Ashley Ball and Finn Smith go stargazing at the tenth and final Underneath the Stars festival. This is their three-day review of the folk and roots music showcase.
FRIDAY
CAWTHORNE’S very own singing star Kate Rusby signed off in style with an emotional set on Friday evening.
Underneath the Stars, named after her own song, has been a real labour of love for the Rusby family and the songs selected for her final performance were the perfect mix.
Kate’s charming anecdotes supplemented the show as she explained her love for The Bangles’ Manic Monday, which she covered, emerged on bus rides to Penistone Grammar School.
The story behind the song The Lark was also talked through extensively by Kate and she painted a wonderful picture of how it emerged from dog walks in the local area.
Her critically-acclaimed Sleepless album, nominated for the Mercury Prize in 1999, was also dipped into with performances of I Wonder What Is Keeping My True Love This Night and The Fairest Of All Yarrow.
Emotion threatened to get the better of her on a few occasions but there were lighter moments when her family joined her and husband Damien O’Kane on the stage for a performance of Big Brave Bill. There was also an utterly perfect cover of The Kinks’ Village Green Preservation Society before the show closed out poignantly with the eponymous song of the festival.
Festivalgoers on the Friday were also treated to strong sets on the Little Lights Stage.
Singer-songwriter John Smith produced a typically strong set and revellers were also treated to energetic displays from Blazin’ Fiddles, and Fanny Lumsden and The Thrillseekers.
Friday’s proceedings were closed out by the scarcely describable Oh My God It’s The Church who stunned anyone who had stumbled upon them with their unique mix of soul, rock, gospel and outrageous comedy.
SATURDAY
SATURDAY’S celebrations brought people together to be entertained by the likes of Barnsley Youth Choir and The Feeling.
People made the most of the sun, gathering to enjoy the art, workshops, games and numerous performances.
Yet the day was notably special for the members of Keston Cobblers Club, who helped debut the first festival ten years ago, and were there to see off its end.
The band have been playing together all their lives, and have only continued to grow throughout the years.
Bathed in light from the setting sun, their dedicated fans enjoyed the unique folk meets brass tunes.
Member Jules Lowe told the Chronicle: “It was amazing.
“We were here ten years ago so it feels quite sentimental to be back.
“It feels special there was a moment at the beginning where the sun was setting and everyone was illuminated, and I just said: ‘this is so magical’.
“All these people were there just smiling at us.”
Her brother, and the band’s tuba player, Dan Slade, added: “Our fans are a faithful bunch.
“They always seem to know the songs and they’re always willing to join in.
“They really appreciate what we do and we appreciate them.”
SUNDAY
THE final ever performers at Underneath the Stars said an emotional goodbye on Sunday.
Barnsley’s premier music festival - which began in 2014 - came to a close this weekend, with the thousands in attendance enjoying Cawthorne’s unique arts event.
Kate Rusby, who’s been a loving devotee throughout the years, led an audience with an awe-struck crowd who heard tales from throughout her award-winning career. X Factor success Lucy Spraggan then put on a heartfelt show, sharing stories about her recent marriage and celebrating five years’ sobriety.
The Yorkshire lass admitted she’s always enjoyed performing up north and said the crowd ‘really gets involved’.
She told the Chronicle: “I love it - it’s such a different sort of festival to the regular weekend gigs in summer. I like playing in any part of Yorkshire really - the north and Yorkshire have a different attitude to music. They’re just excited to be a part of music - some audiences like to sit and observe music, but when you’re in Yorkshire everyone’s getting involved with it. It’s such a beautiful setting and I love that it’s about music and arts - there’s not that many of those anymore. It’s really sad that it’s ending, but hopefully it materialises again.”
Lucy was followed up by world-famous comedian Bill Bailey, who led a packed-out show with his unique brand of stand-up musical comedy.
The man of infinite talents played the saz, a Turkish lute, sang in French and used gospel music to inform everyone that God hates personalised licence plates.
“I prefer these festivals that are a bit more intimate than the bigger ones,” he said.
“I think it just feels more manageable, but I also prefer the crowds - these tend to be real fans who come, music fans and comedy fans. What I love about them is that it raises awareness for the local arts.
“Everything about it, all the people who work behind the scenes, all the people who put the tents up, the riggers, the lighting people, the sound people, these are all crafts, these are all skills that we should celebrate.
“Plus the fact that it allows people to sell local produce - it’s very important that we have things like this. It’s a showcase for new bands, new artists and that’s sadly diminishing.”
