MantonFest 2019 Programme

1

2 

A view from the chair...

MantonFest seems to come around so quickly. Work started on this year’s Festival in August last year. This year we have tried to supply a large range of music to cover all popular tastes, hence the return of T.Rextasy and booking the number one tribute band for Queen, Mercury. So us oldies are not left out we have The Troggs, as well as the return of some old favourites.

This is our ninth year and every year we get bigger. I am very keen to keep the same carefree atmosphere, where festival goers can bring their own picnics and drink, where the children can run around the water meadow while their parents listen to the music.

Like every year we have a wide range of food outlets, many of whom come back every year, quite a few have been with us since the beginning. My special thanks goes to Chris Herridge (Goldbars) who has kept the cost of drinks reasonable every year.

MantonFest is run to raise money for various charities and everyone concerned with its running does it for free. This way we have raised thousands for good causes. I cannot thank our volunteers enough, without them there would be no Festival. We also have a great committee who have their own tasks. Everyone comments on the beautiful surroundings of the event, this is thanks to Fred and Emma Goltz who not MantonFest Chairman - Roger Grant only allow us free use of the watermeadow but are also our major sponsor. The two other people I must mention are Neil Goodwin from Marlborough.news who is responsible for this publication and the photographs on the day, the other is my wife Denise who looks after the tickets and accounts.

MantonFest is spreading its wings a bit. Twice a year at Christmas and Easter we put on a concert in Marlborough Town Hall in aid of local charities. The Christmas concert is held in conjunction with Salos who sing a great variety of Christmas carols and popular songs.

2020 is our tenth anniversary and we intend to make it a two day event and hopefully invite back some of the most popular acts that have appeared over the past years.

Thank you for all your support. Come and relax and enjoy some great music.

Roger Grant Chairman and Organiser

Tickets:

Contents:

Adults:

3-5 Welcome from the Organiser and Music Director 6-7 Mercury 10-11 T.Rextasy 12 The Troggs 16-17 Line up 18-19 Barrelhouse 20 Clive Collective 21 Straight Six 22 Creedence Clearwater Revived 23 Skedaddle 25 Ed Witcomb 26 @59 27 Joe Martin 29 Food & Drink 30 Important Information

In Advance On the day

Children:

Aged

13-16 7-12 (under 7s go free)

Available from:

www.mantonfest.co.uk / 01672 516 235 Sound Knowledge and Elaine’s Travel

£25.00 £30.00

£10.00 £5.00

3

A View from The Stage (including lessons in life!)

Welcome to the ninth year of Mantonfest!

Your support (as attendees and/or sponsors) allows us to have a great time whilst continuing to raise funds for good causes.

Some of you will have travelled metres to get here others from as far away as North Island New Zealand. You are all very welcome.

Looking back over the last nine years my mind turns to what we have learned - hopefully a great deal!

Every one of you who comes to the field is part of the Mantonfest family for the day.

Whether you are one of the performers, a technician, a concession holder, one of the marvellous event volunteer team or part of the crowd (the most important element of the family group) you make this event what it is.

Stuart Whant ......

However, the event would not happen without our wonderful committee which is made up of an amazing group of human beings who, out of the goodness of their hearts, work on this project all year round.

What have we learned . . .

Lesson One - things grow most successfully when you let it happen organically - just create the conditions for things to flourish and they will.

Lesson Two - families look out for one another and MantonFest works so well because everyone looks out for the person both to the left and right of them.

Lesson Three - our egos are best kept ‘boxed’ rather than left to run riot! A little like when our dog Stevie escapes and runs around the Jubilee Field before dutifully coming back to the safety of his ‘box’ (in Stevie’s case our home).

Lesson Four (and this is a toughie) - during times of stress look for the positive intent behind people’s behaviours and actions, even if it is Roger trying to squeeze yet another act into our crazy schedule or people sneaking into the headline act’s loo (you know who you are!).

