Down By The Riverside

STARTING life 17 years ago as an intimate gathering of music-lovers, with one portaloo and a couple of barrels of beer, the Riverside Festival has come of age.

Now boasting more than 30 bands, children’s entertainment, art and craft sessions, good food and a bar the envy of many far larger events, this lovely gathering on the banks of the Evenlode, in Charlbury, has evolved into one of the summer’s best weekenders, with space to welcome 2,500 people each day. And, remarkably, it is still completely free.

This year’s festival takes place next weekend (June 16-17), and is sticking to its guns of laying on the very best of the county’s musical talent – covering everything from rock and pop to folk and experimental electronica.

Highlights include art-rockers and Riverside regulars Smilex, feel-good indie-rockers Black Hats, the sunny synth-infused pop of Alphabet Backwards, sun-kissed alt-country band The Epstein, the Mediterranean/Middle Eastern musings of Brickwork Lizards, ska act The Inflatables, cross-cultural Euro-rockers The Byronics, Tamara and the Martyrs (see opposite), sonic experimentalists Flights of Helios, and dB Band – featuring the marvellous Mick Quinn of Supergrass.

“It is going to be an amazing weekend,” says Festival spokesman Katherine Custance, who lives in the town.

“I’ve really been impressed by the way everyone involved in the festival has upped their game. It’s run by people who are not professional, but are really capable – and they have pulled out all the stops.”

This year sees the festival branching out from its roots as purely a music event by holding its own Riverside Fringe.

“We are keen to have entertainment other than bands,” says Katherine. “And this will give things a real carnival atmosphere.”

The Fringe, hosted by actor, journalist and professional Scotsman Steve Haye, will give festival-goers of all ages, whether professional or amateur, the chance to compete for the title of Riverside Street Star.

“The idea is that people can come down, get on stage and do what they do best – whether that is stand-up comedy, juggling, streetdance, snake charming, story telling or even just standing still as a statue. And, in Steve’s case, maybe some bagpipes! Everyone else will be allowed to vote and, if they like them, they can throw a token in a hat. Whoever gets the most tokens is the winner.”

She adds: “It will be more ‘Edinburgh Fringe’ than ‘X Factor’, and will be a lot of fun.”

With its own festival beer, Evenloder, crafted by Witney’s Wychwood Brewery, the festival is certain to appeal to real ale fans.

But, says Katherine, the main draw of the event is its appeal to all ages.

“It is really family-friendly,” she says. “It’s also a great place for young people to go and enjoy themselves in a safe environment. And it attracts families with young kids and toddlers, teenagers, people really into music, fans of bands and older people, too.

“It appeals to lots of different audiences. We may not have the starry Iine-up of a Reading or Glastonbury, but when it comes to the feel-good factor, Riverside beats them hands down. “What makes it exceptional in these straitened times, though, is it is totally free. You can get a drink cheaper than at your local pub.

“Riverside has a real community spirit – which is why people love it and come back year after year.”

Among the best bands on the bill are Flights of Helios, featuring the talents of keyboardist Seb Reynolds – also appearing as part of The Epstein.

“We love Riverside,” he says. “I've played it with The Evenings and Sexy Breakfast and always had a brilliant time. It’s in a beautiful location and is run by a really great bunch of people who put on a lot of the best bands around.”

And what can we expect from Flight of Helios? “A challenging mix of intense electronica-led grief wave, an irish folk ballad and some spacey pop music,” he says.

And who else will he be catching over the course of the weekend? “As I play in The Epstein I should probably show up for their set!” he jokes.

“Also, I’m going to continue to perpetuate the rumour that legendary hardcore metal band Sextodecimo are going to reform and play their comeback gig at Riverside this year, in the hope that my dreams come true!

“There are loads of great bands playing, though... too many to mention.

“And as a non-drinker with a taste for adventure, I’m really looking forward to trying the river water!”

* Riverside Festival takes place from June 16-17 at The Mill Field, Dyers Hill, Charlbury. For details, go to riversidefestival.charlbury.com Entrance is free. Saturday’s programme runs from noon to 10pm. Sunday’s goes from 11am-8pm.