RivFest Weekender 2021, 6/7/8th August.
RivFest Weekender 2021 6,7,8th August. Golden Square, Warrington.
By NSGs Warren Millar
Run over 3 days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday this festival not only delivers some great live music but It is also set up to give back and help young artists on their way up in the music industry and the arts. Here’s a little about The River Reeves Foundation. Please check them out and donate if you can at this link – https://www.gofundme.com/f/rivfest21-bursary-awards RivFest is an annual music festival that has been set up to celebrate the life of Viola Beach guitarist River Reeves.
The River Reeves Foundation was founded after the tragic passing of River and the other members of Emerging Warrington Indie Rock band Viola Beach along with their manager Craig Tarry whilst on tour in Sweden.
The River Reeves Foundation has the ambition to help young people realise their dreams as actors, writers, artists, directors, and musicians through grants, donations, and other payments. We aim to provide the financial support that ensures passionate, talented young men and women can dare to dream about their futures within the arts.
Now onto this year’s festival and its many delights all set undercover in the middle of The Golden Square Shopping centre, Warrington. Friday night was the opening party with DJ’s setting the early pace. With sets from Will Tramp, DJ Paulette, and the legend of the Haçienda that is Graeme Park.
Graeme_Park_RivFest_Friday:Warren_Millar
On Saturday we saw bands and artists from all over the U.K. Eleven bands in total. With the action starting at 12 noon and going on till 11pm it was nonstop back to back music with the stage crew and sound engineers all working like a well oiled machine to keep to the timing. My Bucket hat comes off to them.
The rain that came and went all afternoon had no effect on punters as the whole area is under cover and kept us all dry thank god.
My own personal stand out sets for the day have to go to “Hollywood Eyes” who kicked the whole day off in fine style. “Bilk” upping the pace with a great energetic set. “The Rills” who are well worth catching on tour in December. “Orchards” just a great uplifting set and with singer and frontwoman Lucy Evens having a ball and being music, a photographers dream what more can you ask for!
London based “Eliza And The Bear” turned up the heat on stage with their set and perfectly set things up for the nights headliners “Everything Everything” who gave the crowd the feeling that live music really is back after such a hard 18 months. We all went home full of music and happiness and with the thought of another day to come.
Eliza_And_The_Bear_RivFest_Sat: Warren_Millar
Sunday morning came with downpours of rain and this photographer was thankful that The Golden Square Venue was under cover ! Starting at 12 noon again and going on till the 10pm curfew, today was all about top local bands and artists. A total of 15 bands and what an afternoon and night this turned out to be. A lot of these artists have been helped out by the River Reeves Foundation on their journey in the music industry and you could tell it meant a lot to be playing RivFest 2021.
Some of my own picks of the day go to “Liam Hillyer”, “Jessica Luise” and the ever brilliant “The Zangwills” who I have seen and photographed a few times before and they all always give a top performance. “Solis” who chilled us all out with beautiful vocals and even a violin what a lovely set this was. “32 Tens” with raunchy raw energy and top vocals. Well what can be said about “Saytr Play”, now known as “Doctor Doctor” and their front man Fred Farrell! Hard to think that I have never photographed or seen these live before RivFest and was told by a few friends to expect something special and that’s exactly what we got, something very special. I would describe Fred as Iggy Pop on Redbull and very strong coffee, just the perfect front man.
Abi_Kelly_RivFest_Sun:Warren_Millar
Headlining Sunday night was “Abi Kelly” a great local artist and talent who has a big following in this neck of the woods and beyond. Even during the setting up and sound check the crowd were chanting “ABI ABI ABI FUCKIN KELLY” and Abi and her band didn’t disappoint bringing to an end three days of brilliant live music and all raising funds for The RiverReeves Foundation to help the future stars of RivFests and other festivals to come, so please do donate here https://www.gofundme.com/f/rivfest21-bursary-awards
I’m already looking forward to next year’s festival and I know that River would have been so proud looking down at such a great event. Well what a weekend ! I’ll leave you with some words kindly sent to me by River’s Dad, Ben.
Warren Millar
“As you can see from all these wonderful pictures, despite the break in 2020, RivFest just keeps getting better and better! This was the first ever weekend festival put on by the River Reeves Foundation.
We have found a new home in Warrington under the historic wrought iron old market in Golden Square. It will be the first of many August weekenders over the coming years.
This year’s Weekender opened on Friday night with the legend that is Graeme Park. The venue, music, lights, and dry ice ensured this magical space will be on everyone’s list in 2022.
Saturday saw a collection of established and up and coming talent play live following the enforced covid break we have all had to endure. Artists and fans were united in enjoying live music once again. Everything Everything and Eliza and the Bear topped a fantastic bill.
Sunday saw more local acts showcase their talent. You know you’re in for a good day when your two opening acts are soloist Kerry Feeney and the band The Kendos, both with very bright futures ahead of them. Abi Rose Kelly topped the bill with the raw energy and passion her devoted fans love her for.
It was a fabulous three days and everyone involved is buzzing with what might be possible at RivFest22…so see you all there” ……….. Ben Dunne
To follow RivFest on social media or donate please click on any of the links in pink below.
All images are Copywrite and owed by Warren Miller.