4

This year we welcome to the stage friends old and new - we want you to sit back, relax, listen, dance like there is no one watching and have a wonderful time. Come to the stage area and say, “Hi” but forgive us if we are a little distracted at times - we just want to put on a great day for you. We may be lost in the mysteries of DI boxes, foldback mixes, talk back systems and other seemingly magical things.

Next year is our tenth anniversary. Whilst remembering the lesson about organic growth we do intend to celebrate and push the boat out. This will be like Isambard Kingdom Brunel launching the Great Eastern sideways from Millwall Docks into the River Thames, i.e. one hell of a splash!!!

Now let us lay some serious boogie on you . . .

Be happy and enjoy the day!

Stuart Whant Music Director PS to my partner in crime – Happy 75th Roger Grant!!!!!!!!!!!!

5

Mercury The World’s leading ‘Queen’ Tribute Band MantonFest welcomes Mercury as headline act Mercury, now celebrating their 20th anniversary, has established itself as one of the world’s most authentic tribute bands to Freddie Mercury and Queen.

This award winning band, with its dynamic stage show has been wowing audiences from the UK to Europe to Dubai.

A choreographed stage show, with spectacular and authentic costumes and high class production including dramatic and striking lighting effects.

The show includes stardom, showmanship and an energetic performance from Joseph Lee Jackson as ‘Freddie’, together with excellent musicianship, including beautifully crafted harmonies, and intricate guitar work from Glenn Scrimshaw as ‘Brian May’.

Mercury takes their audiences through a legacy of songs which never lose their stature as classics to live on forever. They play theatres, outdoor festivals, major corporate and private events, gaining a renowned reputation, and returning to venues time and time again.

6

Other prestigious shows include headlining a New Year’s Eve Festival in Dubai which was broadcast live to millions via MTV Asia.

Mercury were also asked to perform at the unveiling of the 1st memorial to Freddie Mercury in Feltham, in front of Brian May and Freddie Mercury’s family.

They have also played an exclusive concert for Queen’s own Roger Taylor, and in front of Freddie Mercury’s Mum, Jer Bulsara, who said:-

“Freddie was an original.

He and Queen were the best.

But now, in this new century, Joseph, Glenn & Mercury are the next best thing”

Freddie’s Mum - Jer Bulsara 2010

7

8 

9

T.Rextasy Keeping Marc Bolan’s music alive in the 21st Century.....

Marc Bolan is now considered the absolute innovator of the 1970s glam-rock scene and the very first superstar of the 1970s. From 1970 to 1976 he had written fifteen Top 20 hits including ‘I Love To Boogie’, 20th Century Boy, ‘Ride A White Swan, Metal Guru, Jeepster, Get It On, Hot Love, and Children of the Revolution, and between 1968 and 1974 had notched up nine top 20 albums with titles such as ‘Electric Warrior’ and ‘The Slider’.

On 16 September 1977, at the age of 29, Marc’s life was cut short due to a fatal car accident. Now that over 40 years have passed by, T.Rextasy continues to celebrate Marc’s legacy by recreating that special authentic sound and the Bolanic imagery that Marc possessed, by playing all those iconic hits totally live and with the energy and passion that fans of any generation will enjoy.

T.Rextasy have played various and prestigious gigs throughout their 25 years of gigging around the world, such as performing at the ‘Billy Elliot’ film launch premiere party in London’s West End, appearing on BBC1 ‘Battle of the Fantasy Bands’ and claiming the title of ‘Best Live Tribute Band in the UK’, and playing ‘BBC’s Proms Night in Hyde Park’ in front of a crowd of 40,000.

T.Rextasy are now accepted as the world’s only official live tribute band dedicated to Marc Bolan & T.Rex, and the only band endorsed and approved by Marc Bolan’s family, estate, original ex-members of T.Rex, and Bolan’s catalogue management. The band is consistently described by many as ‘legendary’ and ‘beyond the boundaries of tribute’.

It’s been said that If you want to know exactly what a Marc Bolan rock’n’roll concert felt like in the 1970s, this gig is for you!

