It was at this point that I ditched Bryan Ferry and The Eagles who were headlining on the main stage and headed off to the big tent for Brit Pop legends Ocean Colour Scene. It was a packed venue. I arrived some 40 minutes before they came on and leaned up against the fence at the front, with the crowd gathered around me.
Each band of the weekend had their own audience by which I mean a distinctive look was common from stage to stage. The Eagles attracted the standard middle aged man, while the early thirties age group joined me for Ocean Colour Scene, etc. When they did take to the stage at 7:30, I was not disappointed in the slightest. Every hit was performed in the way you’d expect it. Simon Fowler had a greater stage presence that I thought he would. I thought he was too shy and relaxed to be much of a showman, but I was proved wrong. "The Day We Caught The Train" is that hit we all know and were all singing along to at the top of our voices. Just before they left the stage for good, Simon flicked his guitar pick up in the air, only for it to land straight in my hands. I am now the proud owner of it. Cheers Simon.
After Ocean Colour Scene was 80's synth-pop trio Human League. This was more of a disco feel for the older audience members. Still, all the hits were there and Phil Oakley’s voice is still in top shape. This is another unique asset to Hop Farm, the ability to cover music from all generations. 70's, 80's, 90's and modern day bands all performing over one weekend.
I walked in on Newton Faulkner on Saturday morning and was struck immediately by his ability to entertain a crowd when he’s alone on stage, particularly at midday when the crowd were yet to get going. A finish of "Bohemian Rhapsody" was unexpected but welcome. The word “Bohemian” sums up the event actually. The promoting of charitable causes was very worthwhile, but being stopped eight times a day by people shaking buckets at you did get annoying, particularly when you have no change left.
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