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Impresario Roger Grant obviously has a hotline to what dictates our weather. MantonFest was yet again blessed with beautifully warm weather – and no rain – as it normally has been across the entire sixteen years of its existence. But it was chilled. A sold out festival where maybe 2,000 people were spread into the large Preshute arena of a field, all just enjoying a great party, with plenty of excellent music emerging from the stage down in the focal point of the arena. ‘The Big One’ – Marlborough’s largest and possibly most popular day event in the town’s annual calendar and the final event of the Marlborough Music Month.
Topping the bill were ‘Fleetwood Machine’, preceded by a typically Abba-esque rousing set from Abba Inferno, which bought the large crowd to life – could anyone stop moving? Impossible…..
Great sets from all acts, especially so from the three in the ‘Development Slot’, or rather the emerging talent, who kicked MantonFest ’25 off. Talent, definitely. In years to come they may well each be far higher up the MantonFest bill, or maybe on a far bigger stage altogether. Marlborough has a history of creating great musical talent and Jess, Mils and Sammy are just but three of this emerging genetration.
Below are a series of memories of MantonFest ’25. Next up is Impressario Roger Grant’s new festival, one that will be taking place just south of Devizes in two weeks time, on Saturday 12 July. Park Farm Festival, this will be the first one.
St John’s and Marlborough College students work together to support LINK
