Gareth Gates at the Dartford Festival 2011
By Carol, 19th Jul 2011 | Follow this author
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Day 2 of the Dartford Festival saw Gareth Gates as the headline act, so many people braved the rain to see and hear him.
- Gareth Gates at the Dartford Festival 2011
- The Rain came down
- Because of the rain, we arrived midway through the afternoon.
- The crowd was getting restless
Gareth Gates at the Dartford Festival 2011
The Dartford Festival is held every year,by the local borough council, and it's free. Car Parking is only £3 for the whole day, which I think is very reasonable. It is held over 2 days, and although the weather obviously plays a big part in it, people do flock there to enjoy the fun.
I went on day 2 because Gareth Gates was the headline act, I have followed his career with great interest since POP IDOL, and have been amazed at just how diverse he is. Having enjoyed an intimate performance from him at PIZZA EXPRESS at Maidstone on Friday evening, I didn't think it could get any better than that, but I didn't mind being proved wrong.
The Rain came down
Of course the weather had been great all the week, but on Sunday it was tipping it down. If I wasn't such a fan, I might have thought twice, but over the years, like all the diehards, I have waited in all weathers to see him, wind, hail and snow, bring it on, this was only summer showers for goodness sake.! Not only that, in a career, which has so far spanned a decade, Gareth has only visited the south east corner of the country where I live once, in 2003 to do PARTY IN THE PARK, at the HOP FARM, and he only sang 3 songs. This time he was on for over 45 minutes, so not to be missed.
Because of the rain, we arrived midway through the afternoon.
We opted to get there about 2-30 that way we would only have to wait for 3 hours in the rain. Only you say, but even with such weather, there was a very enthusiastic crowd. We managed to see a TAKE THAT tribute act, oh how I do love their songs, and then a group called BADNESS, dressed in black and white outfits that looked like newspapers, who were a tribute to MADNESS I believe.
A lady in a white dress played the violin whilst floating round the stage in a white dress, which was very short. The photographer followed her everywhere. Then came 3 little teenagers, looking like mini Michael Jacksons, who were semi finalists in BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT, and a man in a leather jacket, who got everyone rocking, and of course, because Gareth was late ,after being held up in traffic, a Freddie Mercury tribute act was also slotted in. I am sorry I can't give names, as we didn't manage to get a programme.
The crowd was getting restless
It was by now an hour later than Gareth was scheduled, and there were chants of GARETH, GARETH, from the exuberant crowd, even the rain ruining our hair, and dripping down our neck didn't seem to dampen any enthusiasm. Then the sun finally came out, and Gareth sprung into action. He was dressed as a 50s rocker, long cream jacket with red trimming, jeans and sneakers, with his hair styled in 50s fashion.
He yelled " Thank you for having me Dartford," and the crowd went wild. There were young girls screaming "I love you, and marry me." I wish! He owned the stage, and played to the crowd, so many wonderful rock numbers, to name a few, SWEET CHILD OF MINE, SUMMER OF 69, VALERIE, SUSPICIOUS MINDS, DON'T STOP ME NOW, and then ANYONE OF US. He had a subdued moment, where he serenaded us with ANGEL ON MY SHOULDER, which was truly beautiful. He finished with a rock version of SPIRIT IN THE SKY.
Gareth interacts with Pete, his guitarist during the performance, so I just had to capture their fun in a picture. At the end of his mesmerising performance, he casually wiped his face with a towel, and flung it into the crowd, where I saw girls fighting to hold it. It was all great fun.
My other half had gone shopping, and planned to meet us afterwards, but arrived back just in time to see the whole performance. He is a great fan of rock and roll, so he thought it was Gareth's best performance ever. If anyone asked me to choose between this festival or PIZZA EXPRESS, it would be hard, as both gigs were really good in their own way, and it proves once again, just how versatile Gareth is. He is currently doing gigs all around the country, so if you can catch one, you are in for a treat.
Gareth Gates at Pizza Express
This is Gareth Gates
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Comments
20th Jul 2011 (#)
Carol, how lucky are you, three times you have seen Gareth. I am so happy for y'all. It is so great to see a young man allow y'all to take pictures and even tape him, it shows of his character and how much Gareth appreciates his fans. These are some great photos you have taken my friend. I am so glad your other half made it in time to see Gareth. It sounds and looks like a very fun evening. You are a star to me my friend, every time. Thank you for taking us on another Gareth ride, I really enjoyed it.:)
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20th Jul 2011 (#)
You must be quite a fan to stand for hours waiting in that rain. Very nice article Carol.
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20th Jul 2011 (#)
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20th Jul 2011 (#)
An interesting article on Gareth ride. thank you my sister Carol.
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20th Jul 2011 (#)
Wonderful Carol, just a delight to read...:0).It must have been fabulous to be in that crowd, very exciting!
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21st Jul 2011 (#)
Great article Carol, sounds like a great festival...great pictures too!
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21st Jul 2011 (#)
Great article Carol. Sounds like you had an exciting time. Thanks for sharing
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21st Jul 2011 (#)
Another great review, Carol, and it sounds like the atmosphere and acts were well worth getting soggy for!
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22nd Jul 2011 (#)
Thanks everyone, it was fantastic!
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