fbpx

Wow, Carfest North – that was SUCH an experience. Half way to arriving the window in my car broke. It was a wet and windy journey up the motorway but I made it in one piece!

I arrived on Saturday to be greeted by Chris Evans and Hiten with their heads in their hands informing me of the very sad news that one of the pilots from the air display team – Kevin Whyman had tragically died in a crash that had happened just an hour before I got there. It was mortifying… Everyone on the day tried to carry on and be as professional as possible. But there was a sober mood. I really do send all my thoughts and prayers to Kevin’s family and send them as much strength as possible. Losing someone that close to you is the hardest thing ever and I wish I could do or say something to help them through this time.

After arriving I headed over backstage and had the great privilege of meeting and chatting to many inspirational artists and bands – Joss Stone was so lovely!
IMG_2297

I also met The Feeling, Seasick Steve, chatting with and brushed my teeth next to Sophie Ellis Bextor in the glamping later on (what a delightful lady she is – her performance was awesome!) saw my lovely friends Ward Thomas, met several key people in F1 and generally had a wonderful evening with some wonderful folk.

IMG_2291

My “tent” was practically a HOTEL! 11828621_10153552309269479_8638032818372849650_n

For a start, I could stand in it!!

IMG_2271

IT HAD PLUG SOCKETS!!!!!!!

 

And outside:

 

10984216_10153552309649479_646206689399046289_n

Hay bails with Sunflowers!! The ultimate. My lucky number is 4… and my tent was no. 4, too which made me smile.

 

 

On Sunday, after this wonderful being arrived: (Mr Sam Rommer) Who was joining me on cajon and backing vocals.

11822765_10153552309554479_4186608679799402815_n

We went off to see some cars!!

11800080_10153552308479479_368457165244520469_n
11752555_10153552309049479_5689673703577638551_n

11017857_10153552309069479_8148018779724030392_n

11822677_10153552307549479_638345970810971725_n

They were utterly gorgeous. Apparently 51 Ferrari’s were there. I saw all of Chris Evans’ Dirty Dozen… and took photos of them all, too!

I think this was my favourite though!IMG_2348

After seeing them, it’s quite funny how I arrived and parked in this:

IMG_2273 (1)

 

I even got to “meet” the Chitty Chitty Band Bang” car which was a CHILDHOOD DREAM!

IMG_2324

 

Soon after that I left the paddock and headed over grab my guitar…

 

11800316_10153552309164479_9205882397327015175_n

Then we were taken over to back stage in golf buggies. SO MUCH FUN!

IMG_2357

Tuning up backstage…

11817064_10153552309414479_4684129379087404183_n

IMG_2360

IMG_2361Here we are back stage in Chris Evans’ dressing room waiting to play! There was a beautiful tribute and a one minute silence held for Kevin Whyman, which was very moving. Especially as I saw his family briefly backstage after. I felt complete empathy for them. I tried to hold back the sadness and watched The Proclaimers do their set.

He welcomed us on stage just after The Proclaimers came off and it was quite a moment!!!

11807555_10153552309409479_9068098592238688727_o

We performed “Riptide” – it was single of the week on iTunes and a good foot stomper so I figured it’d be the best song to do. I was only expecting to do one song, but then Chris asked me to play another, so I played “A Place Called You” (on guitar!) which went down really well! It was hard because I didn’t have any sound through my monitor, so could only hear what I was singing after a 2 second delay from front of house sound bouncing back at me! Despite the challenge it was so much fun! Shortly after I finished, Jack Savoretti went on stage and as he passed me he said complimented my set which was lovely – we went out front and watched him do his thing and WOW! He was amazing!

IMG_2365IMG_2362

Carfest North

Thanks to the people who tweeted me this photo’s!

 

IMG_2332I came back and we decided to make a move, I needed to get my car fixed and didn’t want to be sat in Monday morning traffic. I couldn’t leave without having a photo by the naughty step though.

It was a surreal and amazing weekend. I can’t wait to play Carfest South in a couple of weeks!! Thanks to the amazing audience at Carfest who clapped along and cheered. It was a gig I’ll never forget. xxx

IMG_2355

IMG_2354
IMG_2353 IMG_2352
IMG_2351

IMG_2350 IMG_2349 IMG_2348 IMG_2347IMG_2346
IMG_2345 IMG_2344