Miscellaneous - Newton, Nottinghamshire, 25/7/2014...27/7/2014

  by Dave Goodwin

published: 9 / 8 / 2014

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Article

After the success of 2013's Deerstock Festival everything looked rosy for the future, but it wasn't long before things became suddenly very touch and go. There was a chance that the festival would not be able to continue. Due to a very small number of complaints about the noise, it was deemed by the powers-that-be that it could not be held on its regular site next to the Reindeer in East Bridgeford again, and its future became seriously in doubt. After a short break, organiser Jed Southgate set off across the Nottinghamshire countryside in search for a new location, and an unlikely venue was found on the Newton Cross Country site just outside Newton village. Deerstock 2014 had been born. Months of organising ensued, and the day finally came when a slow straggle of festival goers started to infiltrate the gorgeous surroundings as early as nine o'clock on the day before opening. From then on they came and they came in their hundreds. Within a day the site was full, and the huge posters strategically placed at the side of the main road bore the simple words "SOLD OUT" across them, and it was time to get the festival officially started. The Friday night was an easy, relaxed affair with both the main 'Antler Stage' and the smaller acoustic 'Deerstock Stage' taking it in turn to host its respective artists way past the sun going down. The whole festival kicked off on the Antler with young band Parasight followed by the first act on the acoustic stage, singer-songwriter Daniel Scott, who were like chalk and cheese in terms of genre. Cadets carried the Antler forward, before the party got fully under way with Nottingham band Stuck in Second who have their own brand of ska/reggae/calypso. Leo and the Seraphim were the penultimate band on the Antler Stage with lead singer Chris Macdonald revealing himself as an exuberant front-man. The night came to a close in great style with a great set from This Wicked Tongue, which saw various off-stage excursions from members of the band and guitar throwing in true rock and roll style. And so, rising from its sleepy start, Deerstock had returned to the rolling hills of the Trent Valley. The following morning was greeted by arguably the hottest temperatures of the festival. It was blisteringly hot. The vibe and atmosphere dancing around the arena was evident way before the first band came on. The site, just a tad bigger than last year, was spotless from the night before, due to the festivals "leave only footprints" philosophy, and was ripe for the sun spoilt revellers to get started again. And they did. Kicking the Saturday show off were 94 Gunships on the Antler who made quite a mark with an indie-styled set to remember, before making way for Cannock's rising talents the Shanklins. The lads from the West Midlands, who are tipped to go far after working with musician Tony 'Doggen' Foster of Spiritualized fame, eased through a set of original self-written tracks and left a lasting impression on the now warmed-up crowd. Becoming larger in size all the time, the audience became even more animated just minutes later. Deerstock's own K T Ana produced a sublime solo set on the acoustic stage, and this was followed by a fine half hour by the Swiines. Lois then hit the stage like a steam train. The four-piece appeared at the last Deerstock and showed signs then of what they came here to do this time. In just over half an hour, they had the crowd shouting for more with a series of self-penned tracks taken from their debut album, 'The Polperro Horse Bus Company'. The difference from last year's set was apparent, and this was made even more evident when Jed Southgate plonked himself down at the side of me and, smiling, said, "Shit! These have come on haven't they?". After blazing through favourites 'Monkey Girl', Jeanie, 'Don't Leave Me Ruined' and the brilliant 'Who Can Help You Now?', Lois had returned to the Trent Valley too in some style. A series of great bands followed of which I thought the Bedroom Hour were particularly outstanding, until we got to the Saturday headliners the Doggen All Star Band. Doggen himself excelled on guitar, with Kev from Spiritualized on drums and Simon Taylor from the Avengers on lead for a while until the brilliant Roy Foster took over until the end. Track after track of rock covers including various Who classics were powerhoused out into the Trent Valley sky, and the Deerstockers were in festival heaven once again. A lot of the revellers took their good moods to their respective abodes for the weekend to enjoy more liquid refreshment, while others took themselves off to the Stage in the Glade where artists from the three days took it in turns to entertain everybody with solo acoustic sets on into the early hours. One more delight to speak of on the Saturday was the welcome appearance of Roy Bond, magician extraordinaire, on his first visit to the festival. I caught up with him for a few sessions as he entertained audience members, and he blew me away with his close-up wickedness that had everyone checking their rings and watches as he meandered through the astonished party goers. It was pure magic. Sunday woke up with yet more glorious sunshine, and after a great set from local lads Hardback Fiction it was time for one of the highlights of the Festival. Although on a little too early in the day, Luxury Stranger made their first appearance at Deerstock, and stunned the crowd with a superb set including 'Wash', 'Nothing Holy', 'Diver' and 'Side of the Road'. The band were signed to a big label once, and their class and tightness was evident straight from the off with Simon York using loops to full effect and driving the sound out into the audience who showed its appreciation afterwards with a standing ovation. Mia and the Moon played a classy on the acoustic stage straight afterwards and they also had a great half hour, although again they were on a little too early. The ever popular Def Digby from Watford came on with their own brand of reggae rock getting the dancers into gear, with Dave and son Jacob in fine fettle for their third time out here at Deerstock. One of last year's favourites Lee Gough wowed on the acoustic, before we were treated to a great half hour of fuzzed-out rock from Blackballed and the whole weekend was then brought to a close by Ferocious Dog. All in all, this was a wonderful step forward for the organisers. The camping facilities were good with a great little area for tenters and camper vans alike. Food and beer was easily accessible, and the alternate swap over from acoustic to main stages meant that there was constant music from start to finish on all three days. There was not one bit of trouble, and the addition of the Stage in the Glade which continued into the early hours of each day made this a totally different Deerstock to last year's festival. We've seen the growth of the smaller festival over the last few years with various organisations trying their hand at this kind of thing. They want to take a look at what has been done and achieved here. Last year's Deerstock was close to pocketing the Best Small Festival Award but narrowly missed out. This year I wouldn't be surprised if they don't run away with it, after announcing that over £13,000 was raised for various charities. Marvellous!

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