Well how lucky were you, if you attended?
Last year’s Alfresco was a little wind swept, to say the least, but this year the story was completely different. A sun-soaked day and what a day it was.
The event started at 11am. I arrived around midday and Blackpool Cricket Club was already busy, busy, busy. Lots of smiling faces from the adults relaxing on picnic blankets and deckchairs to the many children and tots dashing around making the most out of possibly one of the nicest days, weather wise, so far this summer.
I trundled around the full pitch and noticed a number of favourite features from last year: Aunty Social were there with children queuing out of their tent to have their faces painted. Kats Whiskers, children’s drama group, was there – with children chasing them around as if they were the Pied Pipers of whipper snappers. Dance tuition and breaking were demonstrated by the fantastic FY West Coast, accompanied by the ever popular Tha Gods DJs.
I settled my blanket down by some familiar faces who were clearly enjoying the sunshine and the relaxed vibe that Cowbell Radio had created. The set up was excellent and I could see that the stage gracing the front of the Cricket Club was perfect for attendees to view and hear. Even though the weather was perfect, there was a ‘just in case’ tent, to cover a potential change in weather – so all guests and staff could relax.
The full line up of musicians:
Mr Scruff / MC Kwasi (Keep it Unreal)
Aim / Niko (ATIC Recordings)
Flash Atkins (Paper Recordings)
2 Billion Beats DJ Set
Galaxians (Leeds)
Government (live)
Martin Brew (Fat City)
Disco Mums (Red Laser/Electric Elephant)
Jack Bee (beatboxer)
As the music filtered across the green, the atmosphere was positive and friendly. I especially liked the hay bales scattered here and there. People were using them as seats and they certainly added a really summer feeling to the environment. Looking around, I could see a number of especially reputable artists were also involved: Infected by Design, He Dreamt Mars and out of towners, Artists Anonymous. The art pieces being created added to a fantastic experience and the artists were friendly and approachable with pieces for sale at the event and the after show exhibition, Art of Alfresco, which is on until the weekend at Baseline in Blackpool town centre.
Music wise, first up were local favourites Government – with their new line up. They belted their tracks out to an appreciative audience who bobbed and nodded back. The music perfectly suited the atmosphere and sunshine; there were happy faces as far as the eyes could see.
I spoke a little to the amazing Jack Bee who provided a truly unique musical experience. As I looked out onto the audience, I can could see that many others shared my sentiment. The audience was up on their feet and moving forward.
I caught up with Chinny, the main organiser following the event to see how he was feeling following the big day. Chinny said:
Sunday was an amazing feeling, three years funding and hard work finally coming to fruition. There was a perfect balance of adults and children having a great day out. I genuinely think it will be the event that will launch us into being an established brand and for Alfresco to shine as an event that cements music, art and family time in the regional area. We have already had a host of acts and sponsors approach us and I have always promised that everything will remain free once inside, which will continue.
Although I was apprehensive on the lead up, ticket sales were ok. It was clear, however, that people were holding off until they were sure of the weather. We were looking for locals to appreciate and understand what Alfresco was looking to achieve and 700 tickets were sold to people outside of the area which was great.
I would not have changed anything from last Sunday as I felt it was perfect. However, there will be changes for the future with improvements for future events, as we always want to improve and better ourselves through experience.
Next up for Cowbell is A Love from Outer Space with Sean Johnston and Andrew Weatherall in Manchester. Then DJ Derek’s Last Gig Ever with Don Letts on the 23rd of June at Blackpool Cricket Club. Finally, the big one, The Carnival Cowbells Charity day on the 1st of September.
Cowbell will also be guesting in various guises throughout the summer: Blackpool Summer Soiree, Croatia’s Electric Elephant and the amazing Beat Herder as well as many other events, so keep your ear to the ground and watch this space.
Final thought: The main thing I enjoyed about Alfresco? The hay – it was apocalyptic! My nephews and nieces and all the other children in attendance will remember that day for the rest of their lives as the ‘hay day’. I witnessed and photographed some terrific sights of pure carnage. Stuck on what to buy your little one for their next birthday? I think a hay bale may just do the trick – legendary.
For more information about Alfresco visit their Facebook page or for more information about Cowbell Radio go online to cowbellradio.co.uk or like them on Facebook.
Altblackpool was out and about on Sunday finding out why you love Alfresco. Watch the video below and find out if you’re in it. Let us know why you love Alfresco in the comments section.
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