Burton Agnes 2014 Jazz and Blues Festival Review
Burton Agnes 2014
Jazz and Blues Festival
27-29 June 2014
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
We made the journey from Manchester to Burton Agnes on a drizzling Friday lunchtime. The weather reports hadn’t been good for the weekend ahead but that wasn’t going to dampen our spirits we WERE going to enjoy it no matter what!
I took us around two and a half hours and was a pleasant drive. Burton Agnes is on the A614 in between Driffield and Bridlington. When you get close to the venue is it clearly signposted and we found it easily. There are a couple of pubs nearby if you fancy a change and both Bridlington – which is a lovely seaside town and well worth a visit and Driffield – a small quaint village are only a fifteen minute drive away.
The camp site is situated in a field adjacent to the Hall gardens. There is no shortage of space. We decided we wanted a quiet area so headed down to the bottom of the field where there were not so many campers. Unfortunately this was not the case, a party with around 8 small children seemed to think it ok to let them out to play at 7.30 in the morning and wake the whole camp up with their screaming and shouting playing hide and seek around the tents (not good).
Toilets are as you would expect and were kept reasonably clean. There are hot showers a god send in all weathers. A washing up area and a cold water tap.
Staff on the camp site were excellent. We had left the car lights on and our battery went flat. Keith was more than happy to jump start the car and said not to hesitate giving him a shout if we needed anything else, he pointed out his caravan and went on his way to wait for his fish and chips his wife was bringing him. Thanks Keith and I hope you got your supper. I stupidly misplaced my phone while watching the bands on the mainstage, the security guard had found it and had been ringing my home and mum to try and contact me. When I realised it had gone my partner went to the security tent and was handed it back. Thanks Mr Security Man sorry we didn’t catch your name. Camping is available from 3pm on the Friday until 12 noon Monday.
The festival was held over three days, 27-29 June, and this was its 8th year. Performing are the hottest Jazz and Blues bands from around the UK. There is a main stage on the lawn which is very professional with a good sound system. You can clearly see from any point you choose to sit/stand. When darkness falls the fun moves to the bar tent for the late night sessions. I didn’t feel there was enough seating here. If the weather was good then it wouldn’t be a problem to set up your own chairs just outside the tent but with the rain coming down pretty hard on the Friday night it was a little uncomfy sat under an umbrella. During the day there are also acoustic performances in the Great Hall and also some courtyard sessions.
It is hard to pick out a favourite act as they all were fantastic. Brothers Groove a Birmingham based band were exceptionally good. The Alligators had the place rocking also with their catchy songs and everybody clapping and stomping. There are live bands playing from 1pm – 1am so you are never short of entertainment. You can hear the music from the camp site but it is never too much and I actually quite liked listening to it as I drifted off to sleep. Festival organiser Simon Cuncliffe-Lister an accomplished saxophone player and Ben Beatties After Midnight Band play out the weekend and leave everybody on a high.
Burton Agnes is a beautiful Elizabethan building with lots of character and full of modern sculptures and paintings set in idyllic grounds surrounded by stunning scenery. There is a walled garden which is a delight and there are the woods to wander round, you can also purchase plants grown here. The pond and water feature are also beautiful. As we had no children in tow a venture into the kid’s corner wasn’t had, but it looked like they were having fun. The maze was well used as were the giant games.
The bar was reasonably priced and offered a pretty good range of drinks. You are welcome to bring you own to all areas which most festival goers did which meant the queuing was kept to a minimum. The tea tent offered some delicious cake treats. Hot chocolate fresh coffee tea and cold drinks are available all day. In the food tent freshly prepared meals ranging from beef burgers sandwiches to baked potatoes are being cooked continually, the smell from this area is divine. A retro ice cream van provides another big attraction. We didn’t sample one but everybody who had them seemed to be enjoying them!
Overall this is a brilliant festival. The friendly laid back atmosphere, fantastic live music and stunning settings make it a must for families/couple/groups of friends looking for a good value weekend away. It is well organised and the whole thing runs smoothly throughout.
It was a shame the weather was not on our side and quite a few packed up and left on the Saturday thus missing out on some superb acts. We persevered with the wet clothes and soggy boots and are glad we did! I will back next year.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information on the 2015 Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival (3-5 July 2015) visit www.burtonagnes.com.
