Great entertainment at music festival for FORCE

Thanks to everyone involved in the annual Wood(Bury)stock weekend of blues, roots and folk music.

The two-day music festival at the Maltsters Arms in Woodbury has raised £1,200 for FORCE.

The event was organised by Steve Jessop, bass player with headline act The Sensational Travelling Bluesburys, and his team of helpers.

“We are chuffed with what a great couple of days it was and just how stunning the quality of the music was in all three sessions. Well done to all the performers,” said Steve.

Friday night kicked off with Bicton Street Blues in fine form followed by the inimitable Hooper & Mills.

The Sugar Shakers played a storming set, bringing a touch of Canvey Island with their strong repertoire of Dr. Feelgood numbers among others.

How do you follow that? Junkyard Angels did admirably. Closing the evening with their strong and varied American blues set.

Saturday afternoon brought the promise of showers but it was decided to go ahead outside anyway. Gareth Hedges started with his entertaining repertoire of ragtime and country blues. Far From The Delta in their busking mode came next, notable for their remarkably effective drum kit of kitchen implements.

It was lovely to see and hear Woodbury Community Choir and nice to have some home grown entertainment. Dick Graham entertained us with traditional blues/folk songs and rounding up the garden session was Josie Lloyd, who recently played Exmouth Festival.

On Saturday evening The Session Band delivered blues and pop and provided the only sighting of a ukulele in proceedings.

The Low a Notes took us back to the sixties with their mixture of Humble Pie and Doors numbers. Full-of-life Doctors Orders made their third appearance at the festival and were their usual exuberant selves.

Bad Knees Blues Band gave a very solid performance as only a band of their experience and quality can before The Sensational Travelling Bluesburys rounded up the evening.

“Such is the interest in this small festival now that we are booking bands for next year already,” said Steve. “All in all, two great days of entertainment and a useful donation to a worthwhile cause.”