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Bailrigg FM
In the 42 years since its establishment, The Sugarhouse has served as an essential destination for student nightlife in Lancaster. Although today its reputation for club nights and local DJs proceeds it, The Sugarhouse has an oft forgotten history of hosting some of the most iconic and important British bands in the late 80s/early 90s. Acts like Ride, Happy Mondays and The Stone Roses have all graced the storied halls of the student union run nightclub. Upon arriving for this year’s Lancaster Music Festival, descending into the familiar avenue, having my ID checked and wrist stamped, I was surprised to be met with this forgotten energy of the Sugarhouse of old.
I couldn’t have received a warmer welcome than the pool of porkpie hats that turned out for the appearance by the Manchester Ska Foundation, a Two-Tone tribute band doing tremendous justice to legendary classics by the likes of The Specials and Madness. The band look, act, and sound the part; you’d be hard pressed to find another group of musicians as energetic, talented and checkerboard adorned as this. The audience too appears to have found their way to Sugar from the Two-Tone scene of the late 70s, their animated dancing emitting an infectious charm making standing still incredibly difficult for all in attendance.
This same energy did not dissipate after the Manchester Ska Foundation’s exit from the stage as the medley of brass instruments belonging to Mr Wilsons 2nd Liners, an ensemble of musicians putting an electrifying spin of 90s house and club classics. I knew I was in for a treat when, midway though talking to a friend with my back turned to the stage I hear exclamations of excitement and cheering, leading to me turning around the find the previously inconspicuous band members now decked out in tie dye and various light up hats. The next two hours was a joy to participate in, I can confidently say I have never seen people over the age of 40 dance with so much vigour. Mr Wilsons 2nd Liners rarely let up during their nonstop barrage of 90s