It goes without saying that the ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL is iconic. OK it stopped for a number of years but it is well and truly embedded into the fabric and history of life on the island. I spent this evening looking back on you tube at some of the key performances since it began in 1968- I am embarrassed to say I know a lot more about the musicians of the 60's and 70's than I do of the last 20 years or so. I still love the blues and soul, swing and AMY WINEHOUSE. I digress- This year is significant for me as I performed SPOKEN WORD POETRY at the festival. Despite the down pouring of rain from early afternoon on friday and walking through troughs of mud I was no less excited. ADAM GATTERELL, DOM KUREEN and myself were the 3 poets chosen to perform from the island, thanks to the tenacity of CAROLINE DIAMOND and the support of ANNIE HORNE.
Would anyone want to stand outside at 10.45 cold and drenched listening to THE YORKSHIRE TERRIER of poetry? NO! Thinking fast I decided to change venues to the HUKHAH bohemian tent which was dry and very welcoming. Everyone was relaxed and had been enjoying the bubbles of strawberry and other fruit enhanced flavoured tobacco for a long time. PERFECT SPOT! 'Mother/Daughter', 'Poem', 'Sperm', and 'Smear' hit the mark, especially with those from YORKSHIRE. I look forward to being at the festival in 2016 in the hope of performing in glorious sunshine. Next stop GAY PRIDE, PORTSMOUTH....