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Woodstock Live made an electrifying return to the Town Square over the August Bank Holiday weekend, bringing together an impressive lineup of artists and an enthusiastic crowd. Despite the heavy downpour of rain on the Saturday morning, festival volunteers soldiered on, setting up the stage, bars and sound equipment in time for devoted music lovers to come out and enjoy the acts under clearing skies from midday onwards.

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This year entertainment on both weekend days started an hour earlier at 12 noon with family entertainer, Jordan Bass, creating a fun vibe on the town square leading games and dance routines and bringing a diverse and enthused audience out in time to hear the music. 18 incredible acts graced the stage, ranging from the folky acoustic vibes of Lee & Cheryl Davies, Duotone, Mandolerium, Autumn Leaves, The Machine Breakers and Ponderosa, to youthful upbeat performances from Emma Hunter, Danny Mellin, Spiralites, Killer Kowalski and Brooke Law. The Steff Pirrie Jazz Quartet and Salsazon offered something different with cool jazz and latin vibes to dance to, and Counterfeit Hit, The Oxford Beatles and The Village Idiots bought the nights home playing familiar classics for all to enjoy. Funky Friday got a second outing as well with Mandolerium at The King’s Arms, Tom Rogers at The Crown and the fabulous Marlia Rae wowing crowds at The Back Lane Tavern and if you keep an eye on social media, you can catch edited highlights captured by Woodstock Live’s fantastic videographer, Andy Boyd!

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As in previous years, festival attendees were encouraged to bring or re-use their own pint cups to reduce plastic waste and Hilary and Graham Brown from sustainable Woodstock did a fantastic job collecting donations and helping to remind punters that Woodstock Live is a volunteer led, non-profit organization that needs to raise money year on year to cover its costs. An experienced troupe of fantastic and utterly competent bar volunteers helped bring in the bulk of the festival revenue by keeping the drinks flowing and a second bar, designed by new committee member, Harry Moseley, was trialed in a more central position behind the sound tent on the square, making it even more convenient for festival goers to fund the event with their drinks purchases.

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Support from local sponsors has once again been invaluable in keeping the festival out of the red too, with Flowers Estate Agents providing significant and reliable funding as headline sponsors. Much appreciated contributions also come from Woodstock Accountancy, Woodstock Wealth, Blenheim, and The Tipsy Palace, which had its launch day over the festival weekend, giving away a bottle of posh bubbly to a lucky raffle winner! Thanks also to Lewis Property for providing the festival scaffolding free of charge, and a big hand to Alex Crepes for feeding the festival staff and volunteers with their delicious, locally sourced food!

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Finally, thanks to everyone who braved a bit of wind and rain this year to come out to the town square on the August Bank Holiday weekend once again! The festival wouldn’t be able to run without your support and do also keep an eye out for Night Of 1000 Candles in November and of course, Mock Mayor and another Woodstock Live in 2025!

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