And what a wonderful weekend we had! The weather was.....errr...mixed (pretty rainy with a glimpse of sunshine on Sunday) but that couldn't put us off, as we got stuck into mud, cider, food and music! The festival's roots are as a beer festival, and there were over 100 beers and 35 ciders to choose from, so we were well catered for, and the local food on offer was far superior to other festivals I've attended.
We went with my brother and his family, camped in the convenient family field and joined thousands of others to listen to music, eat and drink well, and generally chill out.
The festival is very good for families, with lots of things for children of all ages, from Bollywood dancing to drum workshops, movie making to talent shows, and a really safe and friendly feel to the whole affair - we were happy to let our 10 and 11 yr olds roam freely, knowing they'd be able to find us easily if necessary. Our plan was to secure a sofa (yes, a sofa...) for the family in the brilliant Arts Barge tent - a large marquee just like a living room, complete with sofas, standard lamps and a really homely feel. The fact that it had tea and cakes at one end, and bacon butties / curries at the other end of the tent was a real bonus - and to top it off, fantastic music from midday to midnight and beyond. We loved it, somewhere to relax, and a base for the festival.
That's not to say we didn't venture out and enjoy the other offerings though - the Firkin tent was home to great acoustic acts, whereas the 2 main stages hosted folk to punk, through rock and pop.
There was even a "G factor" talent contest for young people from 9 - 19 on the Satiurday, with the winner playing the Duke stage on Sunday. My older son was performing in this - both as a solo act and as part of a band, and loved it, even though he didn't win. What a chance, to perform at a festival aged 10!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWG-ZxVmFGU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdcX41OuO9o
My favourite act of the weekend was Martin Stephenson of the Daintees (apart from my son, of course!) - he did a brilliant acoustic set and had us all in fits of laughter with his ad libbing and random observations! Billy Bragg and Adam Ant were also true professionals, entertaining and drawing the crowds. Other highlights were the Arts Barge collaboration on main stage and in the Arts Barge Tent, and Sophie Mac doing an open mike session.
We'll definitely be back next year, in fact I'm booking my "early bird ticket" as we speak....
http://www.galtresfestival.org.uk/shop/products.cfm?ProductTypeID=220&Open=0
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