INTERVIEWS and PHOTOS: The story of Highest Point festival 2024

Monday, 13 May 2024 15:31

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Crowds of people packed in front of the main stage at Highest Point festival

Glorious sunshine, crowds of happy people and big-name acts combined to bring joy and fun to Highest Point festival 2024.

The three-day music and arts festival rocked Williamson Park in Lancaster from May 10-12, with superstars Sam Ryder, Busted, Tom Odell, Gok Wan and Cat Burns among the line-up.

The weather was the warmest of the year to date and led to good vibes aplenty across the park over the three days, which culminated with the traditional Big Family Day Out on the Sunday.

Highest Point organiser Rich Dyer said: “We’ve had such a great weekend with tens of thousands of people enjoying themselves in the park.

“The weather couldn’t have been better and there really was something for everyone.

“The whole team behind the festival is based here in Lancashire so we’re really pleased that we can showcase local talent and support the area.

“We’re already thinking about next year’s festival and we can’t wait to be able to confirm more details soon.”

Beyond Radio hosted a four-hour live broadcast from a double decker bus laid on by organisers Skiddle, on Friday afternoon, hosted by Greg Lambert with Chris Brookbanks, Vanessa Ramsden, Sam Cragg, Mat Cook, Beth Pipe, Emma Lowe, Silent Mark and Paul Whitehouse, supported by Roy Ward. Luke Edmondson, Duncan Moore, Ethan Isaacs and Josh Brandwood.

We were delighted to speak to Eurovision Song Contest runner-up and number one artist Sam Ryder ahead of his triumphant set on the main stage on Friday evening.

LISTEN to our interview with Sam Ryder

1990s rave icons the Utah Saints also chatted to us fresh from their set on the Skiddle Sundial stage, hosted by BBC 6 Music's Chris Hawkins.

LISTEN to our interview with Utah Saints

On Saturday, Busted headlined on the main stage in front of a packed crowd. Matt, James and Charlie spoke to Vanessa Ramsden ahead of the gig.

LISTEN to our interview with Busted

One of the more unusual acts at Highest Point this year was CBeebies legend Hacker T Dog! The furry motormouth DJd on the Skiddle Sundial Stage on Saturday afternoon with help from TV presenter Katie Thistleton.

Paul Fisher from Beyond Radio managed to grab a chat with Hacker and Katie.

LISTEN to our interview with Hacker T Dog

LISTEN to our interview with Carnforth's 'singing sisters' Gabriella and Jasmine T who also performed at Highest Point on Saturday

Then on Sunday, the Big Family Day Out saw a host of family-friendly activities all over the park.

Beyond Radio's Greg Lambert and Silent Mark hosted the main stage, introducing local musicians Molly Warburton (pictured below with Beyond Radio's Sam Cragg and Mateo Sanderson) and George Lawson, magician Russ Brown, TV and YouTube kids' favourite MC Grammar, and the Stagecoach Performing Arts school. Vanessa Ramsden also hosted her Sunday Afternoon at Momma V's show direct from Williamson Park.

Paul Whitehouse was backstage to speak to some of the performers.

LISTEN to our interview with Anne-Marie White from Stagecoach Performing Arts

LISTEN to our interview with Russ Brown

LISTEN to our interview with MC Grammar (pictured below)

LISTEN to our interview with George Lawson

LISTEN to our interview with Batman!

Beyond Bear also had a wonderful time meeting everyone over the three days!

Here are more photos from a fabulous weekend at Highest Point. Images by Josh Brandwood, Ethan Isaacs, Luke Edmondson, Sam Cragg, Paul Whitehouse, Emma Lowe, Vanessa Ramsden and Beth Pipe. More photos can be found at the Beyond Radio Facebook page HERE.

Have you got a local news story? Email us now, newsdesk@beyondradio.co.uk

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