SATURDAY

So it comes round again, an event I look forward to every summer - the East Barnet Festival.
The cheapest festival possible - free in fact. It doesn't even cost anything in petrol or
train fares as it's only a few minutes walk from home. Even the booze in the beer tent
is reasonably priced, but you can save even more money by just going to the off
licence on the way and bringing your own supplies - no one searching you at the gate
stopping you bringing your own food and drink in, because there is no gate! The
portable toilets are good by festival standards, although they are only a few yards from
the park's sports pavilion with it's much better proper toilets. These remain locked for
the festival as apparently Barnet Council wanted an outrageous amount of money just
to open them.

Unlike the last couple of years, this time it doesn't rain. This being a free festival, good
weather really brings the crowds out.  The first band I catch this year is local
folk/punks Daddy These Men Scare Me.

Unfortunately they can't play their best song 'Teenagers' due to this being a 'family'
event and swearing on stage not being allowed - bands are told that the plug will be
pulled on them immediately if this rule is broken.

Next up are the Faith Stealers - "A local band with a HUGE following" according to
the festival website.

They play mostly mod tunes - plenty of Who and Jam numbers, with some indie songs
thrown in too.

Roadhouse Dogs appear for the second year running and are the best of the bands I
see on the Saturday.

They have a good sound and play very American sounding rock 'n' roll and R&B
although apparently they are fairly local. I'm impressed enough to buy their CD.
 
SUNDAY

This is definitely the best day for music at this year's festival, and the weather brings
out the crowds - I've never seen so many people in Oakhill Park. The beer tent is doing
a good trade, and serves real ale for the first time this year. This is very welcome, but
unfortunately the queues are so long that I find it's actually quicker (and cheaper) to
walk through the park to the nearby off license in East Barnet Village.

The first act I see on the Sunday is Sandra Grant - back again after impressing a lot of
people with her Barnet debut last year.

She wins people easily as she swaps between sax, flute, and vocals during her set of
soulful jazz tinged blues. She has a pretty good band to back her up as well, and once
again her set is a real highlight.


Next we have an energetic set of blues rock from popular local singer Big Steve and
his band Texas Flyers. This band have been well established on the local scene for
many years and always draw a crowd.


Schweet Azz are probably the most popular local band and feature some of Barnet's
best known musicians. These guys have all been in a few bands over the years and
play a crowd pleasing set of well known rock standards.

With the help of some decent weather for a change they bring the largest crowd I've
seen watching any band at this festival.


The final band of the 2009 East Barnet Festival is the only one who can claim to have a
national following. The Edgar Broughton Band actually feature three Broughton
brothers, the best known locally being Steve the drummer and one time owner of
Barnet's best known recording and rehearsal studio.

To be honest this band is a bit too 'prog-rock' and hippy like for my taste and although
they are obviously excellent musicians I decide it's time to adjourn to the pub.

I find a few like minded souls in the Prince Of Wales and it's an excellent place to relax
and wind down after a good day's free entertainment in the park.