Last night, I had the pleasure of attending Good Times Live at the Ridings in Chipping Sodbury, a quaint yet charming market town just outside of Bristol. despite living relatively nearby, this was my first time experiencing this vibrant festival, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. however, from the moment I neared the venue, I knew I was in for something special.
the sky was beginning to shift from golden hour into twilight, casting a warm glow over the scene. as I approached, I could already hear the faint hum of music floating through the summer air, gradually building in volume. splashes of colour danced in the breeze from towering festival flags, and vivid beams of light shimmered above the trees, guiding excited festivalgoers toward the grounds. there was a tangible buzz in the atmosphere, a cocktail of joy, music, and late spring anticipation.
Once inside the festival grounds, I was struck by the beautifully inclusive and diverse crowd. there were young families with toddlers in tow, couples lounging on camping chairs and picnic blankets, teenagers laughing with friends, and older music lovers who looked like they had been following Jools Holland’s career since its inception. it was a true multigenerational gathering, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming in every sense.
the scent of street food wafted through the air almost immediately. it was impossible to ignore. smoky barbecues, sizzling noodles, sweet waffles, and cool gelato created a mouthwatering mosaic of aromas. the Churros stand in particular had a line curling around the edge of the food court, and for good reason, the smell of warm dough, cinnamon sugar, and molten chocolate sauce drew people in like moths to a flame. families clustered around camping chairs, laughing between bites and swaying to the distant music from the main stage.
I arrived just in time for the headline performance from the legendary Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra. Growing up, his Hootenanny New Year’s Eve show was a yearly tradition in our home. I would stay up wide eyed, soaking in the magic of the music, the energy of the live performances, and the richness of the jazz and blues that poured through the screen. it was those shows that first sparked my love for jazz, planting the seeds of a passion that’s stayed with me ever since, So to finally stand in front of the man himself, watching him bring that same energy to life on stage with his orchestra, was more than just a concert. it felt like the fulfilment of something deeply personal, a moment I didn’t know I had been waiting for.
the stage setup was elegant and understated with Jools’ glossy black grand piano poised to the right side while the orchestra set up on the right side. As the first notes rang out, the crowd drew closer to the stage in hushed anticipation, the earlier chatter dying down into eager silence. Holland took his seat at the piano with an effortless charm that only decades of experience can bring. then, with a flick of his fingers, the festival lit up.
the orchestra roared to life, a beautiful wall of sound that blended swing, jazz, blues, and soul into something timeless. Holland performed tracks from his latest album Swing Fever, a collaboration with the great Rod Stewart that climbed to number one in the UK charts last year. the energy in those songs, brimming with nostalgic swing and cheeky lyrics, was brought to life by the full bodied sound of the brass section and the tight rhythm backing.
The crowd was immediately captivated but it was during the track The Sun’s Gonna Shine in My Back Door Someday originally by the folk blues duo Flatt and Scruggs that the true magic of the evening began to unfold. Holland’s playful keys and the band’s rich harmonies breathed new life into the classic, sending waves of applause through the crowd.
Guest appearances throughout the set elevated the show to something spectacular. Chris Difford, co founder of Squeeze and longtime collaborator with Holland, brought a cheeky flair with performances of hits like Cool for Cats. His dry wit and rhythmic lyricism were met with roars of approval. the song had barely finished before the crowd was chanting along with the chorus, a sea of raised arms and swaying bodies.
then came Sumudu Jayatilaka, a Sri Lankan British vocalist known for her silky jazz stylings and commanding presence. she glided onto the stage in a floor length sparkly black gown that caught every light beam like stardust. Her voice was a soothing balm with an edge of brilliance, weaving effortlessly through tracks that ranged from tender ballads to upbeat swing numbers. her rendition of Love Me or Leave Me was particularly mesmerising, drawing both awe and emotion from the audience.
Louise Marshall, another familiar voice from Jools Holland’s New Year’s specials, brought the house down with her powerful vocals. known for her traditional performance of Auld Lang Syne each December 31st, Marshall’s voice filled the night air with a richness that gave goosebumps. her blues numbers had a soulful grit, blending emotion and power in a way that anchored the whole orchestra.
As the evening wore on, the initial relaxed vibe began to shift. What started as a crowd lounging on blankets and sipping cider slowly transformed into a joyous dance party. Something about the combination of blues, jazz, and warm cider seemed to shake off the last bit of British reserve, and before long, people were on their feet, clapping, spinning, and dancing with strangers.
There was a moment during one of the final songs, possibly Enjoy Yourself It’s Later Than You Think, when the entire field seemed united. couples danced as if they were in their youth again, children giggled on their parents’ shoulders, and older festivalgoers closed their eyes and swayed with contentment. it was a reminder of the timelessness of music, of its power to bring people together regardless of age or background.
As the final notes echoed across the fields and the lights slowly faded, there was a lingering sense of magic in the air. Good Times Live had delivered on its promise and more. Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra created a night to remember, filled with talent, nostalgia, and joy. For a first time visitor, this festival felt like a hidden gem. I left with a full heart, a head full of melodies, and a promise to myself to return next year.
