Written By: LUCY HEFFER
Photos By: LAURENCE HARVEY
After a few sodden weekends watching bands under unpredictable English skies, it was a welcoming prospect to head to an indoor festival. Attending this event as a punter rather than a reviewer, this article is focussed on the superb photography of Laurence Harvey but with some added commentary to bring the event to life.
Started in 2015 to raise money for St Nicholas Hospice Care which provided end of life care for organiser Lee Graham’s dad, this is a project of passion for Lee. The wooden clad auditorium of The Apex in Bury St Edmunds which has been the festival’s home since 2018 felt almost ecclesiastic and a fitting location to honour Ian’s memory on the 13th anniversary of his passing.
Without a festival poncho, wellies or waterproof trousers in sight, the 8th Just Push Play began with BlueFeed. Bringing an indie-rock vibe, they were this year’s winners of the local musical competition BurySOUND 2023. From BlueFeed to Blue Nation from Birmingham, who performed an extremely polished set. An emotional tribute to Ian Graham was held by the band at 1.16pm as the audience raised their glasses in remembrance, and Echoes accompanied a moving tribute to a friend of the band that had taken their own life that week, and a plea to the audience to reach out to friends that you feel need someone to talk to. Drummer Nick Sharman and vocalist Neil Murdoch embraced bassist Luke Weston as he shared his impassioned request.
After recovering from losing his voice a week earlier, Vambo’s Jack Stiles was back in fine form as the band were flooded in a kaleidoscope of colours from the venue’s lighting. The Apex’s design resulted in all day darkness leading to most bands referring to the evening gig even in the middle of the afternoon. The set closer Burn a nod to the significant influence that Deep Purple has on this ‘70s influenced band. The energy levels continued to increase as four piece Daxx and Roxane played crowd favourites and guitarist Cal Wyman satisfied those waiting for some acrobatics with a performance on the speaker stack before leaping back on to the stage!
In photographer Laurence’s words, Caroline from Bastette was “Leather clad and strode around the stage like a prowling lion. Think Joan Jett meets Pat Benatar”. She delivered a solid and engaging performance for sure. The youngest audience member at the festival was Sweet Crisis vocalist Leo Robert’s one year old son, who appeared to enjoy his dad’s set albeit bedecked in ear defenders. The band won over a fair few new fans with their blues soul vibe.
Blues slide guitarist Troy Redfern opened up the evening’s proceedings with vigour before the Welsh guests Scarlet Rebels took to the stage. The ‘Rebels were in high spirits and introduced new bassist Carl Oag to the welcoming audience.
The penultimate performance of the day came from The Sinners. Sam Wood (Black Star Riders / Wayward Sons) stood in on guitar and backing vocals whilst Ginger is taking a break from performing at the moment. Some of the audience were heard proclaiming this was the performance of the day and they sang along with gusto.
Nine and a half hours after the festival started and it was finally time for headliners Mason Hill to take to the stage. Some fans had been on the barrier since the doors opened and the number of MH t-shirts in the hall steadily increased throughout the day, in particular the new expletive emblazoned ones. The eager crowd were rewarded with previously unheard tracks from album two and plenty of classics and as the day drew to a close, a full hall emptied out with big smiles on their faces.
It was my first visit to both the festival and the event and it was an extremely enjoyable experience. From the quality and cleanliness of the facilities, to the friendliness of the door and bar staff and the choice of food and drink provisions, it made for a relaxing and hassle free event to attend. The proximity of the venue to alternate restaurants would suit those with specific food requirements and the common sense approach of allowing this food to be brought back in to the dining area was well received.
Add a strong line up and a room full of passionate music fans, and this festival is an accessible and essential addition to the diary!
Just Push Play Festival returns in 2024 on Saturday 3rd August and tickets are on sale now.
Click here to purchase tickets.
A charity auction to raise money for St Nicholas Hospice Care is currently underway. Lots include a guitar signed by all performing bands from the 2023 festival.