With their Marc Bolan doppelganger lead vocalist and lead guitarist, Danielz, they have performed at most of the arenas in the UK, playing alongside many of the 1970s original contemporaries such as Wizzard, Cockney Rebel, and Slade. In September 2007 and 2012

10

they headlined their own sell-out concerts at the Shepherds Bush Empire with their special guests Marc Almond, Gloria Jones, Boy George, Linda Lewis, Shakin’ Stevens, Sandie Shaw, Noddy Holder, Alvin Stardust, and legendary producer Tony Visconti, and others!

The band also had accepted invites from ex-members of T.Rex such as Mickey Finn, and Marc’s son Rolan Bolan. Dino Dines, long-time member of T.Rex, actually joined T.Rextasy and remained with them until sadly passing away.…

Danielz was offered the first ever publishing deal to a tribute artist to write a book about his ‘life in a tribute band’. Entitled ‘The Spirit of Marc Bolan’, it was issued by Wymer Publishing with world-wide distribution in 2012. In May 2015, Danielz was invited by Marc Almond to perform the Bolan hit ‘Hot Love’ at his sell-out date at Shepherd’s Bush Empire.

June 2015 saw the release of ‘Blue Moon Juice’, a CD album released by T.Rextasy on Madman Records of which Tony Visconti (Bolan’s producer) commented “the vocals are superb and the band sound great!”

In 2017, T.Rextasy embarked on 100 UK theatre tour covering the length and breadth of the country, and booked to perform at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London in September, playing alongside Tony Visconti, Marc Almond, Holly Johnson (Frankie Goes To Hollywood), Steve Harley (Cockney Rebel), Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), etc for Marc Bolan’s 40th anniversary..

In June 2018, T.Rextasy were invited to open the prestigious Isle of Wight Festival, for their 50th Anniversary Special. Thousands flocked to see the band who were once again reviewed and credited as ‘more than just a tribute band’ by BBC Radio.

11

The Troggs Who can forget “Wild Thing”? The Troggs have always been remembered for this 60s anthem, but it is just one of their many worldwide hits. “With A Girl Like You”, “I Can’t Control Myself”, “Anyway That You Want Me”, “Give It To Me” “Love Is All Around” & ‘’Night of the Long Grass’’ They all followed in rapid succession to give The Troggs world-wide acclaim. Dubbed by many as the “first British punk band” they have continued playing in their own uncompromising style of good basic rock music.

Never strangers to controversy, many of their records were considered by the "powers that be," too suggestive for the masses, and they consequently banned them. How anybody could judge Reg Presley's tongue-in-cheek delivery to be dangerous to the morals of the young is hard to believe.

The Troggs feature Chris Allen (stepping in the shoes of Reg Presley), Pete Lucas on bass(since 1974), John W Doyle (on guitar for Chris Britton,(founder member currently on sabbatical) and Darren Bond on drums (son of founder drummer, Ronnie Bond). Their popularity has never waned and they are still in great demand both in the UK and the rest of Europe, where they regularly headline festivals attracting thousands of fans. Their appeal hold no age barriers, fans ranging from the stalwarts who have supported them throughout the years to the many new fans from the younger generation.

Now, in 2018, The Troggs are very much a "cult" band. Polygram in the USA and UK released a 52 track CD box set, and Castle Music Pictures and Polygram co-operated to produce a video spanning twenty six years of great Troggs music.

Following a series of strokes and a diagnoses of lung cancer at the end of 2011 Reg Presley regretfully decided to retire from performing and gave the band his blessing to carry on with new vocalist, Chris Allen, also a 60’s veteran having performed with The Animals, Denny Laine Band ( Wings / Moody Blues) , The Commitments, Silson, Spencer, Hawkes Band ( Ex- Smokie & Tremeloes) & Lt.Pigeon.

On 4th February 2013 Reg peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his family.

