By A J Allen, from She-Nanigans
“Never The Bride – the Thelma and Louise of rock ‘n’ roll – were perhaps, the surprise sensation of the weekend and sparked some of the biggest singalongs with the women. They showcased their new single ’April Rain’ which was truly sensational.”
Variety was the spice of lesbian life at the renamed and revamped GOGO Festival.
No-one could question the quality of headline acts including: BETTY, Heather Peace, Horse, Greymatter, Never The Bride and Jill Jackson.
Having previously met with the organisers at a pre-festival party in Candy Bar, Becky and her team definitely had a lot to live up to.
Arriving early at the campsite on Friday, donning wellies and clutching umbrellas, the rain failed to dampen our collective spirits. Camaraderie and friendships formed quickly whilst erecting our tents in a sodden field.
The evening kicked off with the definitive girl party in the Big Top. A banging set by the Freemasons, followed by the diva that is Katherine Ellis, left the crowd wanting more. DJ Lady Bex worked the arena as it reached bursting point.
It was certainly a weekend of two halves – soggy Saturday and sunny Sunday, but let’s face it, no amount of rain can ruin a festival. Saturday saw Terry Poison, surrounded by her band, triumph on the stage. She has never looked so at home, dazzling in an outfit made from lycra and gold safety pins.
Vinyl Black Stilettos had the crowd joining in with ‘You Want Her, You Love Her’. Lead singer, Laura Dre, combines femininity, strength, vulnerability and undeniable talent all wrapped up in a pert and sexy bundle. She leads hordes of gay women through the dramas of daily life with her cheeky charisma and heartfelt singing.
For a change of scenery, sound and a break from the elements, we headed towards the Big Top. The folk stage provided a breath of fresh air with the Lonesome Georginas soft and beautiful harmony.
What a difference a day makes.
Sunday provided the long-awaited sunshine with the revellers taking full advantage, lazing around on the site, mingling, making the most of the warm weather and enjoying all the festivities on offer. Never The Bride – the Thelma and Louise of rock ‘n’ roll – were perhaps, the surprise sensation of the weekend and sparked some of the biggest singalongs with the women. They showcased their new single ’April Rain’ which was truly sensational.
Scottish singer, Horse, reduced me and many others to tears singing about love with her powerful and emotional voice. Switching effortlessly to an uptempo beat, she kept us enthralled. Despite her years in the business her desire and passion for music remains undiminished.
The gorgeous Heather Peace was a huge hit with the ladies. Heather sounds as if though she was born with a guitar in one hand and a microphone in the other, with irresistible vocals. We were treated to a duet with Horse, performing their new collaboration ‘Beechwood Avenue’ which Horse described as their baby.
There were also hilarious comedy sessions from the cream of the lesbian crop of comedians. The choice of things to do, see, eat and drink remained endless, and for that alone, the organisers should be rewarded. All the acts stepped up to the plate, despite the difficult weather conditions, with some going above and beyond expectations.
Lots of people will have great memories to take away with them, lasting friendships, maybe a new romance and GOGO will be remembered for all its brilliance. It has set a benchmark in the women’s festival calendar, elevated above the usual girl meets girl event. From the rain-soaked start, it lived up to the hype and expectation, showcasing international and homegrown LGBT talent and buzzing parties which brought together the lesbian community of Kent and far beyond.
BETTY struck exactly the right note on closing night when they told the fans: ‘We are very lucky to be doing what we love in front of so many beautiful women.
‘You are an exceptional crowd. We are nothing without you and we are BETTY’.
