Ian's second day report

Such a great day, with even the weather playing a great backdrop to the whole festival. The Scout Hall saw Back Row and Forlorn hope play to a capacity audience on Saturday morning which speaks volumes to the variety of music this festival provides.

As the sun shone, the Buttermarket played host to the Compass String Quartet, a very talanted group of teenagers whose experience extends to the Manchester Camerata and whose talents were appreciated in Audlem.

Moving through the day. the exhibitions of textiles and photography at the Methodist Hall saw a steady number of people through the day, again with the Compass String Quartet and Take 4 Flautists providing an engaging performance. At the Coffee Lounge Nick Lundie played in the ambience of the courtyard setting, his own acoustic style with a great set.

New Bands StageThe Lord Combermere saw the first of the show case acts take to the outdoor stage, where Bassics played an outstanding opening set, these guys with Audlem's own Mark Jones (bassist in the Defense) had already played one gig in Nantwich with one in Crewe to follow. These new young bands work hard for their breaks!

Next up, the youngest band of the day in their early to middle teens – Foxy Wellingtons, again a strong Audlem influence, really entertained the growing crowd of festival goers. Next on stage Jack Marshall, no stranger to the Audlem music scene with a new band from Manchester, Plus Cafe, by the end becoming the awseome Paper Tiger! They provide a fantastic variation and style of music.

Jaguar Jones followed and this New Band showcase was living up to its reputation of introducing new talent on the music scene. It seems only yesterday it was in its fledgling state of a small stage outside the Methodist Hall, but it warrants the status it has gained. The crowd loving the whole scene, as the The Wash took to the stage as the final act of the Showcase. Saturday has rarely enjoyed the sun so much, never mind the music on offer.

Take 4 were due to play back at the Butter Market but due to the New Band Stage running slightly behind schedule, they found refuge in Blues Alley. What a treat that turned out to be – the sound was excellent, the audience appreciative as the music flowed.

Back at the Lord C, the music contrast roared out as Monkey Shoulder rocked to the stage, this awesome sound from a suberb threepiece band that had an excellent reception here in Audlem. Encores instantly rose from the audience which they rose to...and then left the stage in true rock god style with the instruments still screaming away.

The Party Goes OnHollow Floor, another Audlem Band, played out the final set on the outdoor stage, the sun still burning through before the duet of Michael & Val Warner started the party inside. Again an appreciative audience enjoyed the superb vocals and guitar. This was the prelude to the final act of the day at the Lord C, Twin Frets. After the previous evening of Poyzer & Fluff with Roydan Styles setting the standard, Vernon Fuller and Willie Fluss rose to the occassion. They engaged the crowd with their exciting blend of Soul, Jazz, Funk and Reggae in a seamless flow of guitar and vocals. No one wanted this to end but end it must with great memories for all.

Elsewhere around the village we had Chris Dumville at the Bridge followed by Diamond Geezer and the ever popular festival favourites Bob on our Side at the Shroppie Fly whilst the 5As put on the play The Public Hall in the Public Hall. Where else?

Only two more days to go.......

This article is from our news archive. As a result pictures or videos originally associated with it may have been removed and some of the content may no longer be accurate or relevant.