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We attended Black Deer last year and we had such a great time that we wanted to make a return and see if we enjoy it as much, the answer is a big fat YES! It is called an Americana festival, which covers all different types of music; blues, country, folk, blues rock, acoustic – there is literally something for everyone. It’s well organised, with great atmosphere, and the attendees very friendly. This year they have slightly expanded the festival and added an extra stage, The Super Jam. Besides the music you have cooking displays, a kid’s area, rock climbing, old cars, good array of food outlets and food eating competitions, but obviously it’s the music that most are here for, and there’s loads of it.

Apart from the headline acts, which are obviously well-known and have earned their headline status. This year Joe Bonamassa, what a guitarist he is, Sheryl Crow, on top form, and Rufus Wainright, and they all performed as you would want to, spectacularly. Apart from the afore mentioned headliners, the line-up is made up of artists on the rise and newcomers, and yet again the fabulous Cafe Nero tent was outstanding. This is where unsigned artists who get played on Cafe Nero Radio get the chance to play live to a now larger tent, and it’s not easy to get a seat even in the now larger space. When a seat gets empty there’s always someone ready to jump in it, it is a great place to be. Some we saw who impressed were Jade Helliwell, who had a standing ovation, and Clara Mann, very feisty. Of course you can’t see everyone, it’s impossible. On that point we did find last year’s Black Deer app a great help, but it seemed to be missing this year. One of the acts that we not only know of but are big fans of is Kezia Gill, who played twice, once in Haley’s Bar, as Kezia Gill & friends, which was brilliant. Kezia has some very talented friends, the afore mentioned Jade Helliwell, Matt Hodges and the fantastic Morganway vocalist, SJ, what a treat. her Kezia’s own set at the larger tent, which was jam packed, was a corker. Also appearing at the tent were Jalen Ngonda, Allysa Bonagura and Twinnie, who I met after by Cafe Nero, what a lovely lady, amongst others.

On the main stage apart from the headliners you had the likes of The Shires, The Staves, the incredibly likeable Seasick Steve and his unreal guitars, Jade Bird, Ward Thomas, the cracking blues rock couple When Rivers Meet – the list goes on and on. A few that impressed us on Cafe Nero were Isabella Coulstock, with a hint of Sheryl Crow, the country couple Gasoline & Matches, but the list is endless.

It’s a fantastic festival, both in quality of music and musicians performing, but it has a certain air comfortable feel about it. I can’t really explain it. All that I know is that we will definitely be putting Black Deer very high on our to do list, again. And our advice to you, whatever music floats your boat is get an early bird ticket and save yourself some dosh – sorry beer money – and sit back with a big fat smile on your face, safe in the knowledge that you have a great weekend to look forward to in June 2025, sorted. We would like to thank all at Black Deer for all their help, thank you.

Photos by Geoff Griffe
Review by Jenny Griffe