Sheep Music - Recent History

Recent History

Over the years bands who have played at Sheep Music include Transglobal Underground, Zion Train, the Haggis Horns, Smerins Anti-social Club, Nizlopi, The Cat Empire and Attack and Defend.

In 2006, Sheep Music took a year’s ‘sabbatical’ and returned in 2007, with the event taking place on the weekend of 20th, 21 and 22 July. Unfortunately, the event was hit hard by the summer’s wet weather when severe floods affected the region. The main site turned to mud, and the rising waters of the nearby River Lugg meant the camping fields had to be evacuated. Bands struggled to reach the festival through the flooded roads, and the festival was in danger of being cancelled on safety grounds.

Sheep Music was back in 2009. Friday night saw Sicknote play alongside the Hot 8 Brass band from New Orleans. Saturday night was tech-country rock band Yes Sir Boss warming up for Maroon Town. On Sunday the Destroyers (gypsy punk), 17 Hippies (European big band) Royal Gala (ska) Extra Curricular (nu jazz and hip hop) Ash Grunwald (Australian blues band) and Dub Pistols featured.

'Its good that Sheep Music is seen as a leading event in its field, however we are not a commercially driven festival, it would be nice to have the budget of say the Jazz World Stage at Glastonbury however we survive on a combination of good will and hard work. Fortunately after doing this job for many years now most of the industry are aware of our name and the events credibility. Bands want to work with us as they know we will make them sound good and provide a great audience. We carefully programme the event so there is constant variety promising the audience a truly rich and ear opening audio experience. Whether you're listening to a disc jockey or a ten piece marching funk band from South America, we have listened to them again and again...and perhaps been to see them live to ensure we are bringing you the best for your money...' —Ivor Meredith one of the Festivals long standing music directors.

Sheep Music returned once again in 2012 and thanks to a combination of great bands including Lazy Habits and East Park Reggae Collective, good organisation and a bit of luck with the weather it was a massive hit. E festivals said (Sheep Music) “will be going straight in my diary for future years, as I had easily my best weekend this year, with its family friendly atmosphere and ethical approach, I cannot see anyone this festival would not appeal to”