Day one was at The Giffard Arms, an iconic old rock pub in the centre of Wolverhampton.  With a couple of hundred eager fans crammed into this sold out venue on a Friday night, they were treated to three quality acts.  The stage was small and low, with no separation between band and audience, making it very intimate and very warm.

First up was Jaotar.  Until recently they were known as Rat Salad, the title of a early Black Sabbath song, and that perfectly describes their sound.  Heavy progressive riffs and epic sounding lyrics, their set was very much in the Black Sabbath mould.

Alabama Crow, as their name suggests, have their roots in southern rock, delivered with high energy and smiles all round.  Even a wardrobe malfunction – lead singer Billy’s ripped trousers from crotch to ankle – didn’t throw them off their stride and they delivered an exceptional set.

Headliners on the Friday night was a band I was really looking forward to seeing.  Doomsday Outlaw.  Having been introduced to their music by a friend last year, it has been a regular listen in the car and at home ever since.  With a powerful sound, and hooks to die for, they gave us a show to remember.  They are a band which really deserves to be experienced on a bigger stage than The Giffard Arms.

For day 2 we moved to KKs, and an all day event comprising seven main acts on the big stage and several acoustic sets in the bar area between each main set.  One of the great things about these smaller festivals, and a reason you should get to these events early, is that there is always a chance of a pleasant surprise.  I hadn’t heard of The Soul Revival before but was glad I got to see them opening proceedings at KKs.  Their infectious high energy performance kick started the day.

Local band White Tyger raised the bar further. Running around the stage like teenagers and delivering a high octane set of heavy rock, they looked like they were having a real blast on stage.

There was sleaze galore next with old school rockers Takeaway Thieves.  This five piece really know how to work the crowd and pose for the cameras.  An exquisite set.

One band surely destined for greatness is The Karma Effect.  With infectious songs, smooth hooks vaguely reminiscent of The Black Crowes, and a genuine star in lead vocalist Henry Gotellier, this band just oozes quality.  This was probably the 5th or 6th time I’ve seen them, and I look forward to the next time already.

Back after a break from gigs last year, Hollowstar burst onto the stage like this is where they belong, and for an hour or so they owned that stage.  I must admit that I wasn’t too familiar with their music, but the nodding heads and waving hands and singing along told me I was very much in the minority in that respect.  A band I’ll have to check out further.

Virginmarys are a duo comprising singer/guitarist Ally Dickaty and percussionist Danny Dolan.  Despite their minimalist appearance on the stage (just a drum kit, a microphone and a guitar – oh, and a brass bell), their performance at KKs was mesmerising.  Heavy driving rhythms and relentless riffs left me, and the crowd, exhausted but satisfied at the end of their set.

And so to Massive Wagons.  I’ve seen them many times over the years as they progressed from festival openers to festival headliners.  They never give it less than 100% in every performance and this was no exception.  The only difference is that now as headliners they have much better lighting.  As a photographer, I do find vocalist Barry (Baz) Mills a fascinating challenge to photograph.  A maniacal singer in perpetual motion, he seems to spend more time leaping in the air and running from one side of the stage to the other than any other performer around,  The songs are gritty and in your face, with nods to punk roots as much as classic rock, and with choruses you can’t help but sing along to.  A great way to end a Saturday night Mayors Fest at KKs.

Big shout out to the acoustic artists who performed in the bar area between the main stage bands, ensuring a continuous musical experience throughout the day.  These included Sig and the Fire Pilots, Not Now Norman, Danny Beardsley, The Hot One Two, Alabama Crow and Blade Edwards.

Day 3 was back at the Giffard Arms.  Unfortunately, other commitments forced me to skip that day, but the performances by Lynus, Autumn Killers and Seize The Void, plus several acoustic acts, apparently went down extremely well with the enthusiastic crowd.

Mayors Fest will return next year for its tenth anniversary, and is going from strength to strength, providing fantastic value for money, quality bands, a friendly and enjoyable environment, whilst simultaneously raising large amounts of money for charity.  What’s not to love.