By Isle of Wight Observer
The popular Wolverton Folk and Blues Fair returned on Saturday with a fantastic line-up of award winning UK Folk & Blues bands and top Island talent, all set in glorious Summer sunshine against the beautiful grounds of the Elizabethan Wolverton Manor, Shorwell.
Now in its 14th year, Wolverton Folk and Blues is a firm fixture on the Island’s annual events calendar, proven by an attendance of more than 1,200 music lovers, young and old who flocked through the gates.
The main stage opened with a fine blues-rock set from local band Milo, contrasted by the laid-back folk-blues of Second Time Around whose songs washed over the audience. Doug Alldred and The Silver Lining played a tight set of contemporary folk-pop inspired originals with great harmonies.
Ray Cashman, on tour from the USA, followed with his authentic Delta and Mississippi Blues. London band with an Island connection, (Sol Grimshaw on mandolin), The Thumping Tommys got the dancers on their feet with a fast paced folk and bluegrass set with JC Grimshaw guesting on a couple of numbers.
Headline Blues act, one of UK’s finest bluesmen, Errol Linton, and his band stormed through a harmonica led set with fine backing from piano, double bass, guitar and drums. With a nod to his Carribean heritage, Errol effortlessly swayed between Chicago blues/swing to Jamaican Ska and Reggae. Finishing the evening, The Bohemians (which included organisers Tim and Dave Hollis) played a strong set of two-tone era inspired Ska and Blues to give the audience one last dance.
The beer tent was also in full swing with acoustic/electric bands including Annie-R, F9 Uking The Blues, Hollow Creek Band, Brighstone Barnacles, The Gilkicker Weevils, King Bees, Purple Emperors, Berling Flick and Feck!
Moonshine Border Morris danced throughout the day adding to the festival atmosphere along with local craft stalls and lovely festival food.
The event raises funds for The Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Care Unit, Southampton Hospital. Plus Brighstone School, who put on a fine tea tent and activities for kids.
The organisers would like to thank all the volunteers and all the Island bands who gave their time to help make the day a great success.
