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The Zutons at Delamere Forest

Every year the Forestry Commission hosts a series of concerts in some amazing locations around the UK and this year was no exception.  Delamere Forest played host to local heroes The Zutons and Elbow with KT Tunstall rounding things off  over the course of a sunny weekend in June.

Even if I'm not photographing the Forest Tour I always try to make it to some of the shows as it's one of the friendliest shows around.  You don't want to pay inflated prices for a drink, no problem you can bring your own (as long as it's not in a glass or metal container).  You want to bring your kids/parents, no problem there's always a broad audience at these shows so no-one is going to feel out of place.  You want to be able to see but don't want to push your way to the front, no problem, the stage at Delamere has a good slope in front of it so the chances of someone blocking your view are pretty slim.

Opening the weekends festivities was up and coming folk-rockers Noah & The Whale, they're still at the fringes at the moment but with a Summer full of festival appearances ahead of them I wouldn't expect this to last.

Next up was Thea Gilmore who is one artist I'm surprised isn't more widely known.  She's been making music since she was eighteen and her eigth album "Liejacker" was released to much critical acclaim a couple of months ago.  With all this in mind it was a pretty sound bet that the majority of the audience had never heard of her and were treat to some of the finest songwriting to come out of the UK for sometime.  If you like your music intensely personal and honest then I'd heartily recommend seeking this album out.

Finally the band we were all waiting for took to the stage and the gathered Scousers went wild.  The Zutons don't need any introduction and it's enough to say they were their usual rip-roaring barnstorming selves and there were few faces waiting for the train home that weren't covered with grins.

posted @ Saturday, June 14, 2008 1:57 PM