Express & Star

Middle of Nowhere Festival draws crowds at Lower Drayton Farm - with pictures

More than 1,000 people headed out to The Middle of Nowhere to enjoy a weekend of live music and entertainment.

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The popular Middle of Nowhere Festival returned to Lower Drayton Farm in Penkridge with performances from up and coming bands, tribute acts and established solo artists keeping crowds entertained through rainy and sunny evenings.

The festival has been offering a weekend of great live music in the middle of the Staffordshire countryside for more than a decade.

While it used to move around between different farmers fields, it has always offered a mix of blues, rock, country and more, alongside a warm, friendly atmosphere.

In 2012 the event moved to its new home at Lower Drayton Farm near Penkridge in Stafford, where farmers Ray Bower and Val Jones work with Hazzard Promotions to help ensure the event retains its unique vibe while getting bigger and better year on year.

Speaking about this years event, Val Jones said: "I think this year has proved that we can get the crowds in.

"I was shocked on the Friday night to see that despite the awful weather we had, hundreds of people were still dancing and enjoying themselves.

"That is part of the unique atmosphere we have forged over the years.

"The weather improved on Saturday and the excellent live music just kept coming.

"We welcomed just over 1,000 people over the course of the weekend and I think everyone has considered it to be a great success."

This year saw performances from Fleetwood Mac tribute act Fleetwood Bac, Wolverhampton BRIT Award winners Jump The Shark and Bristol based songwriter Gaz Brookfield, winner of Acoustic magazine's singer songwriter of the year award in 2010.

The Middle of Nowhere Jam Band also made their traditional appearance, which has become a central part of the Middle of Nowhere experience over the years.