So Festival 33 is over and will become a lovely memory. The sun shone all weekend. We felt welcome Back in Town. When we make such a big change it takes a bit of getting used to, but with a committed team, a great bunch of stewards and help from Best of Young Jazz, from Lyn and her First Aid team, all of Marks’ operations helpers, Charlie and the security guys, and Steve Safety we came through by the end. And of course there was the music – a successful Fringe with opera rock ’n roll and blues and not a little fine jazz. Maintaining our traditions with the Church Service and Parade too. And last but far from least, the main event…thanks to Rachel for festival favourites Mama Shakers, for the crowd pulling Roadkill, the effervescent Jazz Connection and many many others. Please let us know your festival highlights.
We encourage feedback via the website and all opinions and suggestions will be reflected upon. If anyone feels they can help take the festival forward (whether that’s with leadership, treasury or as a team worker) drop us a line and we will have a conversation. But for the time being, thank you all for playing, coming along, singing, dancing, applauding, enjoying and helping.
1 Comment
Hello. What a great festival it was. There were three of us in our party and as we all have different preferences there was always something for each of us. It is the first festival we have been to at Upton and it certainly won’t be the last. In fact I have already put the date on my calendar for next year. The bands were fantastic and and the atmosphere superb although it was a pity that the Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra was not better supported. They were brilliant and as a retired trombone player and brass teacher I know just how much time and effort it takes to produce those kind of results.
Music aside, the only slight criticism I have is the inclusion of dogs at the venues. Most owners kept their pets under control but a few inconsiderate types allowed them to be a nuisance and on one occasion we had to witness the distressing sight of a woman attacked by a dog which had just been let off its lead as she tried to protect her own dog. She ended up sobbing on the floor with a bite to her leg and had to given first aid. I feel that a notice at the entrance to venues stipulating that dogs must be on a short lead at all times would be useful. I would also like to suggest that they be muzzled as even the family pet can ‘turn’ given the right circumstances. However, I am sure to be shot down on that one by the ‘doggy brigade’.
Having got that of my chest let me say once more what a fantastic time we had and how full of admiration we are for the artists and organisers. Thank you again and I wish everyone involved a year of ‘happy jazzin’.