Outstanding day at the Outfield Festival

Somer Valley FM, the local radio station for North East Somerset, based in Midsomer Norton, spent last Sunday at the Outfield Festival.

‘Having attended recent local Jubilee and Fayre festivals, and now the sold-out Outfield, I can see and hear that our community is revelling at in-person outdoor events again after the pandemic’ commented Richard Burgess, Somer Valley FM Station Manager.

‘We love meeting our listeners, and encouraging others to give us a try. The Outfield Festival provided ample opportunity to do so, whilst we were also lucky enough to see and hear some great live music.  The day was brilliantly organised. Our thanks and respect to all the organisers, volunteers and so many West Country acts, along with our local legend DJ James Bridges, who performed on the day’ added Richard.

Jo Davis, weekday host of Somer Valley’s Breakfast Show, was one of the radio station’s volunteers who enjoyed meeting and interviewing a number of the musicians. ‘It was a privilege to meet and chat to some of the bands’ said Jo. ‘There was such an array of talent and wide taste in music. Something for everyone. Meeting Scouting for Girls and Graham Swift of the Entitled Sons were the highlights of the day for me as I’m a massive fan of both’.

Jo continued ‘And, to top it all, seeing so many local people have such a good time after some tough few years was heart-warming. As for the organisers, what a show they put on – it was so well organised and the whole feel of the festival was welcoming and relaxing’

Jo’s Breakfast Show airs every weekday 7-9am, where she will be broadcasting the interviews she held at the Outfield Festival. James, under the show name DJs Take Control, plays out new mixes weekly 9pm each Saturday night. All shows broadcast can be listened to on-demand for 30 days via Somer Valley FM’s website.

‘What we need now’, finished Richard, ‘is a suitable indoor venue. And then perhaps a winter cum festive musical event? We’re always happy to be involved, and there’s an community appetite. That could see us through to next year’s Festival!’

To contact your local radio station, call or WhatsApp 01761 411755, via social media, or email richardburgess@somervalleyfm.co.uk

Photos:

Graham Swift (Entitled Sons), Jo Davis (Somer Valley FM)

Greg Churchouse (Scouting for Girls) Jo Davis, Pete Helmore (Somer Valley FM) Roy Stride (Scouting for Girls)

Sareii-Aria-Lennox (Irie Fire), Debbie Chatting (Somer Valley FM)

The Somer Valley team – Debbie Chatting, Chris Griffiths, Gemma Esclarin Gros, Tristan Reakes, Jo Davis, Pete Helmore, Richard Burgess