mouth Women, Itchy Feet stormed through Irish and folk numbers and Audlem Voices soared. They also hosted eco exhibitions, wildlife and RSPB displays.

The Coffee Lounge hosted their popular 'elevenses' with acoustic artists playing each day, Elly Kingdon, Simon Kemptston and Andrew Lobb, whilst the Legendary Blues Alley at the Old Priest house coffee shop hosted the likes of Jim Kirkpatrick, The Groove Merchants, Bee Face and Graig McFunkfish & the Battered Haddocks!

The Baptist Church held the superb Equilibrium Exhibition put on by ADAPT that also introduced the talented Andrew Lobb to the festival.

The Scout & Guide Hall is the music venue for intimate gigs which are hosted throughout the year. The Festival packed the venue for Back Row & Lowland Fling, the talented Poet Emma Pursehouse and the evergreen Classix with Alix whilst also hosting business as usual activities for the likes of Rebecca Burton's Palates classes.

The Public Hall aired the latest play from local playwright Colin Cliffe, the 5A's production of 'There's been a murder – (is anyone hurt?)' entertained a packed house, with superb reviews following. This was the only paying event of the weekend as it supports the Public Hall.

Wandering back in to the village centre you passed the Funfair and Carnival activities, the Fringe event at the Fat Pigeon with artists such as Alex Hulme and Poet Emma doing impromptu sessions over the weekend.

ShroppieThe Shroppie Fly entertained with music from the Folkwits, Whiskeyhead, Heavy Weather, Lost in the Mist, the ever popular Folk Session, Bob on Our Side and what has only been described by many many people who witnessed the duelling guitars of Jim Kirkpatrick and Dan Machin during Johnny Miller's All Star set as 'Awesome does not describe it' – 'a classic moment in time you'll never witness again'

BridgeOther top guitarists that appeared over the weekend, the likes of Dave Day, Steve Hayes and Lester hunt, James Harrison, Alex Hulme and top bands such as Akiva, Robin Pierce Band, House Party, the renowned Jazz Dawgs, Al Dean & Tom Seals, Found drowned and the amazingly masked USB's appeared at the Bridge Inn.

The Bridge also hosted the Audlem Action or Youth Showcase stage which provides an opportunity for new acts to introduce their talents, the likes of A.K.A. and The Misdemeanours performing.

CombermereThe Lord Combermere hosted the talented Jason Johnston all the way from Staley Vegas, local favourites the Duffey Boys, and the Foxy Wellingtons making their last appearance together as Universities beckon.

Congleton's Regroove set the tone for a great festival on the Friday evening, funk, soul Audlem! While Manchester's Modern Alarms rocked Saturday afternoon along with the very talented Douglas Firs.

As the United and anti-united football fans watched Barcelona win the Champions League final, City fan and regular festival favourite Darren Poyzer, along with Dee Mischka, Kevin Farrell and Fluff captivated a packed bar at the Lord C before the ever popular Twin Frets took the party in to the late hours.

Other Glastonbury favourites playing at the festival, the Boat Band, Steamhead and the Travelling Band mixed their eclectic sounds with The Dunwell Brothers Band and the Sound of the Sirens.

Local bands The Wash and Blue Cafe, the ever popular Sarah Miller and the Blue Phantoms, Jack Marshall, Mark Stevens, The Reads and Alive & KIcking all bringing the festival alive, and who could ignore the Live Band Karaoke.

PraiseYou could write a review of deservedly absolute praise on every one of these acts, and from what I witnessed, and heard from many, a party was had, and memories were made. Was this the best yet.........

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