OTT Spring is a perfect, small, intimate festival

Off The Tracks Spring Festival 2011 review

By Phil 'The Van' Lenthall | Published: Wed 1st Jun 2011

Off The Tracks Spring Festival 2011

Friday 27th to Sunday 29th May 2011
Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel, Isley Walton, Donington, Leicestershire, England MAP
£65 for w/e inc camping; children (12-16) £32.50

Can going to a festival change your life?
In the case of O.T.T. the answer is "if you want to, then, yes."

Here is a perfect, small, intimate festival that provides you with the means to do small things in a great way.

From hearing music from around the globe, learning about meditation, crystals and healing to creating costumes, playing drums or even learning to hula hoop, there is something new to discover and learn, a special place and space where everyone can feel and do something wonderful.

The atmosphere here can be electric. Everything from throbbing sound systems to intimate acoustic performances, impromptu sessions and musicians jamming together, the music on offer here is chosen with great care. There will always be someone playing over the course of the weekend that will astound and delight you.

With the 2 stages, the main stage outdoors in the courtyard and the indoor barn stage and around 40 artists appearing the chances are you'll find something new to your liking. One couple from Hertfordshire proclaimed to not know who was playing this weekend - and not care because they knew that whoever was playing was likely to be very good indeed. They were right. I saw them dancing and grinning many times over the weekend...

This year the market site has expanded a little, bringing new stalls and food outlets to the small paddock near to the Energy Orchard healing area. In response to feedback there's now a greater choice of food available. Although a little pricey the food is good quality and the extra choice is most welcome. The venison burgers were a particular favourite

There were well over 40 real ales, ciders and perrys on offer at sensible prices in the real ale bar and your standard bar inside covered the lagers, wines and spirits.

Situated in the heart of the midlands near to Castle Donington the site has good transport links to the M1 and M42 and is relatively easy to find.

There are toilet and shower blocks, hook ups for camper vans and plenty of space for tents. There's a young person's playing area too.

Friday night's proceedings were started by the delightfully lively Rankin Steady on the main stage, playing hi energy ska and reggae. The perfect way to get us in a dancing mood, the band (all 9 of them) looked to be having plenty of fun too. Following them was Trailer Trash Orchestra. Country tinged rock 'n' roll to keep the party moving. Headliners Oysterband were as brilliant as ever, a vibrant, fresh sound that has influenced many. Brilliant performances all around, it was a joy to see them on such top form. And with all of that over, many of the happy throng dissipated into the breezy night.

Meanwhile, guest sound system, Cabbage, had been building a head of steam in the barn. Invited back this year, the Leeds crew transformed the barn into a Psy-trance grotto and brought top class entertainment with them. The hottest room by far, folk were proper dancing till 3? 4? It was a great vibe with many, many smiles, crazy dancing and sweaty bodies.

review by: Phil 'The Van' Lenthall

photos by: Phil Bull