Category: GIHE Writers

Having fallen in love with North Yorkshire festival Deer Shed when I attended for the first time last year, I was super glad I got to go again this year. Highlighting a real family focus, whilst hosting an incredible range of exciting new artists, it oozes the warmest of vibes and – being smaller in size than most other festivals – creates a space that feels comfortingly intimate; an inclusive safe haven for artists and fans of all genres and ages. Whilst providing a child-friendly environment (with an array of activities organised specifically for them), this does not take away from the quality and array of performances on offer for everyone to enjoy. Although I’d say I’m in the minority of attendees who does not have children (or isn’t a child themselves!), I in no way feel this to be hindrance – it is still very much an ‘adult’ festival, just one that happens to also be a safe and fun environment for kids to be in too! And, amongst those performing, a fantastic amount of female, non binary and queer performers are represented, which makes for a pretty dreamy time. I was lucky enough to catch lots of these over the weekend – a good balance of artists I already knew and loved, and those who I had not had the chance to see before.

Kicking off the last day of the festival at the In The Dock stage, Divorce liven the spirits with their reverb strewn, Americana-tinged indie-pop. With the luscious honey-sweet-yet-husky vocals of front person Tiger leading the way, the Nottingham band treat us to a beautifully uplifting set; oozing a dreamy romanticism alongside a subtle gritty energy, I can’t get enough of the emotive lilting harmonies and scuzzy hooks. Though I’m very happily married, I wish every Sunday could start with a bit of Divorce.

Recommended by festival director Kate Webster as a must-see at the festival, Liverpool artist Pet Snake fulfils my expectations and more with her stirring alt-folk offerings. The solo project of Evelyn Halls (Clean Cut Kid), it’s an instantly immersive and beautifully heartwarming experience to see live. As Hall starts off by making the bold claim that Deer Shed is “the nicest festival I’ve ever been to“, I may have to agree; sitting in the Lodge Tent, G&T in hand, the all ages audience captivated and swaying along as each emotion-strewn offering flows from the stage. With shades of the catchy allure of Jenny Lewis, and themes ranging from life-changing love (a particularly touching moment when Hall dedicates ‘Jacket’ to her guitarist / husband) to the struggles of returning to the outside world post-pandemic, each song tugs at the heartstrings in all the right ways. With her rich vocals and charming charisma alongside the shimmering anthemic melodies, Pet Snake has me utterly spellbound. 

One of the bands I’d been most looking forward to seeing this weekend (and one who we’d been lucky enough to catch a sneak peek of when they joined Sprints yesterday), Leeds based English Teacher take to the main stage with a set so poignant and immersive that I almost don’t notice the rain. With a subtle political drive and poetic lyricism, each song hits with a cutting post-punk power, whilst maintaining the band’s truly unique tongue-in-cheek wit and fierce raw energy. Despite their trademark no-frills approach, the band lose none of what matters and deliver each driving offering with an engaging majesty. 

Glistening in emerald green, Gwenno charms the damp crowd with her magnetising shimmering aura. Alternating between singing in both Cornish and her native Welsh, she delivers soaring pastoral odes to her homeland (and cheese – “man’s greatest invention”) with a rich celestial splendour and uplifting grace.

After warming ourselves with some delicious vegan noodles (and getting my big warm jacket from the tent), it’s time for The Big Moon – having been a fan for years now, I’m not quite sure how I’ve never seen them live before, and I’m glad the moment has finally arrived, though it seems I’m not quite prepared for the power with which the ‘moment’ hits me. With my partner taking photos in the pit, I stand alone and immediately start to lose all track of whether it’s raindrops or tears running down my face, as the searing twinkling emotion of ‘Wide Eyes’ emanates from the stage. Slightly embarrassing, but testament to the truly evocative power this band are able to create. And, with their witty banter and sunny disposition, the teardrops are short-lived (sadly the rain isn’t), and The Big Moon succeed in brightening our spirits with the joyous, lilting allure of each and every offering. As they treat us to an eclectic array of songs new and old (including an acapella rendition of ‘Formidable’ which involves “huddling together for warmth”), the pac-a-mac-ed crowd of fans new and old sing along in unity, and I’m left cheered and inspired not only by The Big Moon’s beautiful musicality, but their infectious warmth and camaraderie. And it’s awesome to see Soph repping another GIHE fave, Brighton’s CLT DRP, on her t-shirt!

The rain continues, but so does the music. Despite the downpours, nineties Scottish band The Delgados close the festival with their blissful indie-pop anthems.

So, thank you Deer Shed for another gorgeous weekend, I’ll see you again next year (not even holding it against you that I came back with Covid…)! See more words about Day 1 and Day 2 of the festival.

Words: Mari Lane / @marimindles
Photos: Paul Dawes / @pauldawesart