DID you make it to MeadowFest a couple of weeks ago? Although I say it myself, it was a pretty special day.

If you’ll excuse me I think I’ll do a little round up of Malton’s brand new music festival.

I have to admit I was nervous before the event. Starting a new venture always makes me apprehensive. It’s the unknown and the fact that even we (Visit Malton) didn’t quite know what to expect.

As MeadowFest approached we were anxiously looking at weather apps galore, trying desperately to predict the gloriously unreliable British summer.

As it turned out the weather played very little part in the proceedings. Yes we got a few showers, but we also enjoyed long hours of warming sunshine. The showers gave MeadowFest an authentic “Glasto” feel for a little while, but by the end of the day revellers were rewarded with what turned out to be the most beautiful sunny evening, just perfect as Levi hit the stage.

And what about the music? After all the music was the main event and in fact the whole point of MeadowFest. Ben Beattie’s After Midnight Band wowed the crowds with energy and driving bluesy rhythm. Their version of “Let The Good Times Roll” was (in this reporter’s opinion) the stand-out track early on.

Flat Cap Carnival gave one of the stand-out performances with their unique brand of Latin rock. Santana at Woodstock ‘69 anyone?

Grand Old Uke of York were fabulous too and certainly got the joyful, uplifting memo. During an infectious, entertaining set their upbeat ukulele orchestra got people dancing. A smile appeared on everyone’s face.

Just when it seemed it couldn’t get much better a smiling punter jumped on to stage to sing a song with guitarist Simon Snaize. It was none other than Danny Jones from McFly,) and with an impromptu version of “Twist and Shout”, MeadowFest was treated to a true star turn. A thrilling surprise and a genuine treat. Danny you are welcome back anytime.

And, of course, there was good food too, this is Malton after all. Doner Summer provided vegan kebabs and loaded fries, the WFD pizza oven was working overtime and Derek Fox’s Butcher’s barbecue was sizzling all afternoon too.

The headline act on the main stage this year was Levi Roots, a firm favourite in Malton, having played here a couple of times before. There was a genuine warmth between the crowd and this brilliant performer. Rolling through some of the world’s best reggae hits, he played Bob Marley’s “3 little birds” and the Dandy Livingstone ska classic “Rudy A Message To You” plus of course many of his own songs - finishing with his crowd pleasing hit “Reggae Reggae Sauce”.

MeadowFest had a distinctly different feeling from our other food events. This was about music after all and strangely, being on grass made it feel completely different too. Lazing away in the Talbot meadows felt just as a festival should - a relaxing release and a damn good party.

As the beautiful blue skies turned a beautiful shade darker and the beer started to kick in Levi sang “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” - another Bob Marley classic, it did seem that way and now we are sure Meadowfest will be back in 2020.

In other news, this month is another busy one for the Visit Malton team. The Malton Monthly Food Market returns on Saturday, August 10, and on Sunday, August 25, we welcome the return of the absolutely fabulous Marathon Du Malton. Come rain or shine we encourage you to come and spectate in Market Place as hundreds of runners in fancy dress set off at midday for “Britain’s Tastiest 10k”. It will definitely be one of the most joyous sights you’ll see all summer.

As always there are more details at visitmalton.com