BODFest 2021
The original concept for the BOD Fest that began five years ago has evolved into something quite unique. Given that the event itself is really about raising money for local charities and community, BOD were really pleased to be able to perform their annual gig once again after what has been a tough couple of years.
The event is a major fundraiser for local charities of which the ISOC Mayor’s campaign will receive a sizable contribution of the £1600 raised.
We can’t reveal which charity the money will go to yet, but we can tell you that the current Mayor of Cuckfield who was running our bar together with a number of willing and able assistants on the night will be diving up the funds at some point in the new year.
The four bands were drawn together with the intention of providing a local festival experience without the need for travel afar or unsavoury camping. Like most festivals, the adverse weather din’t put people off and the bands played well into the night until close.
The bar was well stocked – the beer being provided was courtesy of the Hairy Dog of Wivelsfield - and Willy’s Wagons were there with their pizza van to ensure no one went hungry. It was just unfortunate that due to the current renovation work in the gardens at the back of the building, the van was condemned to a spot slightly further away from the hall, but that made the trek to sample the excellent food on offer, even better.
The evening kicked off with local indie-style band the Dream Coasters, followed by Sister Echo, a duo comprising guitar and a lead singing drummer who, ramped up the evening further with a great set of originals and covers.
Each band was interspersed with a DJ set that alternated between DK Missy G and DJ Steve Black.
Then came the first of the two BOD bands. The whole raison d’etre for BOD was exemplified by the fact that two guitarists from the band could quite easily step in to play with BOD 2 (as two members had sadly tested positive during the week) and perform at such a high level. BOD 2 offers a rockier alternative to BOD and brings their own twist on what is essentially a well established crowd pleasing set of songs. They delivered some really punchy numbers culminating in the floor filler, I Predict a Riot to leave the crowd wanting more.
Suitably charged, the crowd fully got into a high energy set delivered by BOD with a set that included a few new songs including the immediately accepted crowd favourite Sweet Gene Vincent (Ian Dury) and a less recognisable but equally impactful Gary Gilmore’s Eyes (The Adverts) culminating in the anthemic Common People for everyone to enjoy and participate in.
The night was an unmitigated success with everyone leaving happy and remembering what fun an evening of live music can be after the last year and a half that we have all experienced.
Long may they continue especially with the money that is raised.
