L FEST 2017 REVIEW

After three fun-filled days, L Fest concluded its 7th anniversary on the Sunday with an unbeatable performance by headliner Toby on the festival’s Main Stage in front of a packed out crowd. She was the icing on the cake of a weekend that was literally brimming with amazing emerging artists and festival veterans alike, comedy acts to split your sides, cabaret acts that would mesmerise you, a drag show to make you swoon, a kids den that makes this press officer wish she were eight again, a dog show (because who doesn’t love their four legged friend?) and adult workshops that we have been screaming out for.

‘The weather was challenging yet at every turn the fantastic L Fest family rose to that challenge and put on the best event yet, all the artists were better than I could have ever imagined. L Fest wouldn’t be what it is without such a fantastic audience so I’d like to thank everyone for joining us. I don’t think we could have made it any better but it’s what we will always aim to do!

Here’s to many more years to come!’ – Cindy Edwards, Festival Founder
and Director.

2017 saw a venue change after moving from Uttoxeter Racecourse in Staffordshire to Prestwold Hall Park in Leicestershire. Cindy’s desire is to find that perfect location that offers an atmosphere and location that will appeal across the whole L Fest family from the young families looking for a relaxed pressure free few days away all the way to the L Fest Solos who certainly showed everyone how to party! Over 100 artists and bands performed
across numerous stages and performance tents, with dozens of late-night DJ sets and a brilliant silent disco to round out each day. The audience were treated to a number of new and returning acts and workshops, and there was even a retreat where you could get pampered in a relaxed setting. There were Q&A sessions will lesbian authors and adventurer’s and also a session with the ever brilliant Denise Welch. There was the welfare tent where festival goers and crew alike could go for some quiet time and have a confidential chat if they so desired, which in itself is yet another indication of the festivals overwhelming desire to care for the L Fest family from start to finish and beyond. It doesn’t stop with the organisers, L Festers themselves have created their
own network ‘Friends of L Fest’ in which people have been donating for others to gain tickets to come to the festival who may otherwise not be able to afford it. The festival was also thrilled to receive arts council funding and sponsorship from Lloyds bank and Olivia Travel giving the festival even more activities and artists.

There really is so much love surrounding this festival! The celebratory mood of the festival continued with a ‘Pirates and Mermiads’ dress-up
theme, while throughout the weekend, the L Fest crew proudly sported the infamous green t- shirts and hoodies making them highly visible should help be needed and for them there was never anything too much trouble. Indeed, when the festival concluded it was no surprise
when Cindy invited many of the crew up on stage with her to say farewell to the audience as the heart of the festival is due in large part to them and their dedication. It was farewell, never goodbye … until next year folks when we simply can’t wait to see what Cindy pulls out of her cap to top this year.

All press enquiries contact Nici Griffin, Press Officer
press@lfest.co.uk