This was the only night I could make of this great 2 weeks festival at the temporarily made music venue at the old Royal High school. An amazing building and a great effort turning it into a magical home for so much music, dance and also art exhibitions. Met up with Andy and Jude and wandered around. Stumbled across the very special Imogen Stirling in a downstairs basement performing spoken poetry from her book ‘Love The Sinner’. Very impressive and not surprised since I saw her last year. Watch out for her! 

Wandered along to the stunning Central Chamber to see the end of So Long And Slender dance performance. Very impressed, great ideas and visuals. The into the Indoor Music Stage to catch some of Flo Perlin … nice but not wowed. Then out to the main outdoor stage for a bit of Dana Gavanski, again nice but not wowed.  

Eventually got in to the indoor stage to see the band I was most looking forward to, Penelope Isles. Loved them since just before Covid and was impressed by their new songs and band members joining Lily and Jack. Superb. Caught another wee bit outside of headliner This Is The Kit. Favourites of Andy and Jude and though I agree Kate Stables is great … not my cup of tea. 

But The Joy Hotel are exactly my cup of tea and rounded off the night in fine style for me with a rousing set back indoors. A really great band with 7 members full of good ideas and energy. Love them and will see again soon.

Attended by George, Andy & Jude