camping out helicopters farewells and matinees

We played Shrewsbury folk Fest a week ago, as BOP3 with Dave and Helen. I've played loads of festivals but never camped over before. Always 'in and out' usually by car, although having arrived at Alton Towers with a police escort we then left by helicopter. I borrowed a small tent from a neighbor and packed a sheet and a blanket. 'Surely it wont get cold overnight in August' i thought. the others laughed at my naïvety and lent me a sleeping bag. I was very glad of it. That was our biggest BOP gig ever, playing to over 1000 in the Pengwyrn tent. Then we went off to our smallest ever gig, the divine Cobbles and Clay in Haworth.

The night before Shreswbury i played another new-to-me venue, Victoria Hall in Grange over Sand, with Chris Bannister. That's a lovely gig and fab spot.

Lots of juicy shows over the next 2 months before heading East for a few weeks in Japan with the 'Boss' Eikichi Yazawa. Nearly all the different combos get an airing. This weekend i say farewell to The Colin Holt Band, after many fun guest appearances over the last decade. The 2 shows sold out so we added a Saturday Matinee. Same thing happened for Hull Truck Oct 26, matinee is on sale. Start of a trend? Hope so!

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