Burton Agnes Jazz and Blues Festival
Reviewed by Debbie Tasker
Held over three scorching days earlier this month my partner and I were lucky enough to be part of what was a fantastic weekend. The journey from Manchester took around three hours but with some beautiful scenery to take in (Al was the driver poor thing!) it flew by. When we got much nearer to the venue it was clearly signposted and we found it easily.
Campsite
As we approached the designated camping area there were plenty of staff on hand to direct you, I asked where he thought would be quietest and he pointed us in the right direction. The campsite wasn't overcrowded and there were plenty of showers with hot water and never any queues to use them. On a few of occasions the ladies "luxury" toilets were far from that, but it is only to be expected with volume of people using them, each time they were soon in working order again. There is also a cold water tap and a place to do your washing up. The bands playing on the main stage were in hearing distance but never too much, just right. In fact I have nothing but praise for the campsite set up. It opened 3pm Friday until 12 noon Monday. We left Sunday night as most of the visitors did, after the last act finished around 6.30 but there still plenty of hardened festival goers staying on another night!
The Venue
Set in the grounds of an historic Elizabethan Hall you really couldn't ask for a better place to enjoy some of the hottest blues and jazz acts in the U.K. The hall itself is amazing with some beautiful paintings and pieces of furniture. And the gardens and woodlands are out of this world. We spent a lovely afternoon exploring them all. The scenery from the upstairs floors of the hall was breath taking. I highly recommend Burton Agnes hall for a day out if not for the actual festival.
The Acts
The main stage is built on the lawn, but there were also acoustic sessions in the Elizabethan Hall throughout the day. With the late nigh entertainment moving to the bar tent from the main stage as darkness fell.
We saw so many talented musicians it is hard to single any out, my favourite was Simon McBride on the Saturday evening he is or will be an Irish blues guitar hero, when he plays it is quite mesmerising and his vocals are on top form too. Definitely my stand out act. That's not to say the others weren't incredible too, Cadenas Vivaz a soulful six piece Latin band had the joint rocking on the Friday night, The Alligators rounded off the Saturday with a superb blend of rhythm and blues and to end the weekend on a high Ben Beatties Jazz Essentials were joined by owner and festival organiser himself Simon Cuncliffe-Lister on saxophone another enjoyable performance. 24 Pesos, A celebration of Kenny Ball performed by his jazzmen and son Keith, and Trudy Kerr to name but a few also gave great performances.
Food And Drink
On the food lawn to the side of the main stage was an enormous food tent, here you can find everything you could want from baked potatoes, salad and sandwiches. There was also a bbq area serving homemade beef burgers and chicken skewer, in the Tea Tent you can purchase fresh Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate and of course Cakes! A nice touch is the vintage ice cream van parked up on the food lawn, I didn't sample one – but judging by the queues a would say they worth the wait. Breakfast was also served on the food lawn between 9am and midday again we didn't have as we decided to use or one ring cooker and do ourselves, and a good job of it we did, yes it might of took us 50 minutes to fry some bacon but it tasted so good!. The beer tent served local cider and beers, chilled white and red wines were also available. Prices were reasonable, but the cider was a little warm, probably couldn't be helped in such intense heat but was a bit off putting. You were welcome to bring your own drinks as most people did including us. There were plenty of bins and everybody kept the place clean and tidy disposing of bottles and cans properly.
Festival Goers
There was a fantastic age range from babies to O.A.P’s, the mix is good and there is something for everybody, although we didn't have children with us on this occasion I wouldn't hesitate in taking them along. Lots for them to do and a great relaxed atmosphere. I have been to many festivals over the years with and without all my children and this is by far the most child friendly one I have encountered. No trouble or rowdiness just a group of music lovers enjoying each other’s company and the surroundings.
Overall
I can honestly say we had a fabulous time and it would be hard to improve on 2013 next year. Although I am sure Mr Cuncliffe-Lister will try! We have already decided we will be back next year – probably with my mum and dad and others in tow.
Something else I want to mention is Bridlington is only a 20 minute drive away and worth a trip to, lovely seaside town with picture perfect beaches.
If you are thinking of attending a music festival = book now
Rating: 5/5 
For more information visit www.burtonagnes.com/Jazz_Festival.html
