Music Festival success!
Overton Music Festival - A success!
“Saturday was amazing, one of the best community events in the village for a long time! And the talent was superb! Let there be more events and memories like this!” (Lisa Marie Heaver)
Like Lisa, hundreds of local people came along and enjoyed Overton’s first free family-friendly Music Festival in the Community Centre and St Mary’s Hall over the weekend of 6th-8th June. Bringing various groups together, it proved to be an enjoyable and successful event, and gave the village centre a great community vibe.
Showcasing local musical talent performing a range of genres from blues, folk and choral to Americana, country and rock, the event was designed to raise awareness of our Community Centre and Overton’s wonderful village halls, which rely on community use and support for their continued existence.
As anyone organising an outdoor event in the UK knows, it’s all about the weather! It stayed dry on the Friday evening allowing for John Bird, Martin Wood, Mick Browne, and the Buster Cornelius Quartet to perform their fabulous sets outside in the ‘Village Square’.
The weather wasn’t quite as kind on the Saturday, forcing performers to take to the stage inside in St Mary’s Hall. Spirits weren't dampened, however, as people tapped their toes to Lola Gibbard, Steve Donnelly, Overton Choral Society, Tom Hanley & Gill Corbett, Sarah Hawkyard, Mya, Jack & Sing Now Choir, John Bird, Subharmonix and Kahira Zaren. Johnny Marvel’s Blues Groove rounded off the evening, enticing people of all ages out of their seats to dance.
Better weather was back on Sunday allowing the action to return outside to the village square. The final day was mostly about choirs, children and bands with the audience being treated to fabulous performances by the Marina School of Dance, Overton Primary School Choir, Basingstoke Silver Band, the Churches Together Band and the Cocktail Choir (replete with their cocktails!). Overton’s Fortunate Ones closed the festival with an excellent rock set that got toes tapping and people up bopping.
As well as excellent music and dance performances, we were treated to a range of stalls and experiences: the wonderful Oakley Stitchers, Henna and glitter tattoos, face painting, and fun family games in St Mary’s Hall garden. Overton United Football Club brilliantly ran the bar and several societies displayed their wares: Sustainable Overton, Overton Biodiversity, Heritage Overton, Jane Austen Trails and the Community Centre itself - showing once again the volume and variety of clubs and societies that are active in our village.
The activities designed specifically for our younger folk proved popular with many children trying out different instruments courtesy of Anvil Arts’ ‘Musication Station’ and making their own pan-pipes in the Library.
Reflecting on the event, Trustee and lead organiser Steve Williams: “Once again, Overton delivers! Terrific music from brilliant performers hugely enjoyed by enthusiastic crowds. The Community Centre’s ‘Village Square‘ proved a great venue.”
A reminder that Overton Community Centre is owned by the charity: Overton Community Association. This consists of a group of Trustees (currently seven) who meet once a month. Anyone can join and become a member for £12 per year (just £1 per month). The Trustees are currently discussing planning more fun events (quizzes, catered evenings, ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ jury experience…) and introducing a greater range of membership benefits to encourage people to join and support the Centre.
Please see the website for membership details - the Community Centre needs your support so please consider joining. And let us know what you’d like from your Community Centre by using our online Suggestions Form.
The Trustees would like to thank everyone who performed, helped, supported or was involved in the event in any way. Many volunteers ensured the large and ambitious event ran so smoothly Special thanks to John Troman and Martin Baker for masterminding the venue set-up, and to Richard Oram for the sound system. Also to Overton Radio’s Rob Francis for hosting and to our Parish Council for their support. See you at the next event!
Lauren McCann
(Trustee - Overton Community Association)
