Just got back from one of my first ever festival sets... A little tired, a little sunburnt but very content with playing somewhere new to some lovely new faces! 

For one reason and another, it'd been a bit of a rollercoaster week so by the Saturday I was more than ready for a bit of festival fun! I'd been asked to play by two wonderful people - Keren & Francis Hayden who run the amaaazing Nunney Acoustic Cafe nr. Frome. Today they were on tour at Calnefest with their own tent/stage and yummy homemade food outlet. The layout of the festival was such that the sound being produced by the young, hard rock bands on the main stage drifted through the flaps of the Acoustic Cafe tent and made for some interesting juxtapositions of sound! Nonetheless, each artist had an appreciative audience who were able to enjoy the more folk/acoustic acts of the day whilst feasting on the finest homemade curry, cakes and quiches and supping on local ciders and ales! I followed a great folk band 'Bateleurs' and the wonderful young songstress Lauren Castle. 

Hopefully I came across well; having to battle over the other noise at times meant I was being a bit more forceful in my delivery but people were still listening and clapping and smiling so I reckon it must've been palatable!! It was really nice to catch up with some of the audience afterwards who shared kind words and stories, and I was then free to fill up on some more of Keren's amazing culinary creations and watch the mega talented Beth Monk rock the house (well, field.... well OK, tent in a field)... Any free slots for next year Keren?!

Photo credit: Rod Scarth Photography

Just got back from a flimmin' lush weekend celebrating the wedding of our very good friends Lindsey and Rich.

It was a day for business and pleasure though, as I was required for musical services both before/during the ceremony and for an evening set! It was an honour to be asked to play during the ceremony, especially to be involved at so many key points; both aisle walks, two solo songs (one with my wife) and during the signing of the register. The acoustics of the beautiful church made the task all the more pleasurable as the sound carried around fantastically, suiting the delicate songs the bride and groom had chosen. I hopefully did a good job, it felt like I had brought my A-Game and hopefully did them proud!

The evening set began in the same vein, mixing up a few modern and classic love songs to add some musical background to people's evening. All focus and attention was gained when it was time for the newlywed's first dance; Newton Faulkner's 'If This Is It', which I played in a more stripped back slower style to suit the slow dance the couple wanted to do. Once they had received their applause I hit em straight between the ears with a few dancier numbers which brought feet to the floor and voices raised in song before the playlist of evening music began and I could 'clock off'! I was then able to enjoy my first pint of the evening (around 9:30pm) to celebrate my birthday!!

The whole day flowed so nicely, with friends and family, old and new mingling, meeting and catching up with not a word wasted. There were too many wonderful aspects to the day, I can't list them all but I think most people would safely say that they didn't want the day to end. Sadly it did but the memories, for me at least, will last long into the years. Congratulations you lovely beards!!

Photo credit: Sally Waldegrave