Express & Star

Banstock: Festival's second edition a success - with pictures

For the majority of the nation on Saturday it was eyes glued to the television screens cheering on England.

Published
Ned's Acoustic Dustbin perform at Banstock 2018, Bantock Park, Wolverhampton

But for some it was the chance to relax in the sunshine at Wolverhampton's Bantock House Museum and Park and support the best of the region's music talent.

The Banstock Songwriters Festival saw around 450 people turn out to mark its second edition and enjoy the eight acts performing – almost doubling the capacity that turned out for the last one in 2016.

Despite organisers fears attendance would dip because of England's World Cup quarter final clash with Sweden, the event went so well they have revealed they intend to make it an annual affair.

Phil Turner, 40, Wolverhampton Civic event programmer, said: "This is the second one we have done. We did the first in 2016 with Scott Matthews.

"We didn't do one last year, but now we intend to do it annually.

"We didn't show the football but to be honest I thought it was going to be completely deserted but it was very acceptable given the football was on.

"There were around 450 people here, it almost doubled the audience of the first one. The weather was great and the acts were great – we were happy with it.

"We looked at the space and thought it would be nice to do something there. Something where it is quite chilled. They are just beautiful gardens and the house it makes a lovely backdrop.

"The acts went down really well. I was really impressed with the talent, there didn't seem to be a weak link on the bill."

A host of local acoustic acts played to the crowds – including Ned's Acoustic Dustbin and Miles Hunt of The Wonder Stuff, who have both just embarked on a 12-date tour of the UK.

The start of their tour in March, in Liverpool, marked the first time the pair had shared a stage for 28 years.

A new beer was launched by the pair ahead of them re-uniting on stage too – Ned's Wonder which launched prior to them taking their show on the road at The Duke William Pub in Stourbridge.