Bingley Weekender roars on as thousands dance and sing at festival

In its inaugural year, the festival has a scorching roster of acts, with music lovers treated to the sounds of Ocean Colour Scene yesterday, and Doves this evening as their headliners.

Tomorrow brings even more joy, with much anticipation for headliner James.

The T&A spent much of Saturday afternoon and early evening at the event, spread across the Bradford & Bingley Rugby Union Club grounds.

It was bucket hats, neon paint and funky patterns galore, as young and old got involved. 

Bingley Weekender channelled the perfect balance between hardcore festival and family-friendly. 

There were the usual mosh pits, energetic dancing and beer throwing in-front of the imposing main stage.

But, the layout meant there was enough room for families and more laid-back individuals to wander round and find a relaxed spot.

The inclusive nature of Bingley Weekender was epitomised best by the fact a sign language interpreter was on the main stage alongside the acts.

Mark Feather, of Bradford, was a Bingley Music Live (BML) regular until it got cancelled earlier this year. 

Clad in glitter and face art, Mr Feather was most looking to Circa Waves, Doves, James and Tom Grennan.

He added: "I usually come to Bingley Music Live and then that got cancelled, so we thought we’d try this one.

"It’s a good line-up again, so why not? It’s a regular thing, Bingley music is great.

"I think this is really good, it’s more spaced out, so you’ve got more room. It’s a little less crowded.

“There’s a happy vibe going on, it’s very friendly. It’s very family friendly as well, which is nice.

“There’s a mixture of all ages."

The organisers - SSD Concerts - have worked wonders after having to step in last minute.

Nicola and Lisa, both from Bradford, are big fans of the new festival's more intimate feel and don't see it as a "bad substitute".

Nicola said: “We were both here last night and I think it’s a great alternative to the other Bingley festival.

“The other Bingley festival had got too big, so this feels fine, it feels really good.

“It’s felt nicer as opposed to it being just a sad substitute."

Lisa added: “It doesn’t feel like a substitute, it feels like a new festival. It feels like going somewhere different.

“There’s lots of different bars, there’s lot of different food vendors, so it’s great.

“It’s really different to some of the bigger festivals, it’s a nice change.”

Both were at the festival for the full weekend and despite being disappointed they didn't get to see Craig Charles - due to a rumoured technical hitch - the pair were impressed with Friday's offering.

Nicola said: “James Walsh was fantastic last night - he was the best last night.

“But he was on the second stage and he was definitely the best yesterday."

Louise Redmond, of Colton in Leeds, had been coming to BML ever since it started.

She particularly enjoyed the variety on offer at Bingley Weekender.

She said: “The bands have been fab. The bands haven’t suffered.

“We’ve been down to the New Music Stage. I think it’s a great little festival for the area and I hope it continues.

“I think they’ve done really well to get this venue and it’s been beauty.”

The main stage sat neatly on the rugby pitch, with other zones spreading out from it like spiders legs.

On the right was the New Music Stage where those taking their first steps in the music world showed everybody what they're about.

Directly next door was a small tent dedicated to comedy acts.

To the left of the main stage was a V.I.P. zone, complete with teepee.

Then stretching further to the left, away from the hustle and bustle of the main area, were several food vans and the Discovery Stage.

This was for the up-and-coming stars of the industry and it's here where I found my favourite of the day.

After watching on and listening to the likes of Circa Waves and a Welsh comedian I wanted something different.

Step forward Zuzu, a Liverpudlian artist whose voice is indescribable - I just would not do it justice. 

Let's just say it's very unique - sometimes you feel you're watching a sci-fi film, then you're transported to country and finish up with energetic pop vibes.

A real treat for the ears and it's this rich variety and chance to try something new, while still having the big hitters available to you, that attracts people to Bingley.

Some come from across the country just to get a taste of it.

Mark Green, of Saddleworth in Oldham, made the trip over the Pennines for his first ever Bingley festival.

Sporting a multi-coloured mohawk, Mr Green says he initially came for James and Ocean Colour Scene, but also just came for the festival. 

He added: "Up to now the best bit was Ocean Colour Scene on Friday night, they were absolutely fantastic.

"It’s my first time at Bingley but I’ve been to plenty of festivals before.

"I think it’s absolutely fantastic, it’s not that busy – I’ve been to Glastonbury and Leeds Festival and Reading Festival and it’s just absolute chaos.

"But this is just so calm, laid-back.

"I'll definitely come back."

As the second day entered its final stages, it was apt that the sun continued to shine, to match what has been a scorching line-up and scintillating festival.