Alfest – the chance for young, talented musicians to strut their stuff and play live on a proper stage, with professional sound and lighting, to an audience of hundreds of like-minded youngsters in the picturesque hamlet of Alhampton, near Castle Cary. OR A bunch of hairy drop-outs playing an approximation of music at full blast, scaring pets, wildlife and the elderly, cheered on by hundreds of loons, fools and drunks until the small hours aren't so small any more. Hmmm... this has got a good beat! Well, first up, Alfest takes place slap bang opposite my home in Alhampton, so come what may, I was going to be hearing everything that took place, so why not review it? Second, in my day, I was able to turn a leg and jig to the latest popular beat combos, so I might even enjoy it. And third, my daughter wanted to go, and what she wants, she generally gets. So off to the festival! You can see photos of Alfest 2005 by clicking on this link: Orange cider Alfest was backed by all sorts of big name sponsors and took place at the Alhampton Inn.  | | There was plenty of cider to drink at Alfest 2005 |
The first pleasant surprise was that it was free entry. The second, even more pleasant, surprise was the cheap beer and cider, although I have never seen cider quite that shade of orange before. It probably explains why so many people were running around like headless chickens late at night. The stage was huge considering the setting - a PA system that would cost thousands to hire, backed by lighting to match most festivals of the 70s and 80s. With a couple of orange pints down me, and a taster of the fabulous Morrocan food, I settled on a straw bale for the first few acts, Ballroom Disaster - aptly named, Pinstripe - bit thin, and Smack Mary... why stop at Mary? The first band to really catch the ear was Radioleg, who achieved a significant first in that they didn't shout or scream (too often). Despite it being mid-afternoon, a crowd of several hundred had obviously heard of them and ran to the stage. Coming from the locality, I recognised most of the band and noticed (despite instructions to the contrary) that my foot was tapping, so they must have been half decent! Radiohead with reggae... ish. I enjoyed them. A much-needed break  | | Robbie Labanowski from Radioleg on drums |
I popped back to the house for a break. I was going to say "so I missed Durban Poison" but the band was so loud I couldn't really miss anything. My message to the Durbanites – take the poison. Please. Lazy Wall were the first of the bands to play with the lights working in the gathering gloom. They weren't a band I'd particularly go for, but they sounded together and the lights really helped - they were absolutely great. Due to an accident, one of the main bands had to pull out – a drummer breaking an arm in a car crash was the word at the 'fest. So, just three bands to go (I nearly put endure here, but actually even the bands I didn't like, weren't really that bad). Joe Public again had a big following and we had proper musical talent on display. These guys can play. And they were young – at least one was still only 15 and they've been watched by Michael Eavis at the Glastonbury Festival. More foot-tapping and even a suggestion of a small jig – I must have enjoyed them. Nearing the end Into the home run. The Haze opened with a great song, although they couldn't quite live up to the start throughout the rest of the set. But they were very good and by now the crowd was going mad. Especially the idiot who threw beer all over me. Thank goodness it wasn't the orange stuff, it would never have come out of my new bright white Alfest T-shirt (and there's a giveaway that I was really getting into it by now).  | | Alfest 2005 was a ball |
One band to go and I suddenly remembered my daughter. I found her at the front, juggling with fluorescent balls and totally oblivious to my presence - so I left her there. BlackBud – I'd actually been looking forward to the headline act, seems as as the festival went on, each band had been building on the last one's success. So, I hoped to be wowed by the 'Bud. Let's be generous and say they obviously had technical problems, with Joe, the vocalist, having to abandon the opening song halfway through and start again. They played for an hour and their band of dedicated fans thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The sound was great, the lights a revelation, with lasers called into play, giving the band great presence. For me, it fell a little flat, and wasn't as good as I'd been hoping. A couple of trademark songs were great, but the set as a whole was disappointing. Back home, I could listen to the acoustic sets being played and enjoyed by the hundreds of campers. For hours. And hours. Funds were raised for the Bridgwater-based charity Brainwave – and it looked like they were getting good business. The verdict  | | Joe from BlackBud on stage |
In the morning, it was time for the tidy up - well, watching the tidy up. There were some complaints about the noise, and in particular noise from people leaving the site, but on the whole, most of the village of Alhampton were at the festival and willing the bands on. "Nice to see youngsters getting the chance to have some fun" was a regular comment. Overall – top marks to the bands for having the bottle to get up on stage and go for it, top marks to the Alhampton Inn for putting on the event, and top marks for the organisers, especially Dan the Man for his efforts. So next year - rumours that the Alfest will cover two days. To go or to leave home for the weekend? Hmmmm... on this performance, bookmark this page for another review from the grumpy old resident! | 
