The annual Woodvale Rally event in Southport is a fun filled weekend the attracts many visitors to the area to showcase classic and rare cars. It is a popular event that has stalls, crafts, games and plenty of live music on both days. We had been fortunate enough to be invited along to perform a set on both days. The organisers wished to find some interesting artists and bands to entertain the crowds and that’s exactly what happened. The day before we had been issued tickets for the day that had been dropped off in the post box at home. The next day the post was picked up by Helly’s parents as they drove out to a local camping weekend. So as we left to get our ticket we noticed it wasn’t there and had to go for a game of hunt the tickets. Luckily they weren’t too far away and all was well as we found the tickets and hurried to the gig.
As we approached the gates of exactly where we had been told to go we couldn’t help but notice they had been shut and unattended. Hmm… Dead end. We followed another bloke in a classic yellow fiat cabriolet, as he revved up and down in frustration, he was speaking to someone on the other side of the fence and becoming quite irritated by the whole inconvenience. He jumped back into his car and seemed to know where he was going and made a speedy exit towards the front entrance on the other side of the park, we decided to follow him, if we could keep up that is.
As we approached the entrance we had been told to park up in the car park, though it was nowhere near where we needed to be to unload the equipment. As we informed the security people of our predicament we had been given an escort by the chief organiser himself through the hordes of people and through the heart of the event itself. Driving past all the stalls, through the crowds, we did feel all rather important with our hazards flashing and escort in-tow. I must admit we were getting some proper funny looks from passers by, yet I continued to do my royal wave as we chugged past in our trusty van.
As we unloaded our equipment the rally was in full flow and we went over to the stage to check in with George, George had been setting the sound up and also playing a set in-between, he plays in bands also and can be seen performing at Bickerstock festival in August, a sound guy indeed. Like a Lancashire version of Seasick Steve.
As we sat and waited we had the opportunity to watch the Wigan Ukelele band performing. They were really fantastic and great to watch. We thoroughly enjoyed their renditions of Hermans Hermits or airmans airmits as they pronounce it in Wigan. It’s amazing how many different dialects we have in this little island of ours particularly in such short distances. We often drive in the van for a few hours and completely forget that when we reach our destination the accent has changed entirely. Just as the Ukulele band announced their last song “boom” there was the power cut. Now a festival wouldn’t be a festival if there was no power cut, I don’t think we’ve attended one yet were there hasn’t been some sort of problem with electrics and George was no where to be seen.
So we did our best trying to come to the rescue and pressed the trip switch etc., (trying to look like we knew what we were doing). Panic did set in for a brief moment until the ukulele band in good spirit said “no worries we can play acoustically” The show must go on. We’ve had power cuts in pubs before now, when the candles came out and our audience were treated to an unplugged set, its the beauty of not having to rely on electric. Its how I can imagine music to be back in the good ole days.
Once they had played we immediately went to chat to them and asked them of their availability to play at our wedding for next year, it was a big yes and we now have a 20 piece Ukulele band performing at our wedding. Ha ha wait till we spring that one on whoever’s doing our sound for the day.
As we setup we played an hours set to the audience who had been sheltering from the fine rain and wind coming in off the coast. It was a receptive audience and it was a joy to get the crowd involved in the performance. We had a few gig inquiries and one lady booked us for her wedding there and then, which is just how we like it, very decisive. We had a scooby around before our next set with James (step dad) who loves classic cars, he sadly had a stroke last year and is now wheelchair bound so a day out like this was perfect. He was in his element and he was so happy to watch us perform (even though he likes a good heckle). It was a great day, the sun came out eventually, the crowds were entertained and hopefully we will return again next year.
Thanks for having us Woodvale Rally x