As the people of Highworth were getting ready for the main day of WrdeUp Music Festival the clouds were still showing rain, but as the gate opened and the excited crowds started to enter the festival grounds the sun showed itself and apart from a quick shower early on in the afternoon Mr Sunshine showed his face and stayed out to give everyone one third of an amazing day out.
Saturdays lineup was packed with non-stop awesome acts from the get-go with Rock Choir who straight away got the crowd buzzing followed by Double Helix and Pretty Green. Then it was the turn of Kaylie Malone, one of the UK’s leading Katy Perry, Shania Twain and Taylor Swift, this time as the most talked about music artist on the planet ‘Taylor Swift’.
The moment Malone came on as Taylor Swift the sudden rush to the front of the stage by Swifties of all ages was like watching the crowd racing to watch the real Taylor Swift, something I’ve never witnessed at any similar festival for any tribute band or solo act! It was like Taylor Swift had turned up on the Highworth stage herself! The Taylor Swift phenomenon can only be compared to the heyday of the Beatles in witnessing the reactions of the Swifties.
The Highworth crowd continued to be entertained by bands including local singer Jordan Marvell performing a mix of covers and his own music, one of the West Country’s most popular bands The Ukey Jukes and Seven77’s. At the same time England were playing live on the large TV’s in the Fan Zone tent.
With football going on alongside live music on the main stage, it was a tough choice to decide what to do. After the highly critisied average and mundane performance by England, still managed to reach the Quarter Finals against Switzerland. England going down 1-0 eventually, again in the dying stages pulled the game back, but it took another thirty minutes of extra time and the dreaded penalties. Unlike previous England penalty dramas, this one ended in a win taking England to the Semi Finals.
Back on stage Highworth was transported back to the 70s by Sugar Motown, a five piece soul/motown/disco/funk band who got the people of Highworth grooving to hit songs such as ‘We Are Family’ by the legendary Sister Sledge.
WrdeUp closed with headliners, the globetrotting international Black Eyed Peaz, who kept the crowds jumping and singing along with the band to hit after hit such are ‘Pump it’ ‘I Gotta Feeling’ ‘Just Cant Get Enough’ and ‘Where is The Love’.
With one more day to go, WrdeUp Music Festival gives the stage to grassroots bands supported by the Arts Council England. The Sunday lineup includes a showcase from Highworth Jazz, Truck, Billie & Louie Big Band and Dub Catalyst.
Entertainment Swindon 
Leave a comment