If you were hoping for a quiet stroll around the Priory on Sunday afternoon, you would have been disappointed, because the grounds were staging the Ware Festival event, Rock in the Priory. This free concert, organised by the local council, was a HUGE success. This can be attributed to a number of things. Decent weather helps any outdoor event, and the sun shone brilliantly all though the afternoon. A good turnout of people makes for a party atmosphere, and the townspeople turned up in their hundreds! No complaints about the organisation on the day. There was a plentiful supply of food and drink. Security was good, and it was nice to see medical staff in attendance just in case.But the main reason the day was such a success, was the sheer quality of the artists who performed yesterday.Let me say that my pop and rock music days are essentially over, and I’m now a committed Classical/Opera fan! So why did I go? I didn’t want to miss up a good photographic opportunity (see the gallery), and I love live music of almost any kind. What surprised me though was just how good all the bands were.For me, the highlight of the afternoon was Nadeem. He looks like Jim Morrison of ‘The Doors’, and he put on a quality act. In fact, I intend to go to his Gig in Hitchin at Shorty’s Bar, 12 August, and this is from someone who doesn’t drink or apparently listen to rock music anymore. He’s that good!The Sound quality and engineering deserves a special mention. Apart from a couple of ‘line-outs’ (who turned the beer chiller on!), sound was excellent. I didn’t feel as though my bones were vibrating to the bass, it was pitched (no pun intended) just right.The other bands were also great, The Duophonics, Pink Point, Waste, Velvetone, Stiff Upper Lip, The Rowans. Gekko, The Paul Harper Band and Uncle Funk performed their stuff, and the audience showed their appreciation throughout, and I really don’t think there could have been a better way to spend an afternoon.I personally had a great time, heard some great music and took some nice photographs.Next year? I think the venue may have to be moved to the Buryfields or Woodson Park!by Steve CowleyRelated LinksRock in the Priory 2003 GalleryHave your sayWhat did you think of Rock in the Priory?

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