The barn gates have closed on another incredible year for BOTF after scorching sets (and weather), an energetic atmosphere and the chance for music fans alike to discover new artists and enjoy the variety of performances across all three stages.

Past alumni include Ed Sheeran, Tom Odell, Bastille, George Ezra, Catfish And The Bottlemen, Rag N Bone Man and many more, with that in mind all acts are worth keeping an eye on for the future. BOTF has such a fun, energetic but intimate atmosphere and as next year they’re celebrating their 10th anniversary I hope to be back on the farm enjoying the sunshine, music and friendly faces.

Here’s some of the highlights from Saturday and Sunday including interviews with Tom Walker, Dermot Kennedy and cheeky lil chat with Zak Abel.

Highlights from Saturday:

Tom Grennan – He’s just released his debut album Lightening Matches and his headline set on the main stage was certainly exciting. He’s no stranger to BOTF after performing last year, and with chants of ‘It’s Coming Home’ (England had just won against playing Sweden in the World Cup) he got the crowd excited and donned on his England shirt, a hat and he wowed the crowd with his distinct raspy vocals which ooze with emotion.

Song to check out: Barbed Wire

Etham – singer/songwriter Etham has a voice to be reckoned with. Playing the Wooden Barn Stage he executed every song to perfection and drew the crowds in. If you’re a fan of Shawn Mendes then he’s definitely worth checking out, he draws in similarities but has a delicate English twist to his voice which not only shows his soulful influences but also allows you to really get into his performance.

Song to check out: Better Now

 

Tom Walker – He’s achieved a lot in the past few years, Leave A Light On flew up to the UK top 10 and his debut album is set to be released later this year. He’s got great stage presence and wowed everyone with his vocals and full live band. He got the crowd singing along and having a boogey, treating them to a rendition of It’s Coming Home – for which I take full credit for (you can see why in the interview below) and enjoying the atmosphere of playing such an intimate festival. Check out my interview with him below.

Song to check out: My Way

Lewis Capaldi – Perhaps one of the most exciting voices to grace to Main Stage he gave a goosebumps inducing performance and the crowd particularly enjoyed his hit single Bruises. He makes it look so easy and it seemed as if the audience were almost glued to him due to his memorizing vocals. While he’s supported the likes of Niall Horan and Sam Smith he’s sold out three headline tours and got another coming up at the end of the year.

Song to check out: Lost On You

Grace Carter – She may have had a few technical difficulties not being able to hear herself but even so she sounded amazing!  She graced the crowd on the Outdoor Stage with a stunning vocal range and a series of songs that show we can expect to see a lot more from her.

Song to check out: Silence

Lewis Watson – He makes it look so simple and as he played to the excited crowd on the Wooden Barn Stage and it was easy to see how much he was enjoying himself. A lot of sing a long moments and opportunities to chant ‘It’s Coming Home’  (he was wearing an England shirt) it was a great atmosphere.

Song to check out: Sink Or Swim

Highlights from Sunday

Tom Misch – playing the Sunday headline slot on the main stage Tom Misch ended the festivities with some great instrumentals, a lot of opportunities to have a boogey and a few surprise appearances from Barney Artist and Zak Abel. A distinct sound Misch merges jazz and electronic with a very British singer/songwriter sound to create something that not only works but turns out hit after hit. From Movie to Beautiful Escape there was something for everyone and a lot of sing-along moments.

Song to check out: South Of The River

Zak Abel – Perhaps not only the most energetic performance of the weekend, but also one of the most energetic crowds too. Zak infuses pop with his soulful voice to create a fun sound with really catchy lyrics. You can see how much fun he has while on stage and his dance moves are something both to admire and replicate while enjoying his stunning vocals. He’s no stranger to BOTF after playing the Secret Headliner slot on Friday and playing in previous years, it’s a festival he admits he really enjoys (you can see in my lil chat with him below) and while he’s not playing anymore festivals this year he’s got a lot in the pipeline…

Song to check out: Love Song

Dermot Kennedy – From Dublin to the headline slot on the Outdoor Stage, Dermot Kennedy has a voice to make you go wow, and the crowd certainly did that as they watched his performance. His first time playing the festival he merges everyday emotions and the ups and downs with stripped back vocals and instrumentals to create a raw sound that not only works but gives you goosebumps too. I had a chat with him before his set, below.

Song to check out: Moments Passed

Sam Fender – He’s got a voice that can make your head turn and he definitely did that as he played the Outdoor Stage. Dreamy vocals and instrumentals to admire he’s got a bit of everything and the crowd certainly enjoyed his set.

Song to check out: Leave Fast

Eliza And The Bear – Their vocals not only sounded amazing, but the instrumentals give you plenty to dance about. A fun sound they not only enjoyed playing their set but the crowd really got into their performance too.

Song to check out: Friends

Fickle Friends – admitting the nerves as she performed with the rest of the band, lead singer Natassja Shiner still put in a stunning vocal performance as they played an acoustic set headlining the Wooden Barn Stage. They played their hits like Glue and Hard To Be Myself stripped back and it was really exciting to see the songs almost bare and back to basics.

Song to check out: Hello Hello