THE bar had already been set exceptionally high by countless outstanding performances by the time Sunday of this year’s Head for the Hills festival rolled around.
But not to be outdone the day provided another treat-packed extravaganza of music, culture and fun.
The day was opened by Bury Community Choir with a heart-warming repertoire, boasting tunes from variety of genres from classical to pop favourites.
Among the day's other performances were the charming sounds of folk-pop band Keston Cobblers Club, lively festival veterans and world music maestros Molotov Jukebox, soulful psychedelia and bubble pop infusion from The Creature Comfort; and travelling in from over 't big hill were Calder Valley's Pool Sharks, with their hook driven garage rock anthems.
Later on came the energetic and hearty antics of Hope and Social, who delivered a set of eclectic, dance-along anthems complete with, glockenspiel solos, cuts from party favourites, calypsos and plenty of audience participation.
The band closed with a rabble rousing finale, which saw the outfit perform in the middle of the crowd before marching out of the tent; tuba, drums, trombones and all — bringing a fun and wholesome end to this year’s Smaller Rooms stage.
Over on the main stage the weekend was closed out by Irish new wave legends The Boomtown Rats, who delivered one of the most memorable performances ever to grace Ramsbottom — the "centre of global glamour" according to a certain singer.
Fronted by a strutting, dancing and gyrating Sir Bob Geldof, The Rats thundered through iconic tracks I Don't Like Mondays, She's So Modern, Rat Trap and more as they brought the curtain down on another vintage weekend at the cricket club.
We can't wait to do it all again in 12 months time.
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