Godney Gathering offers good music at great value

Godney Gathering 2017

Saturday 15th July 2017
Garslade Farm, Godney, Somerset, BA5 1RX , England MAP
£22.50

Daily capacity: 4,999

Last updated: Fri 24th Mar 2017

Once again we have made our way to the Godney Gathering for another weekend of music, good company and a great atmosphere.

The music, once again, was excellent and varied, showcasing a number of excellent local bands. The festival has 5 music venues which cater for all musical tastes, including the very popular Silent Disco. The Main stage opened with a young rock band, The Mini Band whom everyone enjoyed. Later we were all rolling around with laughter at the alternative lyrics to well know songs from The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican - hysterical, along with the Dub Pistols and finishing up glam rock group The Darkness and many others during the day. Second Stage (previously know as the Jaywalk Stage) featured Departed who really got everyone rocking, The Kaisens, finishing with The Leylines. The Main Stage and Second Stage alternate the bands, so no sound bleed and the ability to see a good number of bands without clashes. There is also the Acoustic tent and GFM Stage, GFM host predominantly very good local talent including Stone Cold Fiction, Kevin & the Destroyers, and The Fens. The GFM stage had been given a make-over this year, instead of being in a marquee it was outside with a mesh back which gave an impressive backdrop over the levels to all the bands playing.

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There was new venue this year, which was very popular and well worth a visit, this was the Comedy and Cabaret Stage. You could witness a young lady walking and laying on a bed of nails – Oh Carolina Sideshow, to two very funny magicians trying to escape from strait jackets – Griffen and Jones Comedy Magic Duo. Also, Cuthbert the Clown, The Magic Ball Man, who seemed to be able to make glass balls float and a dance troupe, The Flaming Feathers Showgirl Troupe and many more.

Whilst enjoying all this fantastic entertainment there is a wide variety of food vendors offering such delights as Indian Street food, Fish & Chips, Pancakes stuffed with anything you fancy to Greek Gyros – all at sensible prices. There is also local Ice Cream for anyone who fancies pudding. The Bar was well run with minimal queues, for the real ale drinkers there were local ales from Glastonbury Lady of the Lake and Gods Beer – very nice. Brother’s were offering their range of ciders, but there was also a real cider by Mallets Somerset cider - yummy. Beer and cider a very reasonable £3.50 a pint. For those not drinking alcohol or just fancied a nice cup of tea or coffee or even hot chocolate, there was a new vendor called the Coffee Pot – very good.

The little people, future festival junkies, were once again cater for very well offering a dedicated entertainment team playing games, story-telling, punch & judy, circus school and craft area. This was well attended and everyone was enjoying themselves.

There was a small market area which was worth visiting with clothing, jewellery and even the opportunity to glam-up for the festival with glitter, face paint and feathers at the Glamour & Grooming Bar – very busy.

We used the Camp Site at Garslade Farm which is conveniently situated just across the road which is well organised and costs £10/person per night. There is plenty of space for everyone, tents, campervan, motorhomes and caravans are all welcome. The toilets were kept very clean and well stocked with toilet roll and soap. This year there was food available on the Friday evening – reasonably priced at £5+. No need to labour over a stove in the morning cooking breakfast as there are bacon rolls, tea and coffee available. This year, you were able to be wrist banded at the camp site on Friday evening which saves time the following day.

Overall, this is a fantastic small family friendly festival with something for everyone, organised by an excellent team of dedicated people and volunteers, on a lovely site which is accessible to all. Toilets (portaloos) and urinals were plentiful and kept very clean, even though the queues seemed long they moved very quickly due to the large amount of facilities available. The site was kept clear of rubbish by an excellent team of litter pickers that were picking up rubbish faster than wombles.

Any negatives? Only a couple – the Comedy and Cabaret Tent could have done with either two entrances or a steward as people were standing in the entrance making it difficult to gain access and the weather, it drizzled just about all day, but it didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits or enjoyment, the ground held up very well – no mud.

review by: Debbie Lodge

photos by: Simon Lodge