The
Tramlines music festival took place on Friday 19 July for 3 consecutive days at
Hillsborough Park Sheffield.
I,
along with my PA plus my guide dog Barley attended all 3 days.
We
arrived at our destination via the Super Tram and located the special admission
entrance which saved us standing in a long queue.
We
were issued with wrist bands which we wore throughout the 3 days, which saved
us having to produce our tickets every time we were admitted. The first 200 attendees received a
voucher for a free drink at one of the bars scattered around the sight.
Initially
we walked around to determine where each stage was situated as there were 3 to
choose from, the main stage, the Leadmill, plus the Library stage. Eventually
we managed to obtain a programme with details of who was appearing on each of
the 3 stages and on which day and time.
There
were lots of food and drink stalls around selling a variety of food attracting
lots of people to purchase their goods although they were very pricey.
The
weather was cloudy on our arrival and the heavens opened around 6pm turning the
solid ground into a wet, slippery and muddy surface. However that didn’t dampen
the enthusiasm and enjoyment of the crowds that attended.
There
were portable toilets scattered around the sight which you had to be desperate
to use but you know what to expect at a music festival.
Appearing
on the main stage, amongst other performers, was a group from Liverpool who
sounded professional, tight and varied their style to accommodate different
tastes. The Manic Street Preachers appeared next playing there most famous
songs and performed the Guns and Roses track Sweet Child Of Mine which the lead
guitarist performed superbly the well-known middle solo. Finally to round off the first evening, the
Two Door Cinema Club concluded the first nights entertainment which most of the
people attending enjoyed.
My
PA and I proceeded to the Super Tram stop for a return journey to town. There
were long Queues but a representative from the Super Tram instructed us to walk
to the front of the queue and await further instruction. When the next tram arrived he guided us on to
the vehicle and pointed to a couple of seats near the front for us to
occupy. When it came to disembarking
from the tram, there were so many passengers stood up that some of them had to
disembark, allowing us to do likewise before they climbed back on board to resume
their journey.
One
of my dear friends joined us for the 2nd day of the music festival. It had been
raining heavily throughout the morning. Most people on arrival at the site
expected the ground to be a quagmire but surprisingly it was firm and the
afternoon and evening became very pleasant and warm.
We
arrived in time to see the Everly Pregnant Brothers who are a comic group
changing the words of famous songs to incorporate their own rendition of the
tune. We then decided to walk to the
Leadmill stage which was inside a tent but the thrashing loud music didn’t
appeal to either of us so we left and had a walk to the Old Fashioned clothes
fair which was on display. We then returned to listen to Miles Kane who along
with his band was superb playing an outstanding version of Donna Summer’s Hot
Stuff. Next to appear were Sheffield’s own Reverend and the Makers who were
very entertaining and performed brilliantly. Their rhythmic playing got
everybody dancing and they received a tumultuous reception on arrival and on
conclusion of their program. Half an hour later Johnny Marr performed songs
including some of the tunes made famous by the Smiths which he was an original
member of. His guitar playing was outstanding. Finally to round off the
evening, the Courteeners performed playing a variety of tunes both fast and
slow which was superbly received by fans of music.
A
couple of our friends kindly offered us a lift from the venue which we
gratefully accepted. The first two evenings concluded at around 10pm.
The
final day had been sold out for weeks and the weather was gloriously sunny. We
set off early in order to catch the Happy Monday’s who were performing on the
main stage at 1:30pm and we were not disappointed on our arrival. They were
superb and displayed skill, entertainment and some cracking rhythms to listen
to. Two bands with differing styles which I was unfamiliar with appeared next. In-between
sets, my PA and myself walked to the front of the stage to watch the roadies
strip down the equipment and off the stage while another set of roadies set up
the equipment for the next performing band, all within half an hour. During
this process, I bought a Tramlines 2019 t’shirt for a special friend.
We
then decided to walk to the Leadmill stage to listen to Peter Hook and the
Light. Peter was an original member of Joy Division and latterly New Order.
Peter and his superb musicians performed tracks by Joy Division and New Order. The
tent was packed and the atmosphere was electric. On completion of their hour
spot the audience were singing Love Will Keep Us Apart long after the group had
departed from the stage. It turned out to be a memorable and enjoyable gig.
With
the singing still ringing in our ears we returned to the main stage in
anticipation plus excitement of watching and listening to The Rag And Bone Man
who along with his backing singers plus the musicians backing him gave a superb
performance playing songs he had written himself. The spot we chose was ideal
with the sound coming across crystal clear.
Finally
it was down to Nile Rodgers and Chic to conclude the festival and they didn’t
disappoint playing a variety of sole songs which Nile had written for various
artists including Chic, Cool and the Gang, David Bowie and Diana Ross. He more
or less had the packed audience eating out of his hands finishing the set just
before 9 pm. It was a memorable 3 days. We took away lots of happy, interesting
and superb musical memories. Barley my Guide Dog received so many strokes and
cuddles that she was in her element and behaved superbly coping very well with
the vast crowds she had to contend with.
The
journey back to the city centre was delightful with people singing their hearts
out sounding in a very good mood with some of them already looking forward to
next year’s Tramlines Festival.
