This Saturday, I went back to Chipping Sodbury just outside of Bristol for day 4 of Good Times Live. I got there just in time for the legendary Gabrielle to perform. The last time I saw Gabrielle perform was back in 2022, supporting Simply Red in Plymouth.
With everyone in the crowd hanging over the barrier in anticipation and excitement. Gabrielle took the stage draped in beautiful black fabrics. She looked utterly amazing. The crowd were in absolute awe.
She started her set with the incredible ‘Give me a little more time’ which had the fans swaying and waving their BBC Bristol inflatables in the air. Children on shoulders and smiles everywhere. It was beautiful. She sang “Sunshine” and got the crowd to sing it with her and encouraged them to clap their hands in the air. The whole field of people clapping their hands in the air to this household song that touched everyone. Of course she ended with the all time favourite “Dreams” that had everyone singing along, swaying and dancing. An extended version thanking her band. My daughter and I embracing and swaying together with the rest of the crowd. It may sound cliche and cheesy but I did feel at that point that dreams do come true. Thank you Gabrielle for your amazing performance.
The crowd broke off to top up with their favourite beverages from the huge bar area, and food from the food court full of amazing smells. My daughter and I shared an amazing stone pizza and Loaded chilli fries which we finished within a few minutes because they were both so delicious. My daughter also got some Churros which looked amazing. There were so many stalls we just wanted to try everything! There were also kids playing football, teenagers having selfies taken on the giant Good Times deckchair, children running around having fun. The BBC Bristol stand were giving out freebies and had games for the kids. Floors were full of picnic blankets and people having a great time. There were smiles everywhere. The festival had such a chilled out yet exciting atmosphere about it.
Soon it was time for Scouting for Girls to take the stage and it was time for me to get ready in the pit to take my photography. This time the barrier was full of teenagers singing and chanting for them to come out. I myself have been a fan for years so was excited to be able to see them and to have the honour of photographing them too.
Sure enough it was time and the band entered the stage, crowds screaming and cheering them on! The band took their instruments and started playing instantly. Roy Stride on the keyboard at the front of the stage, Greg Churchouse on bass to the left of the stage, Peter Ellard on drums at the back and Nick Tsang on guitar to the right of the stage.
They started with the classic ‘Heartbeat’ which instantly had everyone jumping up and down and waving their inflatables. It brought be back to jumping up and down in the club “42nd street” in Manchester where all the indie bands would hang out such as Courteeners and Blossoms. This is the music we grew up with and brought a lot of good feels and nostalgia from that time. They were just as on point as they were then and had incredible stage presence.
After the song Roy asked one of the photographers to take the stage with his iPhone and film the crowd. Everyone cheered and jumped in to get in shot. They sang ‘Famous’ and had everyone jumping and singing along. Roy got out to the crowd singing by the barrier which got everyone excited. His energy was infectious. He then sang my favourite “this ain’t a love song” which is a more slower song for them but absolutely love the chords in this and Roys incredible voice tugs on the heart stings in this one. They then performed their version of ‘Come on Eileen” which literally had everyone dancing. There’s not one person that doesn’t know and love this song. Roy encouraged everyone to lock arms and kick their legs out to it and the whole crowd did so right to the back of the field.
What I love about this festival is that everyone is included. Young or old, it’s for everyone and no one will feel out of place jumping, singing or rocking out. Everyone is friendly including all of the staff there. I will definitely be returning with my whole family next time!