12

13

14 

15

Location Key:

Main Stage Accoustic Stage

Band @59

Skedaddle Burbank

CCRR

Burbank

Straight Six @59

Clive Collective Ed Witcomb

Barrelhouse Ed Witcomb

The Troggs Joe Martin

T.Rextasy Joe Martin 16 

Mercury

Start End 12:00 12:25

12:30 13:15 13:15 13:30

13:30 14:20 14:20 14:35

14:35

15:25

15:40

16:30

15:25 15:40 16:30

16:45

16:45 17:45 17:45

18:15 19:15

18:15

19:15 19:45

19:45 21:00 21:00

21:30

21:30 23:00

17

Barrelhouse

Barrelhouse perform at a range of festivals and other gigs taking people to the deep south and the land of swampy blues.

They deliver a range of vintage classics blended with more recent blues material. Their down and dirty rhythm-heavy style brings the Barrelhouse treatment to their setlist which always includes a few self-penned compositions.

In 2017 they released their first album Mooncalf Blues which reached number 18 in the UK independent blues chart and sat there across the summer. This very welcome surprise gave the band a great deal of exposure across the UK blues scene.

Fronted by the talented and diminutive Martin Hands – voice of the blues; this rhythm-heavy, swampy blues band have a never-ending supply of vintage and modern material, alongside self-penned tunes all of which get the full Barrelhouse treatment.

They simply don’t give your feet a moment’s rest.

Tim Harvey

Martin’s vocals show an old head on young shoulders. This guy has the blues running through this veins! His own EP, ‘Don’t Go’, recorded around the birth of Barrelhouse is still available on download and hard copy.

Tim (The Reverend) Harvey makes all of his own guitars – some classic models, others made of boxwood - all cut through the heavy rhythm section of Dave Growcott (drums) and Stuart Whant (bass) thanks to his classic / antique amplification and superb playing touch. Watch Tim play a 4-string converted cigar box as well as an array of other guitars designed and crafted in his man-shed.

Whilst Dave and Stuart provide the rhythm drive –Stuart using his much loved Rickenbacker, five string Sheckter and his new toy, a wonderful Bruce Thomas 4-string, whilst Dave makes his drum kit sound like it’s the size of Tennessee itself.

The icing on the cake is the blues harp playing of the multi-talented Nick Beere. He will be playing a number of blues harps creating sounds which range from haunting to electrifying.

18

The band are working on their second album which will include a number of new original tracks inspired by, amongst other things, a couple of trips to Memphis and Clarksdale – home of the blues.

Put simply, you will think that you are sitting on Beale Street!

Nick, Stuart and Martin at MantonFest 2018

Stuart with his sought-after Bruce Thomas Bass

19

Clive Collective The Clive Collective is returning for a third visit to MantonFest!

This funky six-piece soul band, who boast just a touch of Frank Zappa, put on an impressive show.

Formed by multi-talented local musician and producer-engineer Nick Beere and his wife, the band is a real class act and have garnered praise from all the acts they have performed alongside We are delighted to welcome back this fantastic band to Mantonfest 2019

20 

Straight Six They are back!!!!!

Not only with Vernon the bands original bass player but they have also persuaded guitar virtuoso Billy Bugden to re-join the line up too.

We welcome them back to Mantonfest with open arms.

They are great friends and supporters of the festival having headlines it for several years.

Their blend of up tempo blues rock incorporating the keyboard talents of Robbie Simonis, Billy’s guitar work and Danny’s vocals (and guitar) will be glued together by a tight rhythm section consisting of drummer Steven and bassist Vernon.

They are sounding great in the rehearsal studio and we can’t wait to welcome them back onto the stage.

Welcome back boys!

Danny Simonis of Straight Six

21

Creedence Clearwater Revival Revival CCRR are a Swindon-based rock’n’roll tribute band that formed off the back of a jokey pub conversation The original CCR were of course a classic ‘60s band - on whose songs and performances are more well known than many people give them credit for.

On legendary tracks such as Bad Moon Rising, Proud Mary, Have You Ever Seen The Rain and Lodi they blended classic rock, soul, and a hint of country to perfect effect. They also had a knack for interpreting other artists’ songs, peppering their albums and live performances with covers such as Little Richard’s Good Golly Miss Molly and Marvin Gaye’s I Heard It Through The Grapevine.

