ONCE again, the hills were alive with the sound of music for this year’s Bellingham All Acoustic Festival, better known as BAAFest.
Founded by Paul Mason and Fiona Lander, who make up the folk duo Landermason, the festival marked its tenth birthday at Brownrigg Lodges from Thursday, September 12 until Sunday, September 15.
More than 100 local, national and international performers took to the stage across four days to entertain the crowds.
Just a few of the acoustic acts included headliners The Churchfitters, who made the journey all the way from France, The Small Hall Band, Newcastle-based Andy May Trio, and Landermason themselves.
Jazz band Hot Club Du Nord also had crowds up on their feet, and gained a standing ovation.
The annual Student Concert, which aims to give local talent, aged between eight and 18, a performance platform, also went ahead on the Friday night and featured QEHS Jazz Band and folk duo Janice Burns and Jon Doran.
In line with tradition, Paul also revealed his latest invention at this year’s show, the Big BAACycle – an eight-foot pedal powered noise making machine which he built from reclaimed material.
Other highlights included the Big Festival Sing-a-long, and trebuchet firing, which raised £150 for the Great North Air Ambulance.
Paul said: “We’ve been told by many people who attended the festival this year that it was the best one yet.
"We can’t thank our guests and volunteers enough. Without them BAAFest just would not happen.”
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