News / Blog - Events News

When it comes to Christmas lets just say that every year I take a little while to 'warm to the idea'.

I blame the 35 years I spent in retail... meaning that Christmas always bought with it extra work-load and targets to meet. Old habits have proved hard to break even after (is it now seven years?) of being a pro photographer.

The good news is that this year my effort to get into a Christmas mood has been given a kickstart and I have two 'party bands' to thank for this. I'm now on a roll... but maybe I have peaked a bit too soon?!

Saturday at the Fermain Tavern was the place to be to get into a party mood and the large crowd were certainly feeling it. First on stage were RentOClean. This was a great bit of booking and started the night on the way to a lively climax.

A 'lively climax' was always promised with Sons of the Desert topping the bill with their quick-fire set featuring the best of Madness.... Night boat to Cairo anyone?

If you struggle with the whole 'Christmas business' I'm afraid you missed the perfect opportunity to start the process :-) If you think a few pics might help, you can view the party that you missed here:
RENTOCLEAN KICKSTART THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
and
SONS OF THE DESERT ORCHESTRATE THE PARTY

Who am I trying to kid! I've got a long way to go yet before I get in the Christmas mood :-)

I guess many of you are having the usual problem (like me) of thinking about what presents to give.
Well you have come to the right place.... read on.

A new option to present favourite pictures has been added to my Gallery Shopping Cart....

I am often asked if I can frame prints for clients. I've always been reluctant as the options are so vast!

However, there is NO doubt that a beautifully framed print looks a MILLION times better than one that is left in an Album.... or worse still put at the bottom of a draw. I have cried after seeing the condition that some of my pics have ended up in :-(

The answer to this problem has really got me excited!!

After months of research and examining samples I have decided to add a FRAMED PRINT option to the Shopping Cart.

I am keeping things simple - but nothing has been compromised with the quality of the finished article.

Only one colour and finish is offered. I have tried many variations but always this was the most impressive. The frame is approx 30mm wide and is finished with a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN effect. It is supplied 'Ready to Hang' and the Print is protected behind Glass.

There are options to frame A2, A3 & A4 prints.

The smaller A3 & A4 sizes are presented with a hand cut BEVEL MOUNT. A truly classic look.

The Larger A2 sized PRINTS, DIGITAL PAINTINGS & POSTERS are the ultimate way to add impact to any wall. Each of the A2 options are individually prepared and feature distintive artistic touches. The DIGITAL PAINTINGS look amazing.
A few SAMPLES can be viewed here: TAKE A LOOK AT SAMPLE MONTAGES & DIGITAL PAINTINGS

I am dealing direct with a UK based Manufacturer which allows me to offer exceptional value for such a high class product. I am passing on the savings that I have made by purchasing in bulk to encourage you to choose the FRAMED PRINT option.

Everyone is a winner... you get great value and I have the satisfaction of knowing that my pics are displayed in the most impresive way :-)

When you see these Framed Prints - especially the larger sizes - you will understand why I am so excited by this new offering.

For more information on these and the other products I offer click here:

VIEW DETAILS OF ALL THE OPTIONS AND PRINTS SIZES
or
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE PICTURE GALLERIES

So there you are, I've solved your gift problems and if you order in the next 10 days I can still deliver in time for Christmas....

This time of year sees the Motor Sport season coming to an end.

Last weekend saw one of the established Clubs holding their Annual Dinner Dance and Trophy Presentation when the years Champions got to pick up their rewards.

This time it was the Guernsey Motor Cycle & Car Club who laid out the tables 'dripping' with polished Silverware. (Motor Sport LOVES Trophies!)

The GMC&CC has a long history of supporting a variety of racing and competition and was the organiser of one of the biggest spectacles of recent years when the British Sand Ace Championship was run on Vazon beach VIEW THE 2012 BRITISH SAND ACE CHAMPIONSHIP

So the scene was set. The racers were all 'polished up' (suprisingly well considering that leather gear would always be their prefered form of dress) and I was supporting the presentation with a slideshow of all the winners as they came forward to collect the treasured items. I am always amazed how good a picture can look when blown up and projected on an eight foot wide screen - remember that the screen resolution is only about 1024 dpi! How does this work.... I haven't a clue! . I hope the show was appreciated as it takes an age to put together.

