This is the lead article from our August Newsletter.

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CCP's annual festival Tadstock, in collaboration with Studio 340 and Tadstock CIC, rocked its way through the August Bank Holiday in glorious sunshine.  And what a show it was.  With temperatures rising and the Brand New Heavies headlining, Tadstock 2017 at Kencot Hill Farm in the Oxfordshire countryside was bound to succeed. 

Young bands, including John Gore, The Verge, Genevieve, Hollow Dreams, Jack Chapman, Prime Position & Blatant Sly, Solid Gone, You'll Never Find the Bodies, Jade Henderson, Freddie Pearce, The Pink House, The Rumble, Selin & the Band, Forever Greens, Mad Isaac, 5 Mics, and Beaver & the Foghorns, rubbed shoulders with the talents of King Solomon Band featuring Troy Ellis, Other Animals, Subduction and a simply stunning performance by BAAST.  It was all topped off by a polished performance by established acid jazz and funk group the Brand New Heavies.

As part of their performances, the Brand New Heavies and Other Animals provided workshops with up and coming youth talent giving invaluable insights into their world of rock and roll.  Some of the young people supported by CCP also had the opportunity to showcase their musical talent alongside the professionals, expanding their knowledge and experience in a safe and friendly environment.

Cheyenne, a former CCP Foyer resident at The Arkells, started using Studio 340 a couple of years ago.  His confidence grew as his knowledge and musical skills improved.  With space and encouragement to rehearse with his newly formed band, 'You'll Never Find The Bodies', they were good enough to open the stage on Sunday at Tadstock with covers of their favourite Pop-Punk songs. Other young people worked behind the scenes, gaining new experiences and learning new skills about lighting, sound, programming, security, and so on. 

Great festival food and drink to suit all tastes was on offer, ranging from cream teas to a wood-fired pizza parlour and a lot more in between. The sun shone on lots of fun entertainment for children too with activities in the Kids Zone Marquee, a Treasure Hunt and even a Bear Hunt!

Reviews include: ‘A weekend for any ages.  Our first family festival and we loved it.  Thank you for such a well organised event and we'll be back next year for sure’ (Kerry Naylor).  And: ‘A perfect festival with lots of lovely people and beautiful scenery … and don't forget the music!’ (Debbie Bishop)

Check out Tadstock 17 on Facebook for the latest images and more reviews, or visit Tadstock.  For more info on CCP’s music and recording studio, check out Studio 340If you want to be involved in Tadstock 2018, have musical links, especially to young people, or believe you have something to offer, please contact Cordell Ray, CCP’s CEO, at [email protected].

Finally, a huge thank you to all the artists, entertainers, volunteers, caterers, friends, families and music lovers who came along to support the festival and CCP.  See you all again next year for Tadstock 2018!