Well it’s the day after the week-end before and time to write our glowing review of this year’s Deer Shed festival. The sun shone almost throughout, the atmosphere was cracking, one of the best week-ends of the year, surely? Rather than try to explain everything we saw or took part in I will leave the review the way I’d written it on my phone. So here goes…..

FRIDAY NIGHT:

White: Roxy Music on buck fast.

Eagulls: Like early Cure. 8:42 Friday night.

SATURDAY:

Declan McKenna: Main stage Saturday morning. Very Good.

Plastic Mermaids: Flaming Lips and Grandaddy fight it out in a hipster bar over who’s beard is the best. Immersed in lushness. Like the Sugarcubes with Bjork wailing over the top.

Cattle & Cane: Prefab Sprout. At least the 30th time I’ve seen them, Swoon, we certainly did.

Misty Millar: superb. PJ Harvey’s little sister.

Meilyr Jones: ex Race Horses infectiously excellent.

Steven James Adams ex lead singer of the Broken Family Band was very good in the Obelsik stage on Saturday tea time.

Steve Mason: Beta than most.

C Duncan: one in the eye for PJ.

Richard Hawley: best act of the day. His new album is superb and this headlining set did not disappoint.

SUNDAY:
“Sunday morning I’m waking up, can’t even focus on a coffee cup….”
One of my all time favourite Sunday morning tunes and very apt as we will be seeing Beth Orton later today. I haven’t seen her since the Central Reservation tour of 1997. Again, it’s gorgeous sunshine. This makes everything cool. Lying down in the Lodge stage again with cozy blankets and the best silk pillowcase ever, watching Steven James Adams. He says his set yesterday wasn’t very good as he was too hot!! So this mornings is gonna be fabulous as I thought he was excellent last night. And he doesn’t let us down. Quirky songs with wry lyrics makes for an enjoyable, relaxing Sunday morning. I always enjoy Sunday mornings at the Deer Shed. I do think it’s the best time of the whole festival.

Lanterns on the Lake: I’ve waited 4 years to see them. Enchanting despite the first taste of rain all week-end.

Ed Harcourt: He be a monster.

Dancing Years: “Here’s to my old friends. I miss them everyday…” As I was surrounded by old friends all week-end this beautiful song took on a life of its own. Friends who I only see at Deer Shed. Friends who I haven’t seen in years. A small tear was shed as this tune was aired. Maybe the weather, maybe the company, maybe the red wine….

Beth Orton: As the rain took hold and the wine and sun were taking their toll we decided to call it a day. With painted vinyl, tie-dyed t-shirts, henna tattoos and smiles as wide as the Dales we heard a little of her set as we set off home.

Another great week-end. I’m sure everyone who went will agree that the whole experience is magical. Of course the glorious weather makes a difference but it’s the whole atmosphere that makes people return year after year. If you’ve got kids and you fancy a festival then this is it. If you haven’t you’ll still love it. Looking forward to 2017 and Deer Shed 8 already.

Thanks to all the bands, staff and organisers for another great festival.

LINKS:

DEER SHED: http://deershedfestival.com/

By peter on July 25, 2016