Review: Middleman supported by Illicit Disco @ The New Inn 2011

Written by Kev Adams Tuesday, 17 January 2012 12:42

We were chuffed to bits to have Leeds finest Middleman agree to perform during our 2011 Festival. The night kicked off with great support from popular local band Illicit Disco who'd really impressed earlier in the week at the Quayside on bank holiday Monday. It's not often you'll see a pub full to bursting like this for a gig in Bridgnorth (we couldn't get everybody inside!), but they played a blinder and seemed completely unphased by the size of the audience

Headliners Middleman took to the stage and launched straight into one of the most energetic sets I can remember in a long time. They completely blew the roof off, this band have been working hard gigging together for a few years now and does it ever show, with an intensity that never lets up and every band member displaying a musicianship that's rare to find too. Two out of four band members come from Bridgnorth but they're based in Leeds these days and it was their very first hometown gig. Very impressed at the level of local support too, we need to see more of both of these bands. Can't wait for the next time!

Best Festival Ever in 2011

Written by Kev Adams Monday, 05 September 2011 14:00

We had an amazing time at this years Festival and once again we've grown bigger and hopefully better than previous years. Including some great new events to the Festival such as the Comedy night at The Castle Hall, the ForwardFor Animation Festival, plus plenty of other great arts events, music events and workshops.

Thank you to everyone who got involved performing at or running this years events, all of our sponsors, venues and an especially big thank you to everyone who came along and supported us throughout the 10 days.

We had a brilliant time working alongside the Food Fair and Children's Festival this year too, on Sunday August 28th, the day of our High Street main event.

Please check back often and we'll post reviews, photos, videos and anything else that we can get our hands on. And please send us feedback to let us know what you'd like to see in 2012.

Better still keep an eye on the website, Twitter http://twitter.com/bnorthfestival, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bridgnorthmusicandartsfestival and the local press and come down to one of our meetings to get involved. We're a small community driven group of volunteers and totally open to new input and ideas.

Hollywood actress Hazel D’Jan visits the festival

Written by Simon Golding Sunday, 26 September 2010 15:13

The bank holiday Monday welcomed Acoustic Music on the Quayside and the laidback mood fitted the artists.  It was very relaxed and people gathered around the beautiful natural amphitheatre of Bridgnorth’s quayside in Low Town. The marquee was modest compared to the high street, which was a perfect setting for the acoustic talent that paraded in front of a very appreciative audience. The vista was stunning as the artists sung, plucked, blew and strummed there way though many of their own songs, the beautiful river Severn backdrop murmuring away in perfect harmony.

It was a special treat for me as a few weeks before I had been contacted by the beautiful Hollywood starlet actress/writer/producer Hazel D’Jan, whose parents lived quite near to the area, offered to meet me at Parlors Hall just before the Quayside event started up.

Any nerves I had about meeting this new up-and-coming star, who had several blockbuster movies in-production – including her latest, a $40 Million epic, alongside Val Kilmer, and another with Wesley Snipes, were quickly dispelled by a charming smile and calming manner.
Hazel oozed charisma, exquisiteness and intelligence like all great actors do. After the actress very kindly handed over a couple of stunning signed photos from her soon-to-be-released movies, to help raise money for our charities, we set off towards the distant music.

The sun was on its best behaviour and slipped from behind a cloud as Hazel and I strolled over the bridge, chatting about everything and nothing, towards the quayside playing area.
The band Flat Stanley were in full flow, their haunting sounds drifting over the river towards us. Hazel had agreed to do an interview for The Valley Radio, Bridgnorth, and as if on-cue Tony Russell had taken centre stage, performing a brilliant solo Flamenco guitar set – providing a fitting background score. Mark Williams, MC for the whole festival and as many amazing hats as days in the week, usual easy manner made for a charming and informative over-view of the actress. A short photo shoot followed by festival photographer, Chris Rollason, who had no problem at all capturing the awe and beauty of this talented actress. Afterwards Hazel happily chatted to audience, artists and crew before being swept away for an important meeting in London.

Hazel D’Jan, who I’m sure will become a household name in the very near future, is very supportive of our festival and we are looking forward to her involvement in 2011.

Screening and Screentalk with Director Matt Daniels

Written by Simon Golding Thursday, 23 September 2010 19:28

Bridgnorth Majestic Cinema – Screen 2 on 28th August 2010

Photographer Chris Rollason (L to R – James Frizzell, Matt Daniels & Simon Golding)

One of the many festival highlights was the special premier screening of Finding Their Feet, together with an introduction and Q & A session by Matt Daniels. It was the latest movie by the wonderful director Matt Daniels who had offered his time, for free, to help us raise money for our chosen charities. This was to be an extraordinary festival event and could not have happened without the generosity of Reel Cinemas. Our venue was the unique Majestic Cinema in Bridgnorth, and the 18 chain cinema company had offered us exclusive use of their 80-seater screen 2 room.

James Frizzell, the manager, was tireless in his energy and support for this event and his enthusiasm guaranteed that bums would be on seats. The cinema looked immaculate and even a buffet had been supplied for the guests.

Following a short introduction the movie had begun and we were all transfixed by Matt Daniels fantastic vision as we went on a rollercoaster of emotions. It was a magical moment and a thrill to see such a powerful production. All too soon it was over and the lights popped on and we were all back to reality.

The questions were thrown at Matt like frisbees, all were intelligent and thoughtful and the answers were eloquent and entertaining. The audience reluctantly filtered out of the cinema foyer and disappeared into the night, all raving about the images and words they had just witnessed.