The big names were, of course, what drew many people to the festival. And who can blame them when these names included Lee Ryan (formerly of Blue), The Drifters and, of course, Chas and Dave. Big Stars: Lee Ryan was certainly popular with the younger female members of the audience of the main stage on Saturday. He sang along to a backing track from behind him and a barrage of squeals and screams in front of him. He had just returned from Italy and kept feeling obliged to say “Grazia” whenever the audience cheered. Fortunately, he quickly remembered that a simple “Thank You” would do.
 | | Boyband 4Tune at the festival |
The Drifters, meanwhile, were sensational - as well you might expect for an act that have been around for half a century now. They performed their all time classics of “Up on the Roof”, “Under the Boardwalk” and “Saturday Night at the Movies” with such a fresh vibrancy that you could be mistaken for thinking that the songs were written last week, not forty odd years ago. Star Turns: But it wasn’t just big names that kept people’s attention. Tribute acts like The Blues Brothers Uncut, Abba Tribute Super Trooper and a Freddie Mercury Tribute kept the crowd happy with their covers of hits from the 60s, 70s and 80s. There was also a chance to enjoy songs from the Rat Pack past with Shane Hampsheir’s rendition of classics such as “When The Mamba Rhythm Starts to Play”, “Mack the Knife” and the gorgeous Nina Simone song “Feeling Good” - complete with a troupe of dancers. Poptastic:
 | | Girl band Triquetra |
If up to the minute pop was your thing, then there was plenty on show for you as well with two boy bands (4th Base and 4Tune), a girl band (Triquetra) and a steady stream of excellent solo artists. Terrence, an R’n’B artist originally from Zimbabwe performed an inspirational set while Taz wowed the audience with his a cappella solo. Elsewhere Sheila G sang a selection of hits that are well known throughout India. With the addition of Indian dance star Rajesh, it was a truly international affair. Young Stars: However one of the star turns of the festival turned out to be 13 year old Jack White (not the guitarist out of The White Stripes) who belted out a fantastic version of “Your Love Has Lifted Me Higher” followed by Gnarls Berkeley’s “Crazy”. It was truly sensational.
 | | Local lads The Frequency |
In another section of Central Park, the smaller stage played host to a selection of excellent local rock bands such as hard rockers The Frequency and the excellent distortion heavy battle of the bands winners The Suggestions. There was also chilled out rock from Tom and James, half of a band who were missing their drummer and bassist, the latter of which was absent due to food poisoning! Grand Finale: The festival ended with the ultimate climax of Chas and Dave. The mighty Cockney machine of honky-tonk piano and bass was on top form as they rattled through their hits: “No Pleasing You”, “Gertcha” and, of course “Rabbit”. The stand out moment though was their mammoth instrumental version of “Tiger Rag” - a piece of inspirational honky-tonk boogie-woogie genius and a sure fire crowd pleaser at the same time. This year’s Dartford Festival was an excellent celebration of music of all styles from indie to India. Here’s hoping that next year’s is just as good! | 
