News

Galtres Parklands Festival 2014 saw a record number of reviewers and photographers attend the festival, and the first reviews of this year’s event have now started to appear on the web and in print. Here are some excerpts from the reviews, along with links to the full articles:

The Press – Natalya Wilson
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“[Galtres] celebrated its tenth anniversary with a magnificent festival to rival the likes of Leeds and Reading and even Glastonbury.”

“The lovely thing about Galtres [...] is that it has never lost what has always been at its core - fine beers and ciders and entertainment for the whole family. These days, the beer tent doubles as one of the many stages dotted around the site, so while you sample the weird and wonderfully-named beverages, you could check out some acoustic talent. Families could head to one of several arenas to see interactive theatre on the impressively constructed Galleon stage or storytelling and workshops at the Snapping Turtle.”

Whisperin and Hollerin – Christopher Nosnibor
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“In terms of musical quality and diversity, not to mention the magnificent scenic setting, it’s pretty hard to fault Galtres. It perhaps goes without saying that the beer – integral to Galtres’ origins and ongoing commitment to local produce and operating as a music and beer festival – was also fantastic. Same time next year, eh?”

One&Other – Aliz Tennant
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“A true celebration of talent, Galtres has extended further from its musical line-up, providing a full-packed weekend for all ages with passion at its heart. Be it music, spoken word, theatre, ale, food or general frolics for the family Duncombe Park was created into a play-pit for all. The ten stages and arena hosted over a hundred live performances, meaning each festivalgoer could create a DIY playlist of activities and highlights.”

“beyond Galtres’ ability to hone in on new and established artists and bands, the festival truly brought together the community. From the open mic sessions at the Riverside, to a multi-cultural array of food stalls (all hosting locally sourced ingredients and produce) and The Good Causeway area filled with charity stalls, the festival proved why Yorkshire, and most specifically Galtres, was the only place to be this weekend.”

YorkMix – Richard McDougall
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“Mark Chadwick [of Levellers] belted out some of their greatest hits including One Way Of Life and What A Beautiful Day amongst others.

In the best festival tradition, the audience joined in the chorus and bounced along. Somewhere along the way, our 12-year-old daughter had a live music epiphany. Dancing on a hay bale and singing along to Fifteen Years Imogen declared “The Levellers are amazing – I love them!””

“Returning home tired and probably smelly, everyone wore a daft grin. Galtres was a perfect event for families with kids of all ages, including pre-teens looking to break their festival duck.”

Gig Junkies - Simon Saynor
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"The country is now awash with festivals of all sizes. I would say that Galtres ranks up their with the finest. The atmosphere is one of pure friendship. Nowhere else can you mingle with the artists as you can here. And the line up is a wonderful eclectic mix. Every genre imaginable was on show somewhere at some point this weekend. And I can guarantee you will find some new music to fall in love with as well as catching some quality name acts. Galtres is ten years old now and getting bigger but I hope it doesn’t get too much bigger. The odd admin issue aside it is just about perfect."

Soundsphere - Imogen Bell
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"Galtres Parklands Festival is very much a family affair, with plenty to do regardless of how old you are. Whether it’s walking the plank at the Galleon Stage or sampling the finest craft ales, there is a great deal of entertainment all around. But the thing that sticks out the most is the sheer variety of the music on offer, as well as the camaraderie of the performers. Bands turn out in force to support each other, and regular attendees on the Yorkshire music scene clearly make the effort to get to each set of their favourite bands. This local community atmosphere is what makes Galtres unique: a relaxed and supportive vibe reflects what makes the Yorkshire music scene such a positive place for musicians and music lovers alike."

Simon Godley - God is in the TV 
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"But there is much more to Galtres Parklands festival than music. It did, after all, start life as a beer and cider festival and with more than 100 different varieties to choose from this year drink remains an enduring legacy of the event. There is also an extensive supporting programme dedicated to arts, crafts, cabaret, comedy and theatre, plus a whole raft of activities for children of all ages. But if music alone is to be the barometer by which we have to measure Galtres’ success, then this year’s festival has to go down as an unqualified success."