| "Familiar song after song flowed, with the fans singing along" | | Kenny Savage |
It’s always a pleasure to visit one of Gloucestershire’s most outstanding beauty spots. Throw in the sunniest day of the year so far. A picnic surrounded by magnificent trees. And there you have it, the recipe for a perfect evening out, a wonderful place to eat. The show started with an American band that I had not heard before named Hem!
Their opening song was a reworking of the country standard Jackson. Given a folksy feeling, packed with emotion and deep soul. Their complete set was pleasing to the ear leaving me with a feeling of contentment. Given the chance I would certainly travel to see these eight musicians again. As we went into the interval “setting the woods on fire” boomed out from the PA system. Being in the forest I hoped that no one took it literally, and of course they didn’t! The Beautiful South came on to tremendous applause. Their powerful sound filling the air and sending their most avid fans rushing forward to the stage, or up on their feet, dancing in the space left around them. Bearing in mind that even though some seven thousand were present tonight there still was room to do so.
 | | The Beautiful South in the South Costwolds |
Having changed the female vocalist since the last time that I saw them I wondered if the overall sound would be as good, and yes it was. She well handled the vocals with a look far from smug on her face, but one of confidence and competence. She knew that she was doing a good job. As the sun went on its journey out of sight behind the trees and the long shadows crept across the grass, the stage lighting colourfully pranced around the stage, delivering a new focus, as if to dramatize the event. Familiar song after song flowed, with the fans singing along, knowing most of the words. A particular word gaining cheers of approval. With the just over half moon casting an eye over the proceedings the show came to the inevitable end. And although we could have stayed all night it was only fitting that we handed the forest back to the Birds and animals. Thanking them that they had allowed us into their home. Review by Kenny Savage photos by Rose. This article is user-generated content (i.e. external contribution) expressing a personal opinion, not the views of BBC Gloucestershire. | 
