Rain fails to dampen moods at Oakwell Music Festival

The first-ever Oakwell Music Festival has been hailed a huge success as over 3,000 people flocked through the gates.

Held on 12 July at the Oakwell Hall Country Park in Birstall, the festival played host to X Factor stars Kingsland Road and Lucy Spraggan, and local acts such as Rupert Stroud, the Dunwells and the Littlemores.

Bluetones frontman Mark Morriss headlined the second stage, whilst the Hoosiers took to the main stage, where they playing a mix of old and new, ending on their chart-topping hit “Good Bye Mr A”.

Weather was sunny throughout, and the crowd refused to let a downpour of rain dampen their moods.

Organiser of the festival, Paul Fisher, said: “Despite the rain towards the end, we couldn’t have asked for a better first festival. It was a great day, all the acts were great and the turnout was amazing.

“We’re overwhelmed by all the positive feedback we’ve received following the festival and we couldn’t have done it without our team of volunteers on the day, so thank you to everyone that helped us.”

Bands and festival-goers took to social media after the event to praise the organisers, who are made up of a five-strong volunteering team from Working Chimp Productions CIC.

Local soloist Simon Walker who headlined the acoustic stage wrote: ‘Had an awesome time @Oakwellfestival yesterday. Can’t wait ‘til next year.’

The Hoosiers also tweeted: ‘@Oakwellfestival thanks so much for having us. It’s a sign of a good festival when the weather can’t even ruin it. Bravo.’

Festival organisers are now focussing on the second annual Cleckheaton Beer and Music Festival, being held on 6 September.