The following day saw the Trials Guys and Gals running a meeting on sections laid out in Petit Bot valley. Having spent the night of the Dinner Dance sharing a table with several of the Trials riders I can vouch for how serious they were taking the next days competition ;-) Party on eh guys!

By early afternoon my body was beginning to function again and I popped along to Petit Bot to take a few pics. The fresh air was just what the Doctor would have ordered!

Pics can be viewed here:
VIEW THE LATEST TRIALS PICS FROM PETIT BOT

I don't want to loose your attention this early in a Blog.... but I'd like to suggest we do a few 'sums'. So get the calculator ready!

Many of you buy a few of your favourite pics from me and thanks for that :-) What you do with them isn't really my business but I would love to think they took pride of place somewhere - even if it is on the Loo wall!

My guess is that many prints end up in a draw, creased and damaged. This shouldn't really bother me.
After all I've taken your money by then ;-)

But of course if you decide that money spent on a print is money wasted..... then that is a SERIOUS problem to me. You might not buy another print - EVER!

So time to get the calculator out. What if you bought 5 x A4 sized prints at £8 each. Total = £40.
This is no problem if the pics are kept in an Album, but it's too much to chuck in a draw.

Now for my 'hard sell'. Remember I was a retailer in a previous life!

Why don't you consider having a MONTAGE custom designed. The most popular format is using 5 pictures. Have you made the link yet? What you will get is an impressive and unique picture that will deserve a place on display.... it would even brighten up the Loo if that is the only wall space available.

Out with the calculator again... an A2 sized MONTAGE will cost you just £55. That is just fifteen quid more than the prints at the bottom of the draw. BARGAIN is what I say!

Best of all is that I can supply the MONTAGE already framed CHECK THE FRAMING OPTIONS HERE.
I buy the FRAMES direct from the manufacturer and pass on the LOW PRICES to encourage sales.
Add a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN FRAME to your order for JUST £35.

Christmas is coming.... I hope I have sown the seed for a few gift ideas....
CHECK OUT THE FRAMING OPTIONS HERE
and
HERE ARE A FEW SAMPLE MONTAGES

My Website has suffered from the exceptional weather conditions in New York.... Small world isn't it!!!

The Main Servers for this Website are based right in the path of Hurricane Sandy. This has resulted in recurring power cuts and the drop of service. If you have attempted to view the Galleries during the last couple of days you might have found that you couldn't get a response.

I have just been informed that the services are now back to normal (perhaps still be a bit slow) but all the options, including the purchase of prints should now be working.

This is the first time my Website provider has dropped the service... and I think I will forgive them this time due to circumstances outside of their control ;-)

By the way, nice to see you back again!!! Check-out the news items below to see the latest updates.

Freaky, dark and scary is how it was at The Fermain Tavern last weekend.

Every year the Ghouls, Ghosts & Weirdo's come out to party at the Halloween Metal Mayhem. It's probably true to say that if you are easily spooked or if you don't like your music heavy you should stay at home!

But, if you LIKE getting spooked and you LIKE your music served in Heavy Metal portions then this is the 'gig of the year' ;-)

So this is what the full house were treated to on Saturday. A new Gallery of pictures featuring headliners Darker Shores has now been added:
HALLOWEEN METAL MAYHEM PICS OF DARKER SHORES

A new option to display your pictures has been added to my Gallery Shopping Cart....

I am often asked if I can frame prints for clients. I've always been reluctant as the options are so vast!

However, there is NO doubt that a beautifully framed print looks a MILLION times better than one that is left in an Album.... or worse still put at the bottom of a draw. I have cried after seeing the condition that some of my pics have ended up in :-(

The answer to this problem has really got me excited!!

After months of research and examining samples I have decided to add a FRAMED PRINT option to the Shopping Cart.

I am keeping things simple - but nothing has been compromised with the quality of the finished article.

Only one colour and finish is offered. I have tried many variations but always this was the most impressive. The frame is approx 30mm wide and is finished with a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN effect. It is supplied 'Ready to Hang' and the Print is protected behind Glass.

There are options to frame A2, A3 & A4 prints.

The smaller A3 & A4 sizes are presented with a hand cut BEVEL MOUNT. A truly classic look.

