LIVE/GALLERY: Barn on the Farm 2017

It’s been a month since Barn on the Farm closed their gates to festival goers for the 7th time and during this period Ive been trying to put together this review into something which does this festival justice. You see, despite this being only my 2nd visit to the Over Farm, Barn on the Farm and its family environment really matters to me. From parking up on a drizzly Thursday evening, I feel instantly at ease and as I make my way through the fields, that lovely sense of familiarity as I pass the inquisitive ostriches and pigs towards the Farm Hanger for the first of the sold out Intimate Sessions. Those lucky enough to get their hands on these limited tickets were treated to stripped back sets from the likes of Gabrielle Aplin, Issac Gracie, The Amazons and Nick Mulvey

Thankfully Thursday was all we saw of the rain, with the site bathed in warm sunshine for the remainder of the weekend. Walking around, Barn on the Farm has remained true to its grassroots core, maybe one new merchandise store aside, nothing has been tampered with; you will not find any big wheel rides here (although the braver weekend visitors can sign up for the micro-light rides on the adjoining air barn).

The Wooden Barn located at the heart of the site again proves popular with fans and artists alike. “I love playing this unique stage” says Dagny on her return to the Barn. Lyra admits she is scared of heights and “is bricking it” midway through her impressive early Sunday set. Returning favourite Dan Owen has the Barn stage bursting at the seams with the crowd spewing out eager to catch his outstanding vocals.

Hannah Grace - BoTF Intimate Thursday - Jon Mo

James Vincent McMorrow 1 - BoTF - Jon Mo

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This year Black Honey, Clean Cut Kid and Dagny are back but higher up the bill, a measure of their growing status and festival organisers ability to pick out future talent. (Ed Sheeran, James Bay and last year, Rag N Bone Man have previously graced the farm stages). Another returning favourite Amber Run draw one of the biggest crowds on the Sunday afternoon on the Main Stage declaring, “we’ll keep coming back as long as you want us.”

Of the first timers, Tom Grenan, Japanese House and the Big Moon highlight exactly why they have been making waves on the music scene over the last 12 months, with Sundara Karma in particular putting on a magnificent performance on the Main stage. A future headline spot beckons

A shout out to the Magic Gang too, their set unfortunately cut short following a nasty fall off stage by lead singer Jack. I glad to say that I’ve see Magic Gang since and Jack is back on his feet again.

It’s clear that this festival connects with its audience. Artists, music fans and an enthusiastic farm dog casually intermingle around the site. Everyone has a smile on their face. There is a real family feel. It’s a beautiful sight.

Words & pictures: Jon Mo / @jonmophoto