BY EVIE MASON
I was scrolling on TikTok the other day and I came across a video in which an interviewer asked a woman on the street what she thought music meant to her. This got me thinking about what music means to me, and to so many people. One of the big things that I thought about was family. Country music has been in my family for generations, passed from my grandad to my mum to me, and although my music taste has expanded and grown, it always feels like home to me. This feeling of family is exactly what Buckle and Boots festival, to me, embodies.
The weekend, from start to finish, is so much more than your average festival. The farm itself is just beautiful – surrounded by ponds, forests and a charming country park. It is perfect for everyone, especially families with children or restless adults who would enjoy a mini escape from their tent! This year I camped next to the pond on site, and I spent my mornings peacefully sat in a camping chair watching the cutest ducks with their ducklings swim around and jump on lily pads. That is, apart from when it rained. That would have been less peaceful. My research suggests that they were Moorhens, but this could be entirely wrong as I have absolutely no education, surprisingly, in the duck/bird department.
It is not just this though – there is so much on offer. From yoga, to market stalls, to a Sunday church service, there is always something to do, even if, for some reason, the two stages don’t strike your fancy. The church service is always just beautiful, and although I couldn’t attend it this year, I entirely recommend going even if you aren’t religious – there are stories told, music played, lives celebrated. This is one of the things that makes Buckle and Boots so unique and it really captures the idea of family and togetherness that I was talking about earlier. Last year, the life of John Hands, a family friend and frequent attendee, was remembered in the service and that is something that still is and will always be so special to me. After this, I usually love wandering around the stalls and I sometimes treat myself to some new earrings or a sneaky little brownie, which by the way, are to die for.
Speaking of food, the selection this year was vast and immaculate. My personal favourite is just about anything from the Thai Food Van – the garlic chicken toast makes a tasty snack and the Khao Soi is, unexpectedly, possibly one of my new favourite foods! My boyfriend agreed with this choice but also loved the ham and mushroom pizza from the festival-famous Tommy’s Pizza. The pizzas did, admittedly, require a long wait, but it was definitely worth it for a slice of goodness! These were our personal highlights, but we know from others that every single meal from each van was worth the purchase – from the burgers, to the tacos, to the Michelin star curries, to barbequed meats, you cannot complain about the food variety at Buckle and Boots. There is even a coffee van and bacon sandwiches in the morning – thank goodness! The only thing I’d say is I’d definitely recommend bringing a few snacks to store in your tent or your bag because all these tempting options can easily leave an empty spot in your wallet!
Buckle and Boots is one of the only festivals where the artists often just wander around like everybody else. There are opportunities to get a proper picture taken with most artists after their set, but chances are that you may bump into them, or the festival owners, on your way to the toilet anyway! This is just the coolest thing, and again, really homes in on the idea of togetherness within the festival. Everything, from the farm, to the converted barn bar, to the decorations, to the artists, is just so unique. I know that many people often come alone and leave feeling part of a bigger music family of friends and like-minded people – everyone I’ve bumped into is so friendly and this always adds to the experience. There are drinks (this year the beer was sponsored by Hawkstone, to my boyfriend’s approval), there is good music, and there is an undeniable atmosphere. Wherever you’re travelling from, not only is Buckle and Boots worth the drive, but it is an experience like no other.
Tickets are already on sale for next year which promises to be better than ever as it is their 10th anniversary!