A NEW DAY FESTIVAL - MOUNT EPHRAIM GARDENS Sunday 20th August 2023

Beneath the most perfect blue sky and a canopy of beautiful trees, it’s a pleasure arriving at Mount Ephraim Gardens for A New Day Festival. I opted just to do the Sunday this year (a combination of work commitments and a preference for the line-up), and found the relaxed atmosphere and eclectic mix of acts as enjoyable as ever. The mass of camping chairs dominating the site highlights that this isn’t necessarily an event that appeals to the youthful, though all ages are present and made to feel welcome. It’s a small-scale festival, with two stages hosting acts alternately; there’s no clashes, just a need for constant to-ing and fro-ing between them, but they’re so close together that it’s not really an issue. It’s always easy to get a spot close to the stage, if that’s your thing, but it’s the feeling of warmth and friendliness that really makes this event special. 

I’d heard a lot of good things about Troy Redfern and was not disappointed. As a gentleman next to me rightly pointed out, Redfern certainly looks the part; from his skinny leather trousers and shiny boots to his tattooed arms and omnipresent feather topped hat. But better still, he sounds the part too. An incredible slide guitarist who wrestles startling solos from a very battered looking guitar, his talent deserves greater recognition. Initially performing to a painfully thin crowd (partly thanks to a certain football match), it’s encouraging to see the numbers swell as the set progresses. Accompanied by drummer Ollie Harding and a fantastic bassist (whose name I haven’t been able to find!), the power trio play a high energy set with real swagger and groove. The new songs previewed are particularly strong and bode well for Redfern’s upcoming album. 

I was a bit dubious about ZZ Toppd; a tribute band who go all out with full costumes and fake beards. The drummer was sporting the most ludicrously huge wig I’ve ever seen (did Frank Beard ever have hair quite so massive?!) and there was a tiny Eliminator Coupe at the front of the stage - so far, so cringey! But, after ironing out whatever sound issues prevented the band from starting on time, this little ol’ band from Essex turned out to be a whole lot of fun, arguably even more so than the real deal (and yes, I have seen them!). These impersonators have got the ZZ Top sound sussed, and the synchronised moves too; even the fluffy guitars make an appearance (and they spin, too). The short set boasted a wealth of hits, from ‘Got Me Under Pressure’ to ‘Cheap Sunglasses’ and the ubiquitous ‘Gimme All Your Lovin’. It’s over too quickly, with a catalogue of riches to mine from, it must be difficult to choose. Thank goodness ‘La Grange’ and ‘Tush’ made the cut! 

Whilst A New Day has always boasted a diverse mix of acts, The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK did, at first, seem like a genuinely bizarre booking. But it seems that even rockers recognise class. From the instantly recognisable ‘In the Mood’ via ‘Little Brown Jug’ and ‘Moonlight Serenade’, the Orchestra have the audience enthralled. The conductor is warm, engaging and spends time talking to the crowd who laugh, dance and applaud in all the right places. Closing the set with two Frank Sinatra classics, it’s clear that nobody would be disappointed if they played on longer.

Exploding onto the stage in a riot of glitter, feathers and sequins, Franck Carducci and the Fantastic Squad certainly make an impression. Opener ‘Slave to Rock ‘n’ Roll’ is an unexpectedly straightforward rocker, somewhat reminiscent of Boston in the sparkling chorus that boasts beautiful four-part harmonies. Mary Reynaud is particularly theatrical, her costume changes delighting the audience, but it’s her vocals that deserve attention. Only someone very talented can take on Ennio Morricone’s ‘The Ecstasy of Gold’ and triumph. But triumph, she does, and similarly when taking on lead vocals for atmospheric ‘The Angel’. Carducci’s rewrite of Alice in Wonderland, ‘Alice’s Eerie Dream’ is spectacularly progressive, sprawling but melodic and never less than compelling. This French five-some are undeniably ones to watch. 

Rosalie Cunningham surprises with the most aggressively loud set of the day. A songwriter unlike any other, and all the better for it, I can’t get enough of her hard to define prog strangeness. ‘Ride on my Bike’ starts with a menacing riff entirely at odds with the subject matter, and gets even better when Cunningham's ever perfect vocals kick in. Though by her own admittance, unimaginatively named, ‘Duet’ is a wonderful showcase for the combined talents of Cunningham and her partner Rosco Wilson; initially a McCartney-esque, dance-hall number that morphs into something altogether more psychedelic. The influence of folk permeates ‘Donny, Pt. 2’, ‘Riddles and Games’ is a real rocker, enhanced by fabulous backing vocals from Claudia Gonzalez-Diaz. Joined on drums by Purson drummer and ‘musical soulmate’ Raphaël Mura, it’s appropriate that the set is closed with two numbers by Cunningham’s former band. The jubilant ‘Chocolate Money’ is pop perfection, the contrasting ‘Tempest and the Tide’ beautiful, dreamlike prog. 

From the Jam are surely a dream come true for fans of the band that made Paul Weller famous. With original bassist Bruce Foxton at the helm, it’s no surprise that this group are superior to the average tribute and blitz through a set of Jam classics to the delight of a receptive crowd. It’s not really my thing but it’s hard to argue with songs so ingrained in the consciousness as ‘That’s Entertainment’ and ‘The Eton Rifles’. You can positively hear the influence of these tracks seeping through to the Brit-pop of the 90s and beyond. 

I left early, feeling a bit under the weather (possibly as a result of the intense heat of the day) and was disappointed to miss The Zombies. But hopefully there will be another time to catch the legendary 60s band in action. 

As always, A New Day Festival felt incredibly well organised, with minimal waits between acts, no massive queues for food or drink and the cleanest portaloos I’ve ever seen! Add the beautiful setting and you’ve got a perfect summer afternoon. Don’t miss this event when it returns in 2024.