Kate Scott recommends the Quarry Music Festival, Hovingham York …
British summers may not always bring the best weather but they definitely bring a huge variety of festival fun with some amazing local talents, local food and my personal favourite good old local ales!
A few months ago I went to a live gig at The Broadway in Beeston to see a covers band called Lost Truth. Funky, soulful with talented vocals and a friendly vibe it was the best live act I’ve seen in a long time. When I heard they would be playing with their original band The Freewheel at a small festival in Hovingham near York this July I was eager to find out more about it.
Last year was the first year Quarry Music festival took place and according to everyone I’ve met who attended it was an amazing weekend! Although set in an old quarry “the site is crammed with lovely lush green trees, shrubbery and a few rabbits in the North Yorkshire moors.”
This year I contacted organiser Jonny Stringer to find out more about what’s happening in Hovingham this July.
If you could describe Quarry festival in 3 words what would they be?
Funky, laidback and fun.
So what can campers expect from this weekend?
Quirky fairy-tale surroundings
Is the festival child friendly?
We love kids! Swings in trees and exploring nooks and crannies are all on offer.
What kind of food and refreshments are on offer?
Home style fares, locally supplied organic foods, handmade burgers and sausages, jerk chicken, veggie nibbles, award winning beers, fresh juices, tea and cakes with a sprinkle of love.
What makes this festival different to other festivals?
It’s run and shared by everyone who comes. They make the atmosphere friendly and safe.
What are your best memories from last year’s festival?
Everyone coming together around the two big fires after the bands had finished, meeting and making new friends and finally getting to have a beer!
What do you enjoy most about running Quarry Festival?
Bringing people together, supporting new bands and having fun for the hell of it!
How do you plan around the great British Weather?
We pray!
The entertainment line-up is looking pretty tasty with DJ’s Rob Hill playing on Friday night and Jim Lawlor on the Saturday.
Quarry festivals search for local talent seems to have paid off with a variety of bands ready and waiting to entertain festival goers over the weekend.
Pontefract band Glass Caves (who recently debuted on Radio 1 in April) and York’s home-grown talent King No One will be bringing us some alternative rock and original Indie sounds.
Treason Kings from Leeds will be playing blues inspired rock and trio Freight will be funking up the atmosphere with some electronica free jazz.
Yorkshire music lovers The Freewheel will be playing a mixture of folk and twisted funk while Brothers of String will be bringing the bluegrass vibes to the weekend.
I’ve also heard a little whisper that there will be some smaller tents playing a mix up of funk, jazz, soul and house music!
Tickets are surprisingly cheap for what is on offer. It costs £50 for a family ticket which includes free parking and camping from Friday to Sunday. Single adult tickets cost £25 for the whole weekend or you can buy Saturday tickets for £15. More details on the line ups, how to purchase tickets and directions to the site are available at www.quarryfestival.co.uk
With this rare British heat wave under way I am really excited about Quarry festival. Now it’s time to go and dig out the tents and sleeping bags and prepare myself for the invasion of the BBQ and Beer Tent…