The Larger A2 sized PRINTS, DIGITAL PAINTINGS & POSTERS are the ultimate way to add impact to any wall. Each of the A2 options are individually prepared and feature distintive artistic touches. The DIGITAL PAINTINGS look amazing.
A few SAMPLES can be viewed here: TAKE A LOOK AT SAMPLE MONTAGES & DIGITAL PAINTINGS

I am buying the Frames directly from a UK based Manufacturer which allows me to offer exceptional value for such a high class product. I am passing on the savings that I have made by purchasing in bulk to encourage you to choose the FRAMED PRINT option.

Everyone is a winner... you get great value and I have the satisfaction of knowing that my pics are displayed in the most impresive way :-)

When you see these Framed Prints - especially the larger sizes - you will understand why I am so excited by this new offering.

For more information on these and the other the products I offer click here:
VIEW DETAILS OF ALL THE OPTIONS AND PRINTS SIZES
or
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE PICTURE GALLERIES

What makes a great photograph?

I haven't even started this blog and I know it is a bad idea... a REALLY bad idea.
There will never be a definitive answer to the question! But this is as I see it.

Of course there are many different (and memorable) styles of photography. When you combine this with an infinite amount of photographic subjects every person will have their own idea of what makes a 'GREAT PHOTOGRAPH'.

The only thing I can offer is my own point of view, and of course this is very personal. Inevitably I am going to be influenced by the choice of subject that I like to capture.

I'll say right at the start of this ramble that, even if I was backed into a corner under threat of serious pain, I still couldn't find a single picture of my own that I would offer as 'something really special'. The bar has been set very high by the truly great photographers.

However, this doesn't prevent me - nor should it prevent any of you - from trying to record the special moments that you enjoy.

This blog was inspired after I began sorting through a few old galleries. This made me consider what makes a successful shoot, or at least a shoot that achieved the result I was hoping for.

Much of my work as a professional photographer isn't about capturing a single great shot. My assignments often cover Events, Gigs, Sports and Commercial shoots that have to be recorded over a period of time. I am expected to capture the atmosphere, the special moments, the climax. My pictures are often seen as a collection and should give the viewer a true and descriptive presentation of a performance or occasion.
The challenge is to give the viewer memorable images of an experience they had been part of, or to show another person what they have missed.

You will see that I shoot a lot of gigs. These are a good example of how I approach my work. I will try to record a Bands stage performance in such a way that flicking through a Gallery the viewer should have a better understanding of the 'essence' of a Band's act.

But as I have already said, GREAT pictures don't come along too often. In fact if you are still waiting for me to tell you what makes a GREAT PHOTOGRAPH. Sorry, I can't!
You didn't think I was that talented, did you?
If I do discover the formula for guaranteed success I will bottle it.... I'll make a fortune ;-)

What I do know is that by putting in the time and effort and by being very 'self critical', slowly it is possible to develop your skills and your eye for a good pic. I try to practice what I preach and continue in the the pursuit of that illusive GREAT PHOTOGRAPH :-)

I offer a Gallery of pictures that you might like to take a look at.... but don't expect to see any GREAT pics yet. I'm still working on that!

The Gallery features a Band that I really enjoy. Elmer Henley are energetic and good to photograph.
If you take away a 'feel' for their stage performance after scrolling quickly though the pics I will consider the job 'well done'.
Follow my lead, grab your camera and start on the path to capturing better images... maybe even a GREAT PHOTOGRAPH one day!
TAKE A LOOK, DO YOU GET A FEEL FOR THIS BANDS PERFORMANCE?

I'm not too great on superlatives it seems!

A 'three letter' 'WOW' seems a bit weak for the latest statistic showing viewings on this Web-site.

But there you have it. That was the first word I uttered when the counter passed THREE MILLION VIEWINGS!

Previous landmarks were also special to me. The FIRST MILLION was passed literaly on the Anniversary of the first year online. I was astounded by that coincidence.

TWO MILLION VIEWINGS showed up in May this year. This started me wondering if 3,000,000 viewings could be reached before the first two years online..... and we have just made it with nine days to go :-)

I'd like to thank all of you for the continued - and growing - interest in my work. I feel very lucky to call photography my 'proper job'. I speak to so many talented and enthusiastic photographers who would love to change places (and camera kit!) with me.

So passing the 3,000,000 viewings deserves to be analysed a little. This breaks down to 2,000,000 in the last 51 weeks.
Google Analytics shows that the vast majority of viewings are from European Countries/Time Zones.

With most of the viewings being made during 18 of the 24 hours available we can do some sums!

