Today we are playing the Doncaster Music Festival known locally as ‘Donny Fest’. It has grown from a small affair on the outskirts of Doncaster featuring mostly local bands to a stadium-filling multi-stage event that now includes several world-renowned bands and solo stars.
Since its opening in 2007, the Eco-Power Stadium (formerly known as Keepmoat Stadium) has become one of Doncaster’s most iconic venues. As the home of several prestigious sporting teams, including Doncaster Rovers, Doncaster Rugby League FC, and Doncaster Rovers Belles, the stadium is a vibrant hub for sport, entertainment, and community events.
It was a 10.30 start from our rehearsal rooms in Liverpool as we were due in Doncaster at 1.30pm…
Lower Sprotbrough was our lunchtime destination…
The weather forecast wasn’t great…
Roy was driving in his car as he had tickets to see ‘The Boss’ at Anfield that evening…
Meanwhile on the bus, Carl brightened my day with a surprise birthday gift…
Dario Argento has directed a wide range of films, including horror, thriller, and crime genres. Some of his most notable films include ‘Susperia’, ‘Profondo Rosso’, ‘Inferno’ and ‘Tenebrae’. He is known for his distinctive style, often featuring vibrant colours and suspenseful soundtracks.
No vibrant colours here!
or suspenseful soundtracks…
Still an hour to go before lunch…
Carl’s friend Frank – the current Children’s Laureate – had a brilliant new book out…
Head to Tinseltown in this hilarious and heart-warming adventure by the bestselling, award-winner Frank Cottrell-Boyce.
Also we have a brilliant new album out and recently we spent the entire morning signing copies of the CD version…
The Farm’s “Let the Music Take Control” is a vibrant and euphoric return, blending electronic sounds with dynamic guitar riffs, and is described as a “bonafide banger”.
Eventually we spotted a sign…
Then a boat…
Then the pub!
The Boat Inn is a 17th Century pub on the grassy banks of the River Don, next to Sprotbrough Lock. We offer character, history, distinctive surroundings and some lovely riverside walks from the doorstep.
Inside, we weren’t disappointed…
An easy drinking pale ale. Brewed using Slovenian Bobek hops; this session beer is light and hoppy with delicate floral aromas and a well balanced finish.
We took a beer over for Roy who was about to join us…
We all agreed that Yorkshire makes the best beer!
Bang on time…
We chose from the tapas menu – 3 dishes for £12…
We enjoyed the food and as we were leaving the landlord came over with a free drink…
A solid gold legend. The combination of four hop varieties infused with malted barley and a touch of wheat gives this easy-drinking golden beer tropical aromas of citrus and passion fruit.
As we didn’t have time to drink the pint, the barmaid poured it into two takeaway cups…
These aren’t coffee’s
We bade farewell to the bus as we drove to the venue with Roy…
Ben, Alex & Quinnie
Just up the road really…
Roy of the Rovers…(well it’s actually Pete)
We got our passes then went inside to look around…
A quick look at the line up showed us that Afflecks Palace were about to go on stage…
They were great…
Sun-dappled Manchester indie quartet taking influence from late-’80s/early-’90s indie-dance, ’60s West Coast psychedelia, and ’80s jangle pop.
Also watching were two of our biggest fans…
Those ‘coffees’ came in handy
The bar area was at the other end of the ground…
Sadly we had no time to advise
Time for us to wander back stage…
And to our dressing room…
The rider was fully stocked👏
The French lager contains Strisselspalt hops, unique to Alsace, which are used in its brewing process and give the beer its bitter and fragrant citrus taste.
Some crisps…
Ok we’re on!!!
(Fantastic photos by @crosfieldcontent)
“We love your Yungblud, but we hate your Jeremy Clarkson!,” opined lead singer Peter Hooton as he reeled off a few words on Doncaster’s famous sons, before leading the band on a hit-packed set that took us down memory lane with favourites such as Groovy Train, Mind, Love See No Colour and of course, All Together Now, which sparked the first big singalong of the day. (Doncaster Free Press)
The gig was great, afterwords Carl & Peter went to watch ‘The Twang’…
Formed 2004 in Birmingham comprising of vocalist Phil Etheridge, bassist Jon Watkin, guitarist Stu Hartland and drummer ‘Grandmaster’ Ash Sheehan, The Twang are one of the seminal indie bands of the mid 00’s.
Back in the dressing room we had some food then got back on the bus home…
sipadvisor 