Hosted in a field next door to the Bridge Inn, Horton, was the first Bands By The Bridge festival, this time in aid of Dorothy House and the Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance. 

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With acts on stage such as Jane Bennett, Little Big Band, Dreamcatcher, The Strays, Music with a difference, Burn the Midnight Oil, The 789's and the outstanding Almost Elton. 

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The weather cooled after it had given us the hottest day of the year so far, only two days before, and with a small amount of cloud cover that came and went, the sun persevered and shone through to the stage. The acts that were hosted, were in their element and thoroughly enjoyed their time on stage. 

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As the day flew past and the Hawkstone pints were flowing, it became apparent that everyone was enjoying themselves. 

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Jane Bennett, opened the stage after a beautiful welcome and thank you from Diane Warburton, landlady of the Bridge Inn. Her jazzy swing takes on classics and more modern hits, were received beautifully, and it was just the right sort of tempo to open the stage. 

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The Little Big Band followed, with their brass who certainly got the crowd tapping away. The soundtrack of the Pink Panther certainly got the attention of all. 

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The Strays were next on, and with their lead singer Bee, it was iconic. With a vast variety of hits with their Rock, country & blues smashers. 

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Following the Strays were the eclectic music with a difference, and it certainly was fabulous. The whole crowd has smiles on their faces, and it was wonderful to see. 

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Burn the Midnight Oil, who have recently released some of their singles, hit the stage after this, and certainly brought the energy with them into their upbeat country set. Their own original music was a pleaser, and showcased their incredible talent. 

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Dreamcatcher carried on the warming up of the stage, as we were getting closer to the headlining act. Despite losing a string, the bassist managed to muddle through without much notice, and these guys certainly helped warm the stage. 

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The 789's launched into their set, and as they went further through the set, the more the crowd reacted, the more they gave, the energy was undeniable, and the the interaction was perfect. Ally & Aaron, the front duo certainly know how to entertain, and at one point Aaron was in with the crowd on his guitar! A brilliant touch! 

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To follow the set from these guys would have been hard work for anyone, however, the Voice of Matthew Rock, who brought Almost Elton to the stage, certainly did this. There was no one in their seats by the middle of the second song, and it had everyone in amazing spirits, ensuring that the dancing certainly went on and on. With the classics such as Daniel, Goodbye yellow brick road and finishing with Philadelphia Freedom, it was without doubt a fantastic end to a beautiful day.

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The Kingston Group would like to pay special thanks to: 

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Charlie Rudler for hosting us. 

Rachael Rider for hosting our car park.

Ten Hides Distillery for sponsoring our fabulous Drinks Tent

Wild Fork West for their donation

BoB (Business over Breakfast) Devizes for their sponsorship

Dream Metal for their sponsorship

Abney & Baker for their sponsorship

Ahead 4 therapy for their sponsorship

The Bridge Inn for allowing us to access the site from the car park

Grist Environmental for the toilets & fencing

We Meat Again for superb food offerings

Green Power Events Ltd for their generator & festoon lighting

Serenity Audio for the amazing sound, lighting and stage 

Ania Bond - photographer

Pallet Nest for the bar build

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Jane Bennett, Little Big Band, Music with a Difference, The Strays, Burn the Midnight Oil, Dreamcatcher, The 789s & Almost Elton. 

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And everyone for coming, enjoying themselves and spending money to raise money for too incredible charities.