The festival at Foxton Locks, 2014
Sunday 22nd June. ∏
The Foxton Locks festival is an event put on to raise funds for the Foxton Locks Inclined Plane Trust. ‘Inclined Plane’? I hear you cry! So I have put a link below if you really do want to find out what it is. A family day out with over 100 craft stalls, historic vehicles, real ale, food outlets that included a hog roast, pets corner, dog show, Saxon re-enactments and two stages of singers and musicians. A relaxed event that has, for the past two years at least, been blessed with really fine weather.
On stage today, singers Steve Faulkner, Daz Lynch, Stevie Jones, Kevin Hewick and plenty more and on the main stage Jonezy and a headline set by Formal Warning. Performances on the two stages (acoustic tent and main stage) alternated, so that as one stage finished, the next one started. With both stages being very close to each other the audience did not have to get up and run around. A very amiable atmosphere for people of all ages. Boy was it hot! One of the best days of this year, so far. The weather was good, the beer was good, the music was good.
On Saturday 21st, there were performances by Leicester band Ferris and a headline set by The Social Ignition, the eight-piece ska band from Hinckley. People told me how good they were. Also on the lineup Halfcut Theatre, John Fryer, Ian Lovell, Paddywax, Carlos Stein, Siobhan Mazzie and Dr. X. to name a few of them. Also playing yesterday Tilted Smile, Mia and The Moon and The Silver Threetles, who drew a big crowd.
Organiser (one of several) Bill Donohue said “Yesterday was a really good day for the festival with a big attendance, one of the best so far.” Record numbers on the gate adding to the coffers of the Trust.
Today, the festival also looked well attended. It was a pleasing family day out in the heart of the Leicestershire countryside. In the large site there was a great deal to do and see including a variety of stalls – even one where you could buy an Alpaca – not that many people would have wanted to go home with one but interesting nevertheless.
On the acoustics stage singer and songwriter Kevin Hewick put on a storming set of his own works; a much celebrated artist whose music has received considerable acclaim, especially following the release of his album The Heat of Molten Diamonds, Pink Box Records, 2013.
Stevie Jones was on stage in the acoustic tent with his band, to play some great songs for everyone.
Plenty of good music on both days brought a lot of people together to hear top-notch sounds provided mainly by local musicians and singers.
On the main stage, there was a wide variety of musical idioms to enjoy – rock, pop and hip-hop.
On the main stage, Leicester music artist Jonezy presented many of his hit tracks, including Mental, Monster and Stronger Now and his moving Letter to Dad. Jonezy is a hip-hop artist who wins people over who are not normally devotees of the genre but who appreciate music that is delivered with passion, energy and considerable commitment. Songs with impact and infectious rhythms combined with the positive vibes of the lyrics drew the attention of people of all ages and backgrounds.
Another local artist who is noted for his considerable achievements, Steve Faulkner entertained the crowd to a variety of covers and a couple of his own songs. His cover of Eminem’s Without Me, (163 million hits) was particularly likeable, its closely packed lyrics and fast-paced tune being admirably mastered by the multi-talented Mr.Faulkner.
Leicester band Formal Warning took to the main stage for another of their chart-topping sets of immediately pleasing dance tunes. One of Leicester’s long-established bands, FW has been delighting the musical fraternity of Leicester, The UK and Europe for a long time.
Today, a great pleasure to see them again, as always, with plenty of their established fans in front of the stage. Song after song had immediate impact, including their cover of Kasabian’s Club Foot, celebrating its performance yesterday by its authors on Victoria Park.
Read more about Formal Warning
Foxton Locks Festival 2014 on Facebook.
See also:
The Hinckley Music Festival, coming up on 11th to 12th July.