18 Hours x 60 Mins = 1,080 Mins a Day
1,080 Mins x 7 Days = 7,560 Mins a Week
7,560 x 51 Weeks = 385,560 Mins of viewing time to go from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000

So now a simple division reveals the average number of viewings that occurred every minute for every hour for the last 51 weeks....

2,000,000 divided by 385,560 = 5.18

The resulting number (as if you are really going to be as interested as me :-) shows this:

EVERY MINUTE FOR THE LAST 51 WEEKS (on average) FIVE PICTURES WERE VIEWED.

Meaning EVERY TWELVE SECONDS A PICTURE IS VIEWED.... and of course peak viewing would be much higher as this is just an average. WOW! ...... here I go again :-)

Looking ahead I have much more modest ambitions. I really can't see any possibility of improving on 2,000,000 annual viewings so I will consider that doing the same again as a job well done :-)

If you find a few minutes now and then to pop along here to check-out the latest updates I will be a happy man.
Thanks
Andrew
READ ABOUT THE FIRST MILLION
READ ABOUT THE SECOND MILLION

RentOClean were given the roll of headliners at last weekends Tantale Album launch.

This was a good move as once Tantale had played their set there was always a risk that the night might fall a little flat.

If I had to name one band playing on the local scene at the moment to trust with keeping the party going RentOClean would be top of the list.

The 2012 Battle of the Bands winners did the job.... party on!!
New pictures of RentOClean are now on-line:
VIEW PICTURES OF RENTOCLEAN

It's now quite a few years ago that I had a revelation. I had a pint in my hand (I was in a pub) so nothing unusual there then :-)

I was listening to a Band - again nothing different there either. I have followed live music since a young teenager. Lets say a good few decades!

What struck me as I downed the second pint was that I was missing a trick here.

As already stated, I watch a lot of gigs. I am also a professional photographer. There had to be a place that these two interests could meet. So it was there that my exhaustive coverage of all things musical began. Since that awakening I have developed a huge portfolio of pictures that record 'the moment in time'.

I think many of us enjoy looking back through old photographs from our youth. They trigger many memories of past times. Who knows, maybe my pics will evoke similar feelings in a decades time?

I am always thrilled by the interest shown in my work and have had the privilege of hanging a selection of framed live music prints in the legendary Fermain Tavern.

So what started me on this ramble?

Well I have just photographed Tantale's launch of their first Album 'The Known Elements'. The party was at The Fermain Tavern, where else? And it was packed out!

So, if you have stuck with me till here, I will explain where I am going with this.

We all have moments and experiences that mean something special to us as individuals. Many, many pictures are taken to help us recall those happy times. But the problem with live music (particulaly when the songs are originals) is that when the performance is over.... it is gone. If you are like me, by the time your head hits the pillow your recollection is of the great vibes of a gig but the songs pass on.

This is why I really love it when a Band makes a record (literally) of some of their work. We have an opportunity to then re-play the songs, to take in the finer points, to listen to the lyrics. Tantale have produced a terrific new Album which can only swell their fan-base and writes another musical chapter into our memory.

Hopefully my pictures will play a small part in the chronicaling of our music scene. Pictures of the Album launch party are now on-line:
TANTALE'S ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY

I have been tidying up some photoshoots and came across a folder that I hadn't completed. This takes us back to the Greenman Chaos Bike & Music Festival.... way, way back!

There was a Sunday of entertainment which followed on from Friday & Saturday. I have added a few more pics of some of the Bands that played on the Sunday including Ukuladeez, The Doomsday Project and No Paparazzi. There are also a few more pics from the Peace Tent.

The biggest fun of the last day of Chaos 2012 was when three new prospects to join the Guernsey Greenman had a chance to prove that they had a good sense of humour and that they would fit in with the rest of the Greenmen.
Not taking yourself too seriously is obviously a very important quality to fit in :-0

The three guys seemed to enjoy the slapstick every bit as much as the crowd of on-lookers.....maybe a bit too much, eh?!!?!?

New pictures can be viewed here:
VIEW THE LAST OF THE GREENMAN CHAOS 2012 PICS

As the Hill Climb season nears its end for 2012 I have been reflecting on some of the performances I have seen this year.

The records have been lowered in such numbers that it has probably created a new record of its own!

The quality of driving. The standard of preparation of Cars, Bikes and Karts and the total commitment shown by competitors places Channel Island Motor Sport way up the 'league' when it is judged against other National venues.
Motor Sport has also shown that it is near the top when judged by the level of performance compared to other local sports.

