As a feat of festival engineering, grassroots event Live at the Queens Fest was a remarkable achievement. Curated and coordinated by Alex Verda of Metalines Promotions, the festival brought together an all-day line up from across the local area and further afield, for a day that defied the weather and brought music lovers together.
First up was Scarborough’s Jack Robertson, bringing his charming and thoughtful Dylanesque songs to the stage. Giving a warm performance to ease the early attendees in to the day, the sun was shining at this point and the folk guitar and gravelly vocals amidst the August heat were a sizzling combination. His set included a number of tracks from his debut album, Danube Blues, including Golden Penny, A Promise and Prisoner.
[Photos: Kath Dunn-Mines]
Jack’s set was followed by Smoking in a Room – melodic goth with a Tori Amos vibe from singer Anna. The vocal resonance and tone were beautiful; songs were tinged with sad or difficult themes but delivered with grace in an ethereal and beguiling set, with a warm response from the early crowd.
[Photos: Ebony Kelly]
Lights Out broke this reviewer’s heart a little, before brightening my day; they announced this would be their last gig as a band for the foreseeable future, albeit no dramas here, simply young drummer Joe setting off for University; Emily and Charlie will continue as a duo for the time being. They played a number of their originals including Monster, Senses, and The Folk Song; but having chatted backstage and mentioned how much I loved their cover of Talking Heads Psycho Killer, I was thrilled when they decided to give it one last airing.
[Photos: Ebony Kelly]
Tymisha and her band delivered delightful indie pop in the gorgeous manner that Tymisha fans know and admire. Gentle yet strong vocals and poetic lyrics infused the atmosphere in the extensive and charming beer garden at the Queens, combining into a visual and aural treat for all gathered.
[Photos: Ebony Kelly]
January Jam took to the stage like they were all born to it; this amazing four-piece charmed their way through Dead Already, Werebadger, Hold on to Green and more with their trademark playfulness, harmonies and moves. A vintage rock vibe with freshness and fun is always in the jar when this lot play. Hard to believe they haven’t even been together for a year yet.
[Photos: Ebony Kelly]
Bridlington’s own Don’t Fret the Poet first had to send in a competitor for Rock, Paper, Scissors, as host Jack Marriner brought the game to the stage; bassist Lee won the privilege of introducing the band. In good fettle all round, the indie fun was felt with this four piece; regular Folk Night host Fin Hines’ vocals are sensational and belie his years.
[Photos: Ebony Kelly]
Scarborough’s Reverie, whose dreamlike delights are plentiful, took to the stage in the late afternoon haze. Though they omitted my favourite track, Lighthouse, for this set (heartbreak, I tell you…) they were more than forgiven as they proved that their catalogue has many more treasures to offer. They bopped and popped their way through a juicy set, complete with lemon shakers, and brought smiles to many a face.
[Photos: Ebony Kelly]
[Photos: Victoria Smith]
BLEACH brought grungey post-rock goodness and ethereal potency, a perfect partnership with the drawing dusk. It was easy to see why they had graced the Humber Street Sesh recently and were due to play a BBC Introducing Set at Hull’s Wrecking Ball. A great set of post-rock pleasures.
[Photos: Victoria Smith]
More fruit came our way courtesy of Cherry Fuzz Club, who can only be described as utterly wild in all the best ways. Whilst some stage injuries where suffered by the band in the midst of anarchic revelry, it felt like this was just par for the course for them. Their energy was electrifying and the fast, frenetic overtures meant the festival evening had kicked up a notch as the twilight descended, even though somewhere along the way, the rain had set in.
[Photos: Victoria Smith]
Follow Deep thundered through a litany of anthemic rock songs with verve; the energy never dropping. Recent release Supervillain was particular fun. With night now fallen, there was no doubt that the evening still had much to offer and this Hull-Brid four-piece brought the necessary noise, even as the rain made umbrellas and waterproof jackets emerge.
[Photos: Victoria Smith]
The audience were, if anything, even more determined to stick it out and enjoy the proceedings despite the rain, and host Jack was an absolute legend as he vociferously ignited enthusiasm, making light of the rain and rekindling any dwindling, damp spirits. Credit to Jack for the fact he fully participated in this festival; as a host it would have been easy to hide away backstage at any point in the day, and particularly to seek shelter in the rain, but he was present and attentive throughout, embracing the festival and the music. It played a huge part of the overall vibe and enjoyment of the day; much respect is due.
[Photos: Ebony Kelly / Victoria Smith]
Excitement was palpable as the penultimate act took to the stage, a homecoming swell for Beth Pilling and the Bootleggers as they stomped and romped through a belting set. Embracing the wet look, the band’s banter blended with bold tunes and a fiery performance. An absolute belter of a set, 10/10, no notes… They are launching their new single, The Cure, at Scarborough’s Crescent Lounge on Saturday 8th November, so make sure to get yourselves along to see for yourself.
[Photos: Victoria Smith]
Headliner Oliver Pinder and band brought the evening to a close, but not before an immense set, including the new single Love of My Life, which Oliver explained was about his Grandma. Sweet sentiment blended with some fierce riffs as Oliver and band powered through a set of alternative indie anthems. The course of the performance saw Oliver going for a climb up and around the walls of the Queens Beer Garden, much dancing from the still-going-strong revellers, and a blistering end to the set.
[Photos: Victoria Smith]
All in all, an amazing day, not yet done as the live music ended, either, and the hardened festival-goers partied on inside for DJ Amy Souza. This reviewer headed home, damp but delighted at this inaugural festival; local grassroots music feels in good hands here and we are already feeling the heat of anticipation for next year, which is going to be even bigger, with more acts and spread across at least two venues – but still at this year’s prices. Keep your eyes peeled for those early birds.
Get this date in your diaries: 29/08/26
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Beth Pilling and the Bootleggers
