LEAMINGTON PEACE FESTIVAL 2016
by Andrew Lock, 22 Jun 2016
As this event was the start of my attempt at live music photography back in 2008 I made my usual (if short) visit to the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa for a little taste of the music on offer.
Weather was great so that meant a decent sized crowd as I arrived on the Saturday afternoon around 4.15 and made my way first to the Band Stand stage.
I caught 3 artists performing on the famous band stand, young Coventry based singer/songwriter Izzie who impressed with her gentle harmonies, a moving a cappella set by Marilla Holmes and closing the stage the beautiful voice of Sarah Ruddick (a little Joni Michell in their) alternating between guitar and keyboard backing this lady who I first heard at the festival back in 2009 was again a delight to hear.
Over on the Riverside stage I also took in 3 acts, multi-instrumentalist Ruth Owens (love a little saxophone) and her band, the wonderfully bonkers Babel with their rocked-up sound, amazing props and sc-fi style intros and lyrics then finally the soothing, tranquil sounds of Roots band Culture Dub Orchestra.
As always a wonderfully diverse selection.