As we set off for Beat-Herder 2016, I found myself filled to the brim with the festival buzz that my life has been missing by the bucket loads these past few months.
We were all packed up and ready to go, music on, heading for my 5th Beat-Herder. Taking with me my partner whom I have wanted to show the magic of the Herd for many a moon, I could already feel it in my bones that this was going to a be special one.
Approaching the picturesque Ribble Valley farmland, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the beautiful Lancashire countryside all over again! A very special mention should be given to the extremely helpful stewards who greeted us when we reached a mammoth car park queue, legends! In today’s modern festival world, it has to be said you will struggle to find a group of staff that genuinely go out on a limb to help the festival goers.
Unfortunately, the rain hit us hard on Friday night but that didn’t dampen the spirits of anyone as the festival started off with a bang courtesy of veteran rockers James! Sad to see the loss of Beat-Herder’s famous Ferris Wheel, a tradition for many each year. In its place was a children’s ghost train ride, which at £4 was my only gripe of the festival.
Saturday was the winner for me, as always a highlight being the boys at the Bushrocker Hi-Fi stage who provided us with the best in roots reggae. Steve Thorpe played a blinder at the Stumblefunk stage, followed by an eclectic set by Emma Worrall. The Easy Star All Stars, my personal favourite act of the festival, provided quintessential Beat-Herder main stage vibes. Everyone had smiles on their faces and the clouds parted to give us some sunshine. Gentlemens Dub Club, Booka Shade and an exceptional performance from the ever so talented Beardyman left everyone wanting more, then it came, THE FIREWORKS! Glad to see that last years 10th Birthday firework celebrations weren’t a one off. Just when we thought the night couldn’t get any better, we trawled up to the electric Toil Trees and were greeted by the outstanding Justin Martin whom graced us with a flawless set of re-vamped house classics combined with driving, uplifting tech-house.
Beat-Herder not only provides us with a varied abundance of music, expect to also find a varied abundance of multi-cultural street food stalls, where many a satisfied customer wandered about looking for that replenishing answer to their unforgiving hangovers. The Wrap Shack’s chicken and chorizo wrap and Mango Rays chilli and mango chicken korma get special mention for best festival food I’ve ever had! Service with a smile!
Sunday was spent dipping in and out of the other stages which were unfortunately either too muddy, or too busy on previous days. The Maison D’Etre showcased the best in up and coming live bands. The Sunday service was in full swing at The Church with the vicar hammering out the beats whilst the congregation rejoiced by shaking their bootay’s! Anything goes when Krafty Kuts played the Fortress and the revellers loved it!
At the shire of Beat-Hearder you can chat to anyone and feel like you’ve known them for years, Beat-Herder’s heart are it’s people. The people who run the show aren’t in it for the money (programmes priced at a more than reasonable £2), they are just here for the good times and the music and for that we thank them! ROLL ON NEXT YEAR! HERD EM UP!