With this music as their inspiration, CCRR have built an exciting live set. The band consists of four highly experienced musicians, all of whom have been playing since the ‘80s, and have individually had record deals, radio play and UK and US TV appearances. They’ve also toured and performed lots of session work At their early shows, the band were genuinely surprised to have attracted so many CCR fans - proving that this is a worthwhile new venture for all.

22

Skedaddle These guys were at the starting gate of Mantonfest and represent Manton amongst this great 2019 festival line-up.

Playing a blend of blues, soul and jazz this band sits at the crossroads of musical genres and play a mixture of well-known classics merged with some of their own material, including some new creations inspired and penned during a recent trip to Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans.

The twin vocals of Jane Witcomb (known better as Cosmic Nanna) and Amanda Cramsie-Smith will light up your afternoon.

Jane and Amanda are supported by a bit of a family affair of Grand Pappy Chris Witcomb on guitar, Ed Witcomb on guitar and bass and Joe Witcomb on drums. The outrigger is Stuart Whant who plays bass and six string guitar and pens a few tracks for the band to bring to life.

Skedaddle at sunny MantonFest ‘19

Skedaddle are full of fun and they will expect you to join in the entertainment that they will bring.

23

24 

Ed Witcomb Manton’s own Ed Witcomb is a very talented singer songwriter with his own distintive style.

Ed produces interesting lyrics and chord structures and plays mandolin as well as acoustic and electric guitar. His relaxed and laid-back style is complemented by mellow blues based vocals and thoughtful, catchy guitar riffs. Ed plays a combination of chilled acoustic covers and original material.

Since his last MantonFest appearance, Ed’s following and reputation have grown massively and he can be found gigging in places far and wide - from his regular local spot at Manton’s Outside Chance, Marlborough’s Wellington Arms to venues right across the region, in Bristol and beyond.

He has agreed to play in between the pro bands at MantonFest (keeping the whole show together - as described by Organiser, Roger Grant).

25

@59 A 5 piece acoustic band who play covers of all genres of music @59 play a variety of popular well known songs with a stripped-back twist. From ZZ Top, Foo Fighters & AC/DC to Fairground Attraction, George Michael & Olly Murs. @59 started in 2016 with an original line up of Phil Matthews and husband & wife team Amanda & Jake Cramsie-Smith. They did a few open mic nights and a handful of pub gigs before Joe Knights joined a year later on percussion, giving them a much-improved sound.

Late in 2018, Dan Collins joined them and his amazing harmonica playing added the finishing touch.

26 

Joe Martin A Lancashire based singer songwriter is deservedly gaining major attention on both sides of the Atlantic.

As a child Joe was brought up listening to artists from Bob Dylan and Townes Van Zandt to the Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. Songs that tell a story played a big part in what Joe would be listening to in his formative years. This can be heard in the music he’s making now.

As a teenager Joe fronted a country band whilst living in Leeds and studying at university. The band played original songs and toured the UK opening for artists like the Shires and appearing at festivals such as Country to Country. But now as a solo artist Joe has found himself performing more shows around the UK and further afield in Europe and Stateside.

The past few years have been an experience-rich journey helping Joe refine his song writing and storytelling craft.

Playing the pre-eminent Bluebird Cafe in Nashville Tennessee was a profound moment for Joe, the feeling of coming full circle, after being inspired by the show Nashville on which the Bluebird was regularly featured. Meeting and taking advice from his song writing idol John Paul White of the Civil Wars a week before his Bluebird debut was also an inspirational moment.

“The night I was at the Bluebird a young Englishman with a rich, resonant voice named Joe Martin seemed primed for bigger things.” - Jeremy Egner New York Times.

Other Nashville experiences include guesting on Carl Jackson’s show at the Station Inn, Carl produced and performed with Glen Campbell for years, so for Joe to sing Glen’s well-known Wichita Lineman with Carl and his band was a special moment.

