Music: Blues on the Farm

After a wash-out in June, Jeff Hemmings looks forward to the re-scheduled three-day blues festival

With the weather forecasters promising a better than even chance of prolonged good weather, it seems that more people than ever are looking forward to getting down to Chichester for this year’s Blues On The Farm on the re-scheduled dates of 7–9 September, following the June wash out. Now in its 21st year, this award-winning festival began life like so many festivals, as a private party, and it was noted musician Gary Brooker, of Procol Harum fame, who suggested that ‘people would pay to watch gigs this good’ and, indeed, the festival was born.

Although as its name suggests, Blues music – quality blues music at that – is at the festival’s core, founder/owner Julian Moores was quick to inform me that all kinds of ‘real’ music features. Indeed, over the years, apart from big names like Bob Geldof and Imelda May, the festival has had a diverse mix of world music, funk, and other roots music which has proved popular with not just the local Sussex population but also music fans from all parts who return year on year to enjoy the amily friendly set up. Included in this year’s festival are The Blues Bands (with Paul Jones), Jo Harman, AWB saxist Freddy V All Stars, Will Johns, King King and other strong acts as part of a 20-strong festival bill.

Blues On The Farm, Friday 7–Sunday 9 September, Pump Bottom Farm, Birdham Road, Chichester. For tickets: 01243 773828/01243 539072, www.bluesonthefarm.co.uk