Thousands flock to Thame’s ‘Big Day Out’

UNDER mostly sunny skies and at times, a cool wind, thousands of people of all ages came together to take part in Thame’s ‘Big Day Out’, Music In The Park 2017, on Sunday (April 30).

Many of them came along with families and friends loaded up with picnic blankets, camping chairs and picnics, to watch, listen and join in with a lineup that had something for every taste; from the pulsating, ‘post hardcore’ band, Mercia, to the vocal harmonies and unconventional twanging tones of the very entertaining, Haddenham Ukelele Band. The vibe continued towards ignitition – headliners, Skasouls UK –  with the appearance of Thame favourite, Nikki Loy and her band, the evergreen, 2AM Blue, and, fronted by the rocking headmaster himself – The Memphis Rattlesnakes. Great covers band, Working Dog had earlier got some in the crowd dancing, and Thame boys, The 2 Strokes, with their ska, blues and rock fusion were very much appreciated.

There were gentler vibes for those who enjoy the more intimate atmosphere of the enclosed acoustic stage including home-grown, chanteuse and guitarist, Andrea Yates; 14 year-old, ex Lord Williams’s Singer of the year, Mia Wilson and at the other end of the age spectrum, popular local boys, Paul and Martin. Proud family members – and a proud Headteacher too, watched as the pupils of John Hampden School’s choir performed with great gusto and precision, accompanied by drummer, Phil Heard (who later appeared with his band, As If) and Ester Stanway Williams on key boards. She later appeared in a her band, Transit, later in the afternoon.

There were stand-out performances too from other Thame-based young people’s groups including Oscar and Georgie, representing Thame Music Academy, Thame Children’s Choir (TCC2), Thame Youth Theatre, and stunning dancing and singing from Stage Coach, Thame, demonstrating just why their previous gigs have included professional theatre in both Oxford and the West End.

The organising committee, including Michele Pether, were rightly delighted with the event, and posted on the MITP Facebook page: “Wow! exhausted, aching and tired, but what an amazing day Music in the Park 2017 turned out to be! Great atmosphere, awesome bands, amazing artists and acts, fantastic team of volunteers who all worked over and above.

“There are too many to name here, and I would worry about missing out anyone, but you all know who you are. And it didn’t rain, and the crowds came in. You brought your picnics, your chairs and your rain covers, your dancing shoes and your good humour. A big ‘thank you’ to Thame for helping us put on such a great event.”

Obviously, it was impossible to get round the three stages and see the full lineup so for a full list of all the performers at this year’s MITP, visit the website: HERE and add a comment about YOUR favourites from the day on this page.

Lots more pictures HERE and HERE TOO! Please remember that these images are Copyright of Sonja Francis and may NOT be downloaded or copied in anyway without prior permission. Just email editor@thame.net if you would like a copy of any of these pictures, explaining what you intend to use them for. Thank you for your co-operation.

** All proceeds from this event are invested in improvements to Elms Park itself and grants to local groups and organisations to provide other activities in the town ‘in the interest of art, music or recreation, or other leisure activities in the Thame area. See: http://www.musicinthepark.org.uk/mitpgrants.html