Birmingham festival enjoyed sell-out days and amazing performances, despite UK-wide storms.
Birmingham’s Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival concluded on Sunday night after three days of incredible music, sell-out audiences, and a few surprises!
Running from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th July in the picturesque surrounds of Moseley Park and Pool the three day annual event saw over 90 artists and acts perform across four stages – as the festival’s Main, Second and Off Piste stages were joined by new performance area, The Woods.
Among the musical highlights across the long weekend were energetic appearances from New Zealand’s Fat Freddy’s Drop, Wolverhampton drum’n’bass pioneer turned actor Goldie, and Newcastle soulsters Smoove and Turrell, as well as crowd-pleasing DJ sets from Huey Morgan, Jamz Supernova, Norman Jay and Jungle.
In addition, Jazz FM hosted a series of secret sessions with many of the artists for broadcast.
While sudden severe weather curtailed Saturday evening – preventing appearances from Ezra Collective and Fred Wesley – and briefly paused Sunday afternoon, the festival nonetheless enjoyed hot sunny spells before concluding on Sunday with one of only two UK performances by Florida’s disco/R&B stars KC and The Sunshine Band.
The last day also featured a surprise wedding proposal. Tom, part of the on-site paramedic team, got down on one knee to propose to his partner, Ellie (also a paramedic) on the Main Stage at the end of Craig Charles’ set (she said ‘yes!’).
John Fell, Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival Manager said: “Despite the challenges presented by the weather, we had another brilliant festival again this year, with sold-out days and some amazing performances.
“We’d like to thank all the staff and volunteers who helped us keep everyone safe during the brief weather disruptions, and those who worked through Saturday night to ensure we opened on Sunday. We’d also like to thank the Moseley businesses who offered shelter to festival-goers, and to all the artists and traders too, who ensured everyone attending had such a great time.”
Mostly Jazz Funk and Soul Festival will return next year. mostlyjazz.co.uk.
Pics – Garry Jones.