by Terry Bearpark
A few showers did nothing to dampen the spirits of hundreds of visitors to Withernsea’s Valley Gardens at the weekend for Withstock, a free two-day festival for all the family.
Two days of entertainment for all tastes of music attracted large numbers on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and evening.
Saturday’s line-up saw a great array of musical talent from Roll the Dice, Jackson D, Dodging Bullets, The Reflex, The Zynx, Stikky Fingers and Bon Joe V headlining.
The tempo was a bit quieter on Sunday with local singer and songwriter Sharon Garner leading the afternoon’s concert, followed by Rob Bywater and the Lazy Woodbines, Sam Connelly, local lad Marc Clough, Oakleas Rise, Squash, Blue Walker, Elwhaeko and headliners Rum Doodle, a hillbilly fun rock act from Leeds.
Doing an admirable job in compering the two days was John Harding from Seaside FM, while sound and lighting was in the very capable hands of Kevin and Rich. Providing attractions for everyone was
a vast array of stalls, international food, vehicles from the Bridge County Cruisers car show, Pete the Dinosaur, children’s entertainment in the tent with Hosanna Creative Ministries, face painting, arts and crafts and trade stands. A licensed bar and contained area allowed visitors to wet their whistles while watching and listening to the entertainment.
The organising committee said they were hugely grateful for all the support and sponsorship from businesses and organisations that helped put the town well and truly on the map.
