While hundreds of cyclists hurtled around a number of courses on the island’s roads and footpaths, thousands more soaked up the sun and enjoyed the bands at the family Cyclefest weekend.

Three stages of live music, featuring an eclectic mix of blues, roots and soul artists through to some of the finest folk groups in the UK, kept the crowds entertained and bouncing throughout the sun-drenched weekend.

Saturday saw the most people come through the gates of Milntown, and they were treated to a variety of acts.

First up on the Pokerstars main stage were the warm, feel-good Americana of the Worry Dolls.

They were followed by the groove-laden blues rock of William The Conqueror.

A returning act from last year’s line-up, the trio gave a great set of soulful, laid-back country-inspired rock that fitted just perfectly with the lazy afternoon feel.

The stunning and mighty presence of British country and soul singer Yola Carter came next, and she picked the festival crowd up with her powerhouse vocals and showed why the Bristol-born vocalist has been in high demand, working with the likes of Massive Attack and Jools Holland.

She left to rapturous applause, and was followed by the latest UK folk sensations Wildwood Kin.

With a stripped down set, the three ’kin’, sisters Beth and Emillie Key and cousin Meghann Loney performed a rousing string of songs taken from their new album ’Turning Tides’, including ’Taking A Hold’ and ’Steady My Heart’.

They were effortlessly cool and provided the perfect soundtrack to a sunny evening spent outside.

Elsewhere, Sam Kelly and banjo player Jamie Francis gave a terrific performance on the smaller ’Little Lights’ stage, run by Flo the coffee van. Sam also opened the main stage on Sunday morning with his full group, the Lost Boys, and both sets showed what an amazing talent he is with songs such as ’Lowlands’ and ’Greenland Whale’.

The stomping folk of the Scottish folk group The Elephant Sessions finished the night off , with hundreds of people dancing in the new Festival Club stage.

Sunday, thankfully, brought more of the same weather, and the also more crowds.

Following Sam Kelly on the main stage, the jazz, swing and rockabilly sounds of the CC Smugglers had the crowds up on their feet and dancing, unable to resist the exuberant exhortations of singer Richie Prynne.

Sound difficulties meant that there was long delay to the final act of the weekend, UK soul and blues singer Jake Isaac, to come on stage, and, unfortunately, many of the crowd assumed the festival had run its course.

However, those who stayed were treated to a brilliant performance by a terrifically talented singer.

Faced initially with an empty area in front of the stage, he drew in all those who were left and eventually had everyone dancing and clamouring for more.

At one point he left the stage, and gave the crowd a rendition of one of his songs without the aid of a microphone or amplification.

It was an incredibly infectious show, and one that finished the weekend off in fine style.

Organiser Paul Phillips promised that the festival will return next year.

’We won’t be resting on our laurels and we are already beginning the planning process,’ he said.

’Watch this space!’

by Mike Wade

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