Gig - Bishopstock 2000: Introduction

I've left this old review (and Bishopstock2001) in place as a reminder of what a great event this used to be and what a sad way it ended. It was never very rock and roll, all very civilised and, some would say, overly sedate. But it was a fine way to see and hear a lot of great blues, soul and R&B in lovely surroundings - perfect for lovers of the blues of a certain age!

As a first time visitor to the Bishopstock festival, the Primer was unsure what to expect. There for the last two days of the three, the first impression had nothing to do with the music and everything to do with the venue; a more elegant and relaxing setting would be difficult to imagine. The event is staged in what you might, in a classic moment of English understatement, describe as the "front garden" of Bishops Palace, the home of Helen Myers, and the festival organiser. Even the inclement weather on the Sunday couldn't detract from the surroundings. Limited to 6,000 ticket holders (and it's promised it will stay that way) the festival retains a genuine family atmosphere and there was a permanent good time feeling throughout the two days the Primer was there. Good facilities, plenty of decent food (and drink!!) and good company all added to the enjoyment of the event

Disappointments? - Few and far between and we're just being picky!

• Getting out of the festival at the end of each day was tricky (seriously hampered by the bad weather prior to the event) - it took one and a half hours to get out of the festival grounds on the Sunday night, so perhaps the organisers could have been a little better prepared for the effects of the heavy rain on the fields used as temporary car parks
  
• We were unfortunate not to see Narfel perform on the Monday when the running order at the start of the day implied he was scheduled to appear
  
• Some prat complaining about the 'Perfect Day' interlude late on Monday evening (dribbling something about this being a blues festival...) - he was soon put in his place by a redoubtable elder 'blues stateswoman', cheers all round!

Hardly that much to complain about!

Check out the reviews by clicking on the links below - a lot of talent in one weekend.......

[ Sunday ] [ Monday ]

See You Next Review