There are probably few sports that demand such brave commitment. It is also an expensive activity to compete in - particulaly when many of the younger participants have families to feed!

The Alderney weekend always makes me aware how many people have to be involved with a Motor Sport Club to make everything happen. Guernsey is spoilt by having three well run and supported Clubs.

May I suggest that any racer who has enjoyed the 2012 season should take a moment to thank the Committee members and many helpers who make all this happen. That way we can all look forward to even better racing days ahead ;-)

Alderney Hill Climb pics are now on-line:
ALDERNEY HILL CLIMB 2012

Well what can I say? Party on..... Disco dancing & smoke. Only the disco lights are missing!
Whatever music these guys are listening to it must be loud ;-)

The Guernsey Kart & Motor Club have just returned from the Annual visit to Alderney. This is a highlight of the Channel Islands Motor Sport scene. There is no doubting that any competitor who makes the journey must LOVE their racing.

The logistics, cost and effort that goes into setting up a safe and successful weekend of Sprint and Hill Climb racing 'offshore' is massive. The Committee and all the many helpers and supporters are to be congratulated on another well run event.

Of course we were over in Alderney for the racing but the weekend always offers far more than that as all those involved mix for the social side as well. An outbreak of 'Alderney Flu' is the usual outcome by Sunday morning!

There was another helmet-full of new records.... something we have come to expect this year. Both events are extremely fast and inevitably attract the 'cream' of the racing scene. To watch this action from my privileged (and close!) viewpoint is quite astonishing. A certain red BMW paid me a rather close visit at the Hill Climb. I was most disappointed that no-one in the crowd of spectators got a picture of me legging it! I guess you have to be a 'pro' to keep clicking when it all 'kicks off', ha, ha!

In fact, on this occassion, even I missed the actual crash as I was breaking the 30 metre sprint record. Good job a 100 metre sprint wasn't needed - at my age!

It must have been a 'Red Car' thing this year as Tim Le Pelley had a big moment (actually it was more like five!) when his once beautiful Mini rolled over at the Sprint. He walked away having reaped the benefit of his careful car preparation. We were all very relieved.

I am now working through the weekends pics. First up are the Fort Corblets Sprint pictures.
PICTURES OF THE 2012 ALDERNEY SPRINT

I thought I had better catch up with a few Gallery updates ahead of another 'away-day' from the studio. Well, in fact it is a few days!

September sees the Motorsport clan pack their toolboxes and tyre warmers and head off to Alderney. Alderney here we come... hope the karaoke is warmed up for Chemy and Phil ;-)

Todays additions are from way back.... the Vale Earth Fair to be precise. So many more pics have been taken since then it seems like an age ago!

So The Earth Fair Gallery is now complete with pictures of RentOClean, Sugarslam, Stone 'Em All, Brave Yesterday, Twelve Tribe Mansion, Last of the Light Brigade, Skid Rue, Land of the Giants, Wild Card, The Recks, Tantale, Speakeasy, The Gaa Gaa's & Rebel Control.

Nobody can say I don't try to give good coverage, eh?

So it will be off to Alderney and more pics, a few beers and NO, I will NOT be on the Karaoke you will be relieved to know :-)
THE FINAL VALE EARTH FAIR UPDATES

With the Jersey Live Festival now in its ninth year it was to be expected that the headline act would be someone special. An international star.

The chosen hero and legend for 2012 was Noel Gallagher and his High Flying Birds. No arguement there then. Noel is recognised all around the world and his appearance at Jersey Live gives credit to the status this friendly festival has earned.

Their performance was eagerly anticipated and the band delivered 'big time'. Noel's cocky attitude and irreverent humour between the tightly presented and memorable songs went down really well with the crowd and bought the Festival to a closing high.

I have updated a few of the Jersey Live picture galleries including the 'Good Vibes' scenes. Also you can now view a gallery featuring Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds.
VIEW NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS... AND OTHERS

I've just returned from what has become my annual trip to Jersey Live.
If you are a regular visitor to this web-site you will know that I photograph many, many Bands & Gigs every year.
However it is the journey over to our sister island that is one of the highlights. I look on it as a bit of a holiday... more like a busmans holiday really ;-)

I am now recognised by many of the security crew and I can only say good things about their friendly and helpful attitudes. They tell me that the Channel Islands are fabulous places to work... apparently we are a bit more 'laid back'. We agree, don't we!

