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Expats and local music fans celebrated this regular bi-annual event by marching out in hordes for a fun family festival featuring sounds old and new.
The grassy fields of the rugby club in Janabiya were decked out in parasols, ground sheets, picnic blankets and fold-up chairs as thousands turned up to see a multitude of acts perform at this popular day of musical merriment.
There was a little something for everyone, as middle-aged mums and dads boogied the day away to classics from Tina Turner, Neil Diamond and David Bowie, only stopping to watch as their children cartwheeled and jumped around like mad to modern superstars such as Ariana Grande, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.
‘My generation’ was also catered for … sadly, not by a surprise appearance by The Who, but Nineties giants such as Oasis (not billed but appearing as part of a Brit Pop act, Stereophonics and Coldplay who took me back to my childhood with superb performances.
Dreadful wigs, exaggerated make-up, awful accents and attire … and it was a greater event for it. In fact, the quality of musicianship was surprisingly fantastic too throughout the day, from nailed-on vocals to the tightness of the backing musicians. It’s easy to see why tribute acts are in such huge demand these days when imitators can get this close to the original.
More than anything, this was a chance to enjoy a day of frivolity and laughter with perfect weather and great people, proving once again that music is the one thing that can bind everyone together.
– Kristian Harrison
