By Terry Marland, Rock At Night Wales
Live Review: RivFest Weekender 21-Golden Square-Warrington-UK-August 6th-8th, 2021
RivFest is produced by the River Reeves Foundation that was set up in 2016 following the tragic death of River and the other members of Viola Beach and their manager Craig Tarry. The foundation awards bursaries and grants to support emerging young talent from disadvantaged or low socioeconomic backgrounds. All funds raised from RivFest go help these causes. The three-day event got underway on Friday evening with a storming set from legendary Hacienda DJ Graeme Park, playing tracks covering his 30 year career.
On Saturday it was over to the bands, eleven in all, starting with late additions to the bill Hollywood Eyes ,who got things underway in fine style with their own brand of indie pop.
Local band More in Luv followed on with a stellar set before Bilk increased the tempo with their pulsating high energy performance. Beach Riot rocked with heavy riffs and vocal harmonies while the highly acclaimed Abbie Ozard delighted the audience with a captivating set. The Rills opened with the wonderfully infectious “Stardog” and carried on in the same vein before making way for The Lounge Society who closed the afternoon in fine style.
Orchards opened up the evening with an engaging and energetic set was warmly received by the gathering crowd. High quality performances followed from Pizzagirl and Eliza and the Bear with twice Mercury nominated bill toppers Everything Everything producing an excellent performance to round things off.
Sunday was dominated by predominantly local artistes.The complete line up for Sunday is listed below and it has to be said that based on the performances this afternoon local musical talent is in a healthy place. There was a variety of musical styles but each band brought something different to the afternoon.
There were some outstanding performances from the more established bands. Doctor Doctor, previously known as Saytr Play were in your face (literally) electrifying and highly animated while penultimate band, The Zangwills immediately engaged with the audience and took the stage by storm….and didn’t let up until the closing number.
The festival closed with an electrifying performance from bill – topper Abi Rose Kelly who had the crowd well on side long before she’d performed her first number .
Full list of Sunday performers below.
PHOTO GALLERY
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