Cotton Clouds 2018
Cotton Clouds 2018
Reporter: Amelia Shaw
Following the huge success of last year’s debut festival, pressure was on for 2018’s festival to be just as good, if not better. Much improved bar and food facilities and a good mix of emerging groups along-side current musicians, and those we already know and love, ensured that this was a festival not to be missed.
Click on the soundcloud arrow to hear soundbites of the actual festival ( mixed thanks to Andrew Gidney).
Cotton Clouds is extremely family friendly and fitting with Saddleworth’s nature; a kids area filled with activities, drumming workshops, and a final parade around the grounds ensured that the little ones were entertained for the whole day.
New to 2018’s festival, VIP ticketholders enjoyed a private area fitted with its own bar, a seating area, and guests were treated to a surprise acoustic set from Starsailor’s lead singer James Walsh.
Although the two days were filled with a range of artists, guest favourites Hyde Park Brass were a definite highlight, as crowds were far too big to fit into the fairly small Spinning Room tent. Perhaps next time they should be on the main stage!
Fuzzy Sun played to a packed Tim Peak’s Diner Stage in the afternoon, and they delighted listeners with songs from their EP ‘Want Love’ as well as new songs from an EP they hope will be out soon. Songs ‘Want Love’ and ‘Come Take A Bite’ went down particularly well, as excellent lyrics and an unbelievable stage presence made them impossible not to love. Their lead singer has an excellent voice which combined with genuinely clever instrumentation created an elegant charm and an overall very enjoyable experience.
Toploader played the main stage at 6pm, and they certainly improved the level of audience participation and got the evening going. The group did an amazing cover of Elton John’s ‘Rocket Man’, and it provided perfect opportunity for front man Joseph Washburn to show off his piano skills. They (of course) ended their time on stage with huge hit ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’ which went down an absolute treat with the increasingly tipsy audience members. It’s just a shame that they didn’t have a longer set!
Last, but by no means least, headliners Sister Sledge took to the stage at 9pm. Fitting tributes to Aretha Franklin, and their extremely family orientated band gave them a certain energy that I think really made them fit in with the vibe of the whole festival. Killer dance moves from a stage-side steward quickly caught their attention, and he was swiftly up on the stage, proving that he was the ‘Greatest Dancer’ of the evening. Timeless disco classics with a down to earth philosophy made the audience dance and sing their way into the evening.
Overall, the festival was a huge success. The necessary improvements were made on last year’s event, and the organisation was simply exceptional. Next year’s festival has been announced for 16th – 17th August 2019, and early bird tickets come on sale this Friday. See you there!
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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