Stockton Weekender ends on a Laid back high with James

Sunday afternoon again saw small crowds catch the early acts. Thankfully the weather was a lot better and people could sit around on the wood chipped grass and watch the entertainment in proper festival style. The first band we saw was Hyde & Beast featuring Dave Hyde from the Futureheads. They seemed a bit bland to me as I'd expected a bit more from such an experienced group, but maybe my expectations were too big as some of the crowd seemed to really like their relaxed style. Cattle & Cane followed which we enjoyed more with their chilled out music matching the weather beautifully. Again the kids reminded me it was time to lighten my wallet by going on the rides and then get some food. What I did notice was that the rides were really quiet on the Saturday and Sunday compared to the year before when the rides were just outside the arena and could be used by people who weren't going to the festival. I can imagine the ride owners asking for a change back to that set up next year.

The Sunday evening started with a young talent by the name of Jake Bugg. Eighteen year old Bugg had an excellent voice that drew you in and I'm sure that he will become a big star in the not too distant future. Following on from Bugg was an acoustic set from Simon and Oscar from 90's indie band Ocean Colour Scene. This gave the now healthy-sized crowd the day's first sing-alongs with hits like 'The Day we Caught the Train' and 'The Riverboat Song'.

During their set more and more people seemed to be arriving and by the time the Sunday night headliners James came on the place seemed nearly as full as the Friday. James played a blinder, from Tim Booth's high energy dancing to their back catalogue of sing-along songs they had the crowd eating out of their hand. Everything was lapped up, from Booth's chastising of the security personnel for being too aggressive, to the hospitality crowd having the worst view. They were even cheered on by a boat of gatecrashers dressed as Pop-eye who watched from the River Tees! The night ended with the crowd being given the chance to pick the last song. After being told it could either be 'Laid' or 'Sit down' they surprisingly, and to the obvious delight of Booth, chose 'Laid'.

Once again Stockton Weekender was an enjoyable festival with excellent organisation and the right mix of up-and-coming bands with established acts. The only problem with a town centre based festival is that people seem to come along at the last minute for the well-known acts and don't realise what talent and entertainment they are missing out on if only they'd turned up earlier. I can't see how the organisers can change people's behaviour and get people there all day except if they put a larger named band on further down the bill but I can see that being hard to achieve. So once again I know I'll be back next year and I hope the people of Teesside (and beyond) keep supporting this excellent event … hopefully a few more will think about making full days of it in 2013.

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