Chagstock 2011, Chagford, July 22nd to 24th 2011
By Jenna Richards
I love it when you leave a festival having discovered a host of fabulous music.
This year’s Chagstock, held in Chagford on the edge of Dartmoor, proved a more fertile hunting ground than I expected.
From the melodic sounds and lyrical magic of Show of Hands to the energetic showmanship of the John Oatway Big Band there was plenty to keep me amused.
I couldn’t help but dance to the rousing sounds of the Voodoo Trombone Quartet and stood in awe as Bellowhead closed the festival on a high.
Of course festival favourites the Three Daft Monkeys whipped the crowd up into a frenzy on Saturday night before the more chilled sounds of the Magic Numbers brought the evening to an end.
Mad Dog McRea proved a popular choice and so did Chagstok organiser’s band New Crisis.
Aside from the music there were two bars, food stands and a shopping area, alternative therapies and children’s workshops and entertainment.
Chagstock is a brilliant festival with a great family vibe. Children and adults alike were enjoying the music and soaking up the festival atmosphere.
Phonic FM’s Paul Giblin was on hand to compare the main stage on Saturday and grabbed interviews with a couple of bands back stage.