SFTW: Holt Music Festival (From Wiltshire Times)

SFTW: Holt Music Festival

2:03pm Wednesday 31st May 2006 in My Wiltshire Life

WITH something for all ages, the Holt Music Festival on Saturday June 3 is not just a day for music lovers.

The event is split into afternoon and evening sessions and as well as live music there is a wide range of entertainment including fairground rides, bouncy castles and tractor rides.

There are puppet shows for the children as well as entertainment from visiting magician Mr Jengo, while the adults can take advantage of the licensed bar. There are also traditional stalls, a tea tent and hot food available. It is music that is the pinnacle of the day, however, with acts from across the country and the world providing fantastic live entertainment.

The live performances kick off at 1.30pm with the traditional Holt Morris dancers, who this year are joined by their friends Hips and Haws Clog, Berkshire Bedlams and Alton Morris.

The live music takes place on the stage inside the large music marquee. The first band on at 2.30pm is Cause for Concern, a five-piece melodic rock band which plays covers and original songs.

Next up at 3.30pm is Bath street entertainer Steve Robinson, whose acoustic set covers a range of artists including The Beatles, Bob Marley and Crowded House. At 4.45pm Minnesota-born Kent Duchaine, pictured far right, is due to take to the stage with his stunning guitar playing, powerful vocals and stories about his life among the Blues Greats.

After this the musicians take a break, before the start of the evening session which is a chance to get on the dancefloor. This starts at 7.30pm with Dave Can't Dance, pictured above, who specialise in contemporary reworkings of disco funk classics.

They are followed at 8.45pm by Darkwater, an alternative acoustic duo from South Devon with an eclectic mix of upbeat and quirky tracks. The evening ends with Howling at the Moon, pictured left, who are due on stage at 9.45pm and will be providing music to dance to until the early hours.

The festival has grown over the last 12 years from its humble beginnings, when organisers decided to concentrate on a music festival rather than the traditional summer fete. Up to 700 people usually attend the event and organisers from the Holt Village Hall Trustees said they were expecting it to be just as popular this year.

FACT FILE

• Holt is on the B3107 between Melksham and Bradford on Avon. The playing fields are in the centre of the village.
• Musical entertainment starts at 1.30pm for the afternoon session. The evening session starts at 7.30pm. Hot food is available as well as a licensed bar.
• Prices: Adults, afternoon and evening £12, evening only £10, afternoon only £3.50, accompanied children under 14 free. Details from (01225) 782357.