Another of Joe’s musical idols includes producer Dave Cobb, and the artists he records, Brent Cobb, Jason Isbell, Colter Wall and Chris Stapleton to name a few.

So, it was a humbling moment when he was asked to cowrite at RCA studios with one of Cobb’s writers Aaron Raitiere and given a personal tour of RCA’s “Studio A”, where musical legends from the Beach Boys to Dolly Parton to George Strait have made history.

In 2017 Joe released his debut EP ‘Small World’ to much acclaim and has recently recorded a suite of singles with the Champs of the much respected UK Americana band ‘Danny and the Champions of the World’.

Joe released his single ‘Love Strong’ on October 1st 2018 and two further singles are to be released in the first half of 2019.

27

28 

Come and enjoy a wide choice of Food and Drink from our selected vendors: •

Wolf Catering Hog Roast:

Wolf Catering will once again provide this year’s hog roast. Delicious roasted pig carved into fresh rolls, complete with apple sauce and crackling. Look out for them late afternoon/early evening.

•

Evie’s Mac & Cheese Van:

A warm welcome for Evie’s Mac and Cheese van which was a tremendous success at last year’s festival. Craig sells his cheeses twice a week at our local market and these little pots of mac and cheese are, frankly, little pots of heaven.

•

Botanico Gin Bar:

Botanico was discovered by two friends on a recent adventure around the Wiltshire countryside previously an iconic Volkswagen which started life in Belgium. The friends have since re-designed, restored and converted this 1976 classic into a fully operational mobile gin bar, serving a wide range of premium gins.

Founded by gin lovers for gin lovers. MantonFest welcomes them back with open arms!

•

Sumbler Brothers Butchers:

Cooked to perfection, Sumbler Brothers Butchers will be serving their delicious home made burgers again at this year’s MantonFest. Your local butcher supplies locally sourced beef, lamb, pork and poultry to Marlborough and the surrounding area. They also supply Wiltshire cured bacon, home cooked hams, home made sausages, burgers and pies. Sumbler Brothers pride themselves on supplying quality products and quality service at an honest price.

•

Gold Bars:

Chris has been with MantonFest since the start and continues to serve good wholesome beer at a sensible price, together with a wide range of alcohol. Come and meet him and his happy team at the well-stocked bar.

•

FHC Italian Pizzas and Churros: Ice Cream Dessert

Italian style pizzas baked on site in a flaming oven. The ice cream dessert is a real treat. Both simply a must to try.

•

Thai Chicken Wrap Bar:

Succulent chicken wraps and so easy to eat. Served throughout the day and evening.

•

Mario’s Ice Cream Van:

Happy, cheery Mario is always willing to serve his ice cream no matter what the weather.

•

The Italian Job

A big welcome back to ‘The Italian Job Coffee’! Usually to be found at Pewsey train station, giving commuters a smile to start the day, Roy will be serving his usual range of coffees to festival goers.

29

Important Notices First Aid needed? Hopefully not, but please visit Dan Claridge and his medical team in the ambulance on site for their help.

Lost and Found – please report to the Ticket Gate at the entrance – children or items!

Dogs are welcome and a water bowl will be available by the entrance. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. Please pick up after your dog and do not leave your pet in your car if it is very hot – even with a window open.

Please ensure no glassware is brought into the water meadow as broken glass is dangerous for animals and humans alike. No bottled beer please, cans only.

Wine bottles are acceptable but we would like you to take the empties home with you.

Picnics are welcome, BBQ’s are not.

Toilet facilities: We try and ensure they are up to standard. However, please report to a steward (in an orange tabard) or at the Ticket Gate if not.

Black bags are available for your rubbish. Please ask a steward for them as it will help us greatly when we clear the field. Rubbish bins will be scattered around the field for your use as well.

Should you have any queries or problems please seek out a steward (in an orange tabard) who will offer to help.

All children aged 15 or under must be accommpanied by an adult and please be aware that we will be asking for proof of age if necessary.

Anyone not wearing a wrist band and cannot show proof of entry will be asked to leave.

30

31

32