By Rachael Grealish
It’s the end of an era as Whitehaven’s Boof Festival has come to an end with one final event that was an absolute blast.
17 years after the Mighty Boof launched their first West Cumbrian event, their final bash, Best of Boof, took over Copeland Stadium on August 18 and 19.
On the weekend the likes of The View, The Lottery Winners, BAD NERVES, Tijuana Bibles, FLYNT and more, all took to the Boof stages for the last time and hundreds turned out to celebrate and say goodbye to the festival.
Over the span of two electrifying days, the festival grounds buzzed with excitement as an impressive lineup of artists took to the Boof stages for one last exhilarating performance.
The air was filled with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation as attendees revelled in the music, camaraderie, and memories that had been woven into the fabric of the Boof Festival throughout its vibrant history.
The musical extravaganza featured an array of talented acts, each leaving an unforgettable impression on the festival’s final chapter.
The Lottery Winners brought their infectious energy to the stage, as the headliners for the Friday evening, creating an atmosphere of pure euphoria.
Saturday Headliners, The View, known for their infectious indie-rock anthems, delivered a set that had the crowd dancing and singing along to their beloved hits.
BAD NERVES, Tijuana Bibles, and FLYNT also made their presence felt, treating the audience to a sonic feast that showcased the festival’s diverse musical palette.
Speaking to The Herdwick News, Bobby, the BAD NERVES frontman, said: “It’s been amazing to be playing back in Whitehaven the crowds are always just brilliant and we honestly can’t wait to get back here.”
The punk band even gave a shout-out to the Cumbrian band, The Northern Threads, calling them a ‘great band, playing some amazing music’. The audience clearly agreed, as when the four were on stage the crowds really gathered in the festival tent.
Tom Hingley & The Karpets, Colt 45, Reptilians, The Little Lies, and Bilk were among the other remarkable acts that graced the stage over the weekend. Each performance was a testament to the festival’s commitment to showcasing emerging talents alongside established favourites, creating an inclusive and vibrant platform for musicians to shine.
A stand out local act had to be the Danny Dunnery Band who performed a mix of covers and originals – including the addictive and yet-to-be-released ‘She’s in love with him’.
Speaking to The Herdwick, Danny expressed how much fun he had performing and said he was ‘sad to see the Boof ending because it’s been a blast’.
As the sun set on the Best of Boof Festival, emotions ran high among both performers and attendees. The final chords reverberated through the air, mingling with cheers, applause, and a sense of collective gratitude for the memories that had been forged over the festival’s 17-year journey.
All those years ago the seed of the Boof Festival was planted by Danny Maudling, a local man who recognised the need for more live music in the area.
With a passion for music and a desire to create a platform for both emerging and established artists, Danny embarked on a journey that would transform the local entertainment landscape in West Cumbria. Over the years, the festival grew in scope and popularity, becoming an eagerly anticipated annual event that united music lovers of all ages.
In a heartfelt social media post, the 49-year-old event organiser expressed his gratitude for the journey that Boof Festival undertook. He credited the festival’s growth and success to the unwavering support of the community, his dedicated family, steadfast friends, and his co-organisers in recent years, Liz Cannon and Josh Shepherd.
Their combined efforts helped elevate the festival to new heights, ensuring that it continued to resonate with attendees year after year.
While the curtains have closed on the Boof Festival’s storied history, its impact on the local music scene and the hearts of those who attended will continue to resonate for years to come.
The festival’s legacy is one of community, artistic expression, and the celebration of music that transcends boundaries.
THE HERDWICK NEWS 