The long weekend sees me sleeping on site in my van with the crews. With the long hours taking pics and a pump-up mattress combined with the after festival parties a good nights sleep is not a problem!

Of course the job is only half-done when I return home. The editing and selection of pictures then has to happen. It's not quite as much fun as taking the pics :-(

As always the best approach is to limit how many pics you take in the first place. The editing process is then a little easier.

I have now broken the back of the job but will still have a bit more to do tommorow. The list of bands already uploaded to the picture gallery is extensive!

Primal Scream, Chase & Status, Alex Clare, The Stranglers, Any Given Sunday, Badlabecques, The Gaa Gaa's, Professor Green, The Valentines, Brave Yesterday, Friends, Maverick Sabre, U.G. & B-Eazy, The Dukes Box, Rizzle Kicks, Monty Taft, Last Dinosaurs, Devlin, Bwani Junction, Janice Graham Band & Jake Bugg.

There is also a new gallery showing some of the weekends atmosphere and good vibes.

Please check-out the new pictures of Jersey Live. If you were there I hope they bring back happy memories. If you didn't go this year maybe I can persuade you that next year is a must.
JERSEY LIVE 2012 PICTURE GALLERIES

Non of my ramblings tonight ;-)

Just a quick note to mention that I have added a couple more picture galleries to the Vale Earth Fair folder.
Unfortunately I will not be able to upload pics of all the bands I photographed before I leave to photograph Jersey Live... I think there are another thirteen to come!

Todays additions include a gallery featuring some shots of the general atmosphere together with pics of Roots Manuva, Blackpool & Teaspoonriverneck.
VIEW THE VALE EARTH FAIR 2012 UPDATES

I have been following the Facebook comments and Tweets and there is a nearly unanimous agreement that 2012 was the best ever year for the Vale Earth Fair. The guys & gals who work so hard to put this 'one day' festival on are to be congratulated.

There is always a massive risk and gamble when commiting so much time and effort towards a single day of the year. So many things (and people) have to come together in an almost gamble of faith.

What if it rains?
What if the Ferries/Flights are cancelled and the Bands can't get here?
Will the word get out there to the punters?

So much cannot be controlled or guaranteed. 'Why do they bother?' I here you ask.
Of course the reasons are the best there are. The VEF Collective are long time supporters of several deserving causes. The Burma Campaign UK, The Free Tibet Campaign, Oxfam and Bridge2Haiti will all benefit from the money raised.

The other worthwhile reason for putting in so much effort is to bring 'like-minded' music lovers into the same space to share a common 'vibe'. This was a mission accomplished once again. The music was varied and of high quality.... the people partied.... everything was good for a day.

I am working through a collection of many pictures of the VEF! This will take a while! I have been asked again to photograph the Jersey Live 2012 Music Festival at the weekend capturing the atmosphere and all the Bands so the updates will be a bit slow.

For now I have added a taster to a new Vale Earth Fair 2012 Gallery. This features the headliners on the Castle stage... Subsource. People will be talking about their performance for years to come.... it was that good!
VIEW THE FIRST VALE EARTH FAIR PICTURES

OK, I ask the question... 'Festivals, who needs them?'

Guernsey has an amazing and very varied Music & Arts scene. A month never goes by without a few 'headline' events. I enjoy supporting many shows, gigs and festivals and I like to think that I take full advantage of the eclectic mix on offer.

However, so often I look around and find that the amount of folk that make the effort to attend is disappointingly small. In fact it is usual to see many of the same familiar faces.

So my word to you is 'keep a ear tuned into the local jungle drums' and listen out for the next event that offers something to your taste. You will be rewarded with time 'out of the house and off the sofa' and you might start a new habit ;-) Say hello if you see me out!

A great place to start would be next weekend at the Vale Earth Fair. Find your way to Vale Castle... it's in the Vale, you can't miss it! The Festival offers a fantastic mix of music... there really is something for every taste. It is child friendly and the setting is certainly unique. Support the local Festivals and you will be spoilt for choice. Remember what they say 'Use it or loose it'.

Ahead of the busy weekend coming up I have been adding a few more pics from another regular Festival... the Greenman Chaos. Latest updates feature pictures of Elmer Henley, ID Shade and The Black Vote:
PICS OF ELMER HENLEY, ID SHADE & THE BLACK VOTE