THORNHILL ROCKS THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND
Written by author on May 7, 2014
Music fans from all across the UK descended on the ducal village over the holiday weekend to enjoy the second annual Thornhill Music Festival.
The festival kicked off with The John Beattie Band fronted by former Scotland and British Lions No8, and now respected BBC Scotland broadcaster, John Beattie. To say they rocked the Buccleuch and Queensberry Arms would be the understatement of the year much to the appreciation of a packed venue.
Amongst the other bands involved on the first night, local boys Bad Reputation packed out the Farmers Arms and Ruff Cut brought their brand of Rock and Blues to the Thornhill Inn.
Thomas Tosh hosted the “Acoustic
Cafe”, boasting acts such as Houndog Fraser and Rock Hunter, Al Hughes, and John Alexander. But it was local girl Lauren Dalgleish that stole the show as she held the audience spellbound during her 45-minute set.
Saturday saw a host of local acts performing; Strumsum Blues Band, Cammy Black, The Yahs, The ifoundation,and The Fused all commanded large crowds in their venues and gained many plaudits.
Katie Bradley also brought her unique take on the blues to the Thornhill Inn.
Carlisle Blues men The Deluxe put themselves on the return list for 2015 with an amazing set in the Farmers Arms.
Thornhill Bowling Club played host to headliner Jo Harman who was supported by musical genius and sex symbol Earl Okin. Jo Harman was sensational and only added to the reputation of the festival for putting on top class acts.
The late shift in the was taken by The Paddy McGuire Band who eased the audience towards closing time.
Sunday got fired up with Ayrshire rockers The Junkyard Dawgs, who blew away any cobwebs with high powered set in the Farmers Arms.
The Lewis Hamilton Band then ran with it and totally smoked the big crowd in the Buccleuch and Queensberry Arms Hotel, and was joined for a few numbers by tenor saxophonist Donald Lang.
The Thornhill Inn then welcomed the returning GT’s Boos Band who delivered a red hot set based round their album Steakhouse, aided by top harmonica player Jim Harcus.
Jed Potts and the Hillman Hunters chipped in with a great Sunday evening set in the Farmers Arms, with Brothers Groove in the Buccleuch. The festival was topped off with ska outfit Urang Matang getting the Farmers Arms Skankin’. Lewis Hamilton hosted the Festival Jam in the Thornhill Inn where he was joined by Jed Potts, Greig Taylor from GT’s and sax man Donald Lang.
All in all a massive weekend of music in Thornhill with all credit going to the organisers for a great line up and a great atmosphere.
Review by Iain Renicks, Presenter of the Iain Renicks Show (Tuesdays, 7pm until 9pm).
All photos by Skid Pix/ Mark Paterson 2014
