19-June-2022
Black Deer Festival
Kent, England 

Kent Online (Source) 

Van Morrison performs at Black Deer Festival as final day comes to a close Following last night's wobble with the weather causing the festival to pull the plug, all fingers were crossed that no storm would stop the final day of Black Deer Festival. Many of course were looking forward to the headline act today - the legendary Van Morrison to make his appearance on the main stage. 

Across Eridge Park, bands and singers made sure to go out with a bang before the end of the day and leave festival-goers on a high note. 

Along at the Acoustic Stage, award-winning songwriter Chris Fox charmed all with his one-man-band approach. 

Standing with just a guitar and loop pedal, Chris took audiences through a musical journey of folk, blues and country, stopping off along the way to tell more about the story behind each song. 

Next door at The Roadhouse was Franky Perez, who filled the packed tent with American soul and foot-stomping-beats. 

Audience interaction was key, with a call and response style for each song provoking the crowd to chant back together. 

Round at the Live Fire stage, Marcus Bawdon, dubbed the 'King of the BBQ', gave viewers a masterclass on the rump steak - naming it "the good, the bad and the ugly." 

After everyone was practically drooling, audiences were able to try the finished product, along with a special Argentinian sauce called Chimichurri, made from fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, chili pepper and olive oil. 

Following last nights' antics, many were relieved to see clear skies above, and eagerly waited for the main man to arrive. 

As soon as it hit 7.20pm, the epitome of jazz and Celtic soul entered the main stage - Sir Van Morrison, donned in his classic hat, sunglasses and suit combo. 

Van delivered soft folksy blues with songs including Days Like This, the New Symphony Sid and Broken Record. 

He also gave a soulful and upbeat performances of the much loved classics Brown Eyed Gir" and Moondance, where everyone cheered in unison when he started playing the famous tunes. So how do you top all of that? 

Canadian band the Dead South certainly made sure to turn it up a notch with their banjo-infused tunes taken straight from the south. 

As the final notes were strummed on the main stage, and the cheers and tunes died out, Black Deer had sadly drawn to a close. 

After three days of what was good music, good food, good times, and the typical drama of British weather, the festival's two-year hiatus was certainly worth the wait.

Co-founders Gill Tee and Deb Shilling commented: “We’re overwhelmed seeing so many people who love what we stand for. "

After three years in the making, Black Deer Festival 2022 has exceeded our expectations. 

"The way our wonderful community has responded to all of the team's hard work makes this event what it is." 

 -Cara Simmonds 

Setlist 

Thank God for the Blues 

It Hurts Mee Too 

Days Like This 

And It Stoned Me 

The Mystery 

Did Ye Get Healed?

Baby, Please Don't Go  

I Can Tell  

Moondance 

Broken Record  

Precious Time 

Sometimes We Cry  

Wild Night

Cleaning Windows 

Jackie Wilson Said (I'm in Heaven When You Smile) 

Brown Eyed Girl 

Gloria

Big Hand for The Band!

Chris White (Saxophone)

Matt Holland (Trumpet) 
Dave Keary (Guitar)

Paul Moore (Bass)
Teena Lyle (Keyboards)

Richard Dunn (Organ)
Colin Griffin (Drums)
Elle Cato (Vocals)