Septemberfest had some teething problems as would be expected from any new event.
On first glance, it could appear to have been a shambles. From reports of the Friday and Saturday, people were going home, stall holders were packing up, and bands were cancelling.
I still wanted a day out, though. So myself and my plus one took ourselves on a little adventure to Donnington Race Park to see for ourselves on Sunday, the final day. The reports were right, the field was close to empty. A lone convenience store van, a pizza van (very nice pizza) and a curry van. A few groups of people dotted about, and a line of about eight at the fence in the circle.
It’s worth pointing out that we’d already had a beer, or two, en route to the festival, so we were in good spirits and decided we were going to have a good day and night no matter what. So..To the beer tent!
There was only one beer tent, the one that had been originally reserved for us very important people. However, not once did I have to queue, or wait, to be served. The staff were happy to see us. They confirmed it had been a quiet weekend but that everybody had been having a good time, and, like us, been doing their best to make the most of it.
Being such a small “crowd” really made it so much more of an intimate experience. The performers all still gave it their all, again, making the best of it. Notably a family band by the name of The Lost Boys UK, smashing out legendary rock songs including AC DC’s Thunderstruck, with the youngest, 10yr old Alex, knee sliding, heel kicking, head banging, and shredding for the entirety of the set.
A bit of nostalgic Nineties from 911 and East 17, both bands proving they can still bust a groove or two.
The highlight of the whole day, for me, was 5ive. I’ve been a massive fan of theirs since they first formed. Opening up with We Will Rock You, one of their lesser known (unless you’re me and know the words because that’s what the CD inner sleeves were for) songs and playing all of their other classics (because that’s what they are, classics) Got the Feelin’, Keep on Movin’, If Ya Getting’ Down, and Everybody Get Up (Obviously sounded hip enough already to not have to drop a letter). Everybody did get up, and we did keep on movin’. My throat was sore from all the fanboying I did.
The day ended, and I got a lift home, from some lovely new friends we met, in a VW Camper. Couldn’t really get more festival than that, right?
I’m sure they’ll be back next year and grow on any feedback they get. Maybe a bit more promotion. Selfishly, I liked it the way it was.
By Johnny Banks
