CIDER AND CHEESE FESTIVAL 2022

After what seemed like months of planning (probably because it had been), the 2022 Festival, like its predecessors, is consigned to history. Whilst Alan is still working on his abacus to determine the final accounts, at first sight it looks as though this will be the most successful to date.

Of course, these events do not happen on their own and the credit for pulling this all together goes without reservation to Alan Clark. This has always been his brainchild and it is Alan who has recruited the volunteers who so willingly return year after year to set up the bar and booze for the thirsty punters. During the five years that this labour of love has been going, it is amazing that Alan’s straw hat is still intact. I keep telling him that to look like one of the Wurzels is not a prerequisite of running this festival, but he takes no notice. Our unofficial cider experts Kate and Jim who made the trip down from their home in Devon were ably assisted by upwards of a dozen fans, friends and relatives, brilliantly marshalled as always by Alan.

 

Once again the financial and practical support offered by main sponsor IDNet was invaluable and to Tim, Simon, Andy and Flo many thanks again. Our other main sponsor, Flip Connect helped cover various other costs, so thanks to Ben and Russell for that. Finally, thanks to all the local businesses and individuals who sponsored our cider boxes – almost every box was covered.

But what of the evenings themselves: –

Sandy Ukulele Group once again provided their own unique brand of covers at our Cider Festival opening night last Friday. The stage was full to the brim with “ukes” of all shapes and sizes and provided a perfect backdrop to the queues of Luton fans waiting patiently for their pre-match, during match, half time etc etc drink. That line of thirsty Hatters fans didn’t seem to reduce all evening – game in progress or not. Indeed, the Sandy Ukulele Group – collective noun perhaps a “Formby” of Ukuleles – continue to be somewhat of a tradition at our Festival and long may that continue.

Taking over from the Ukes we welcomed for the first time Bad Bones, a highly recommended duo from St Albans. I think I speak for most of those present, in saying that their eclectic mix of covers from the sixties to noughties was great. Steve, who clearly has an identity crisis – seamlessly switching between Jethro Tull and Ian Anderson, with short interludes masquerading as David Bowie, was most ably supported by Dave whose electric percussion unit was as versatile as any traditional drum kit. Great band, which I hope to persuade to play again at our Club soon, this time, maybe under their alter ego Deaf Shepherd?

A final personal thank you to Steve, who compromised his professional principles entirely by giving his own rendition of the Wurzels’ timeless classic “I am a Cidur Drinker”. When I explained at the time of booking him that it was a Cider Festival, Steve’s comment was “as long as you don’t expect any **** Wurzels.” Despite that comment he learned the song in the morning and played it “speshul” for me in the evening – cheers.

Thanks to both the Sandy Ukulele Group and Bad Bones.

After the very busy previous evening, Saturday started very sedately with experienced cider drinkers enjoying the selection and newcomers to cider being ably assisted by the knowledgeable volunteer bar staff.

There was a selection of musical acts to entertain the audience with Shaun Clark starting proceedings. Due to an injury to one of Terminal Twist (hopefully not terminal), had to pull out, so Shaun played an extended set to the delight of the cider drinkers.

The Glee Choir came on afterwards and soon had the audience singing along, whilst some of their young enthusiastic followers dancing in the aisles. Their set finished with the second version of I Am A Cidur Drinker to be performed at the festival and once again audience participation was the order of the day. No complicated lyrics – just lots of Oooh Aaaars.

The Scourfield brothers followed but did individual sets, Finn, to me, sounding like he’d been

listening to Billy Bragg. Both Finn and Rowan have developed musically and matured incredibly

since their debut performances in 2018 or was it 2019?

Hot Tub Steps then arrived with all their equipment and that seemed to take an age to set up but

it was well worth the wait! Not only did they bring their gear, but they also brought their own enthusiastic audience. By the end of the set, many were up and dancing. It was good to see that some of their fans were trying, and enjoying, cider – possibly in some cases, for the first time. And those that weren’t were frequent visitors to the main bar.

At the close of play, our take-away service was busy too and a fair amount of cider was taken away to be consumed at home.

So, finally time for Alan to put his slippers back on and put his feet up. Well, after all the racking has gone back to the Half Moon (thanks Freddie), the surplus cider boxes sold or returned, the glasses put back into storage, the freezers stored, the charitable donation paid and the hat? Don’t mention the hat.

MICK