Black Deer 2022 Review
The Black Deer Festival is held at Eridge Park, Tunbridge Wells in the heart of Kent. The festival takes over the park for a full three-day Americana experience.
This years Black Deer 2022 festival held 16/17/18 June was nothing short of spectacular. The Black Deer team did an amazing job of transporting this little piece of Kent to America.
Stages
With five stages playing Americana and Country from mid-morning until late, there was something for everyone regarding music.
The stages were a bit of a walk apart which is obviously required due to sound overlap but, for those of us who are a little un fitter than we would like to admit it made for a hard slog, however once at the desired stage the rewards were worth it.
Attractions
The team didn’t neglect other areas of the festival either as often happens, oh no, they went all out with the exhibits, vendors and food stands.
The Road House is a particular festival favourite, showing American cars, motorcycles and trucks. There were the appropriate stands selling merch close by with the Road House stage mere metres away.
The musical entertainment was nothing short of amazing, pulling artists for all over the globe, no matter which stage you were at, you were guaranteed a great show, fantastic production and awesome staging, even down to the walls being lined with timber and Americana paraphernalia.
Facilities
The facilities were brilliant, plenty of toilets were available, all were clean and well stocked with loo roll and, I believe, they were cleaned daily which at a festival is a god send.
The bars were plentiful and although the drinks were a little higher priced than you would like, they were still affordable.
The cashless system that was in operation worked well and I personally found the auto top-up worked but maybe a little too well. Some had issues with it but these were resolved by the Black Deer team quickly at designated points.
When you are not handing over a card or cash its easy to burn through money but the risk of losing a wallet or purse were removed.
Safety
There was unfortunately a large electrical storm on the Saturday night which had to end the nights proceedings. This situation was dealt with very professionally by the team and the hard decision to halt thigs was made with the patron’s safety at the forefront.
People were calmly ushered back to tents, motorhomes, cars and awaiting shuttle busses with not a hint of panic or force. It was all done very calmly and professionally.
Music
For me, the highlight bands were Cam, The Dead South and Imelda May in the large act section. In the smaller act section, I found many new and amazing acts.
Madison Violet were a real stand out to me as were Police Dog Hogan. Wildwood Kin aced it and as for Kezia Gill, well she blew the roof off of the Road House.
I would go as far as to say it was the best performance I had ever seen from Kezia and I have seen her a few times.
Conclusion
The festival is a must if you love Americana or Country and I’m sure off of the back of this year’s success, next years festival will be bigger, better and stronger.
From me the festival gets a big thumbs up and Nashville Worldwide will be there next year.
Festivals – Country Radio from Nashville Worldwide
