When it comes to organising music festivals, small is beautiful. Just ask Craig Evans....

WITH last weekend’s Truck festival fading into the distance, one South Oxfordshire music-lover is offering a musical refuge to those suffering festival withdrawal symptoms.

Craig Evans, singer and guitarist with former Oxford band Dead Jerichos, has assembled a roll call of bands and artists to play the fifth installment of his own one-day gathering – D Fest.

The free festival takes place this Saturday at the Red Lion in Drayton, near Abingdon (within strumming distance of Truck’s Hill Farm site) and is headlined by Supergrass star Mick Quinn’s DB Band.

Also up are Oxford’s Orange Vision, Empty Vessels and Balloon Ascents, Brighton’s MarthaGunn and Fools Empire, London band Happy Hooves and Wiltshire act Nudy Bronque, pictured.

Most of the action takes place in the pub’s lovely beer garden before adjourning inside for the final two bands after 9pm.

An acoustic lounge also in the garden features Bronwyn Leonard, Nikki Low, Beards of Destiny, Mudslide Morris and Lizzie Wenninger.

Craig, who has also promised a special guest appearance (we are not allowed to reveal who, but it’s not too hard to guess), predicted a great day.

The musician, who now works as a hairdresser at a top London salon, said: “D Fest is here to give local people a chance to listen to some great bands. There aren’t many small festivals like this, especially free ones. And I always hold it the weekend after Truck, as lots of people don’t know what to do the weekend after. We are continuing the festival vibe.”

Oxford Mail:

Naked talent: Nudy Bronque

The festival is expected to attract up to 300 people, many from the village and surrounding area.

Craig, who with Dead Jerichos shared a festival bill with Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding and Professor Green, promised the best D Fest yet, adding: “It continues to change. We are not just showcasing Oxford bands, we are bringing in up-and-coming bands from everywhere.

“Everyone has a good time, with decent bands, good beer and nice people.”

 * D Fest runs from 2pm until late on Saturday.