RAMSBOTTOM.

Not a name that first springs to mind where music is concerned, but as part of Bury Met, the cricket club is not only host to the annual Ramsbottom Festival, but also numerous other gigs throughout the year.

This year’s event was the sixth to take place and had a whole host of acts of differing styles.

 

From big headliners like The Fun Lovin’ Criminals all the way to smaller acts across its four stages, I’ve picked out three acts from the final day that really stood out for me.

First up in the “Smaller Rooms” stage was Jordan Allen.

Given that this Bolton four-piece were at Reading and Leeds 2016 and were the BBC Introducing Stage Conquerors, I was surprised to find them in the smaller venue, but they rocked it like it was the main stage.

Ramsbottom Festival 2016
Jordan Allen Rocking out the Smaller Room at Rammy Festival

With a live sound that is raw, passionate and full of energy, this is certainly an act to watch out for over the next year.

Next up were Devon duo Abbe Martin and Hannah Wood, better known as Sound of the Sirens.

The Hills stage captivated by Sound of the Sirens at Ramsbottom festival
The Hills stage captivated by Sound of the Sirens

This pair held the crowd in the palm of their hands for their entire set on the main stage.

Stomping bass, mandolins, guitars and tunes that will keep your foot tapping long after they have exited stage left.

Chris Evans described them as “tight as a drum” when he had them on his show in 2015, and boy was he on the money.

Last, but by no means least was the act of the festival for me.

Another “local” four-piece, are The Bright Black who drew a large crowd to the “By The River” stage for their set.

I caught up with them post gig for a very quick chat:

With a lead singer who is a cross between Morrissey and Jim Morrison, they blew me away with their sass and attitude.

Very polished, and they could easily have filled the stage out twice over, such is their local following.

https://youtu.be/vXVnvWYO7Y4

The new single is launched at The Deaf Institute early in November, and it’s likely to be a sell out, so get booking now.

By Andrew Riley
@QuaysRL

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