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Anything missing? Maybe just one thing – a rendition of Lou Reed’s ‘Perfect day’ would have hit the top note of MantonFest ’24, wafting over the big party in Preshute’s sun-drenched MantonFest arena. Sold-out, but not crowded. Everyone revelling in a wonderfully chilled atmosphere, lots of dancing (almost a ‘Dad Dancing Olympics’), but who cared? No-one, we just enjoyed the day, had another drink, met friends and chilled. Yes, that’s what MantonFest is all about.
‘The Bohemians’ topped the bill, preceded by another excellent set from Badness, but the ‘talent’ and great performances started nearly half a day earlier with the very first on the bill – Mills, thirteen, at St John’s who took to the stage (the first time on any stage) and wowed those present at the start of the day with her beautiful voice and natural performing skills, accompanying herself on guitar and keyboards. She set the tone for the rest of the day, and the talent on show all the way through didn’t disappoint……. A(nother!) great MantonFest – does impresario Roger Grant have a link to the gods of the weather?
Another sell-out year. Great and supportive sponsorship from many local businesses, particularly Grist Environmental whose input helped make the day a great success, and the charities benefiting from this year’s MantonFest – Cancer Research and Love Marlborough Kids Meals.
Apart from bill-toppers The Bohemians it was ‘Badness’ that really got the large crowd moving. Back again (by popular demand) after last year’s captivating set ‘Badness’, who are – on the face of it the ‘Madness’ tribute band caught the audience who loved them. The ‘threat’ of playing “Showaddywaddy’ hits if the crowd didn’t take the lead with ‘Our House’ was even unnecessary. No ‘Showaddywaddy’ (apart from a couple of bars), but the audience made themselves heard. Badness are more than just Madness, it’s Ska, and lots more. All delivered with great character. Another excellent set.
Apart from Mills at the other end of the day, there were M3G (seventeen, performing her own songs), Tom and Rory – delivering some classics, in their own style, and lastly Sammy Till-Vattier who’s already becoming established as a regular performer on the Marlborough scene (lights switch-on and more).
Bands:
A great day. Before Badness, there was ‘Forever Elton, preceded by ‘local blues band ‘Barrelhouse’, who followed returning favourites ‘Fab4’, who were preceded by ‘Ol Man Bergamot and the Witcombs (or was that Ol’ Man Witcomb and the Bergamots?).
Before them it was Josie, with her new band – The Radiotones’. Rockabilly and more, in Josie’s own style, and she followed the four excellent ‘development’ talents – Mills, M3G, Tom & Rory and Sammy Till-Vattier who kicked MantonFest ’24 off, a near a half full day (24hrs!) of music.
Another enjoyable laid-back MantonFest day.