BodFest News

BodFest'13 - a resounding success

Bodfest 13 can take pride in the history of Bodicote for creating an original small and independent festival that generated a wonderful intimate atmosphere free from the commercialism of bigger events that are so dependent on big name bands to draw in the crowds.

The organisers of Bodfest 13, aka “ Bodicote Festival 2013 Committee” engineered a celebration of music, arts, and much loved traditional family entertainment that resulted in a buzzing atmosphere, a day of fun, and first grade music.

There was a wonderful ambience throughout the village ,and the two music stages, the children’s entertainment arena, the handicraft and ethnic food stalls, and the open mic forum at the Church Rooms, genuinely created the very essence of actually being at a unique festival that offered an experience of togetherness and unity for hundreds of like-minded people who were just chillin out and enjoying the diversity of music and amusement.

A definite highlight of the festival was the opportunity for the up and coming acts from Oxfordshire and the local “buzz” bands who all put on a good show for the crowds and their loyal followers. Each and every band and solo act worked so hard to make a good and long lasting impression and enjoyed their opportunity of playing such a well organised and friendly festival.
I feel sure that the Bodicote Festival 2013 is a new beginning for the village and lets hope that the committee have time to draw breathe, reflect, and start planning for 2014. (report by Ian Porter)

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The BodFest'13 review printed in the Banbury Guardian 18th July 2013

Main Stage at BodFest'13 Review - (sponsored by Coldroom Studios Oxford)

Uninvited / Von Braun / The Cellar Family / X-1 / Dance a la Plage / Peerless Pirates / Punch Drunk Monkey Club / Half Decent / Mundane Sands / Manny O / Small Time Hero

11 bands in 11 hours… The main stage was erected on Friday evening, the PA was set up early Saturday and the bands were ready to roll with Banbury's Small Time Hero kicking off events at 11am waking the village up to a blistering set of fast paced punk-tinged rock to a small audience of dedicated festival goers.

Diversity was the name of the game as Oxford rapper Manny O stepped up next. Technical difficulties meant that he couldn't use his backing tracks, so bravely he delivered the first couple of tracks from his EP "Reality" unaccompanied. Small Time Hero's drummer, Tomek Radowsky saved the day when he stepped up behind the kit to improvise some rap beats which transformed Manny O's set with a few in the crowd helped out by singing along to Manny's tunes.

Up next were Oxford's Mundane Sands, lead by Alan Foulkes on accordion and vocals. Their lovely folky Americana, tinged with a bit of a punk attitude got the crowd tapping their feet and nodding their heads in the searing heat.

An excellent set by Oxford rapper Half Decent followed (backed up by the brilliant Theoretical). These guys really got the party started with great crowd interaction "When I say Half, you say Decent - Half - Decent -Half-Decent" at one point he collapsed on the stage worrying some members of the audience, but it was all part of the act.

ArtClassSink were due on next, but unfortunately 2 band members were stuck in traffic. Festival openers, Small Time Hero were still backstage and happy to step in to perform a second set (at some times resembling Green Day) in front of a bigger crowd than earlier.

On stage next were local boys Punch Drunk Monkey Club who played a great set of originals and covers (including Song 2 and Teenage Kicks) to a swelling crowd of around 300 people...and then we had Pirates…. Peerless Pirates, just back from Glastonbury wowed the crowd with their rocked up sea shanties.

Banbury's Dance a la Plage followed and played a brilliant set including stage favourite "Matilda" and tracks for their new EP that resulted in a long queue at the front of stage to buy CD's and T-Shirts.

Then it was time for some NOISE. Oxford veterans X-1 were admittedly nervous following the sweet sounds of Dance a la Plage, but their nerves were quickly calmed after the first track "Nail" as they got a section of the audience jumping up and down throughout their extremely fast-paced set.

Next up were the brilliant Cellar Family, well known on the Oxford circuit with their eclectic set of post-punk indie tracks from recent EP "Jumbo" and more mesmerising the swelling crowd.

Another well-known Oxford band Von Braun were up next playing tracks from their wonderful Folk Devil EP, fantastic vocal harmonies and the twin guitar sounds had the singing along....and then finally BodFest'13 headliners Uninvited took to the stage at 10pm to deliver an hour of indie, rock and new wave favourites. They would have played all night but the BodFest'13 entertainments licence meant that they had to end at 11, much to the chagrin of the massive crowd. All in all, a fantastic day of entertainment...

Whilst the music side of Bodfest got under way in the pubs, further down the street at The Village Green, Town Furlong was hosting a different kind of entertainment for local family and friends. The sun was shining and everyone was beginning to enjoy what can only be described as a traditional summer village festival.

At 11o’Clock the Treasure Hunt was launched and an historical walk to the famous Bloxham Grove Windmill took place.

The first act of the day to grace the Arena was the Bishop Loveday School Choir with two beautifully rehearsed songs closely followed by the official opening of the day with the Mayor of Banbury Mr Nicholas Turner who then joined in with the Sharon Green Cheerleading dance troupe.

Meanwhile all around the arena there were plenty of traditional family games to play such ‘hook a duck’, ‘Name the Monkey’, ‘ How many Marshmallows in the Jar, ‘Ping Pong Alley’ not forgetting the all- time favourite ‘face painting’ and ‘nail painting’. There was a tuck shop and fairground rides all for the youngsters to enjoy.

A beautiful red Fire Engine was present for all to see and enjoy. Katherine House Hospice were present as were the Mill Arts Centre, our main Sponsors, offering dance lessons so anyone could join in the Flash Mob dance during the day.

With bunting flowing - Church Street hosted an array of stalls selling everything from Fresh Ground Coffee, to jewellery, handmade soaps, local honey and home wares. In the Village Hall the Mothers Union were serving homemade cakes, biscuits and light refreshments. An exhibition of photographs from yesteryear by local photographer ‘ In-Memory Photography’ were on display. There were food stalls serving traditional Caribbean food, Pork rolls and Pizzas.

Meanwhile back at the Green, there was the Brackley Wind Ensemble and a chance to relax in the shade. Another welcome guest were the Bodicote Hand Bell ringers and in the Arena everyone enjoyed Dance Routines from the Sharon Green Dance Academy and the Mill Flash Mob.

At 1 O'clock we welcomed Tyler Pettitt aged 7- who had just completed a gruelling 7 mile bike ride in the midday heat to raise funds for the Horton General Hospital Children’s ward. He raised a staggering £450, an amazing achievement for someone so young.

At 3’Oclock the Balloon Race was held with over 300 brightly coloured balloons being released which looked a beautiful sight against the blue sky. A top prize of £100 for the winner of the balloon found to be the furthest way. Tickets found are now being sent back so we hope to find a winner soon.

Dogfest Dog show was next of the agenda with 8 different classes to choose from, there were no shortages of entrants. Our very own local dog trainers, Madeleine Greening and her daughter Emma were the hosts. Much fun was had by all.

To close the show a mass Zumba dance class was held for everyone to enjoy - and so ended a fantastic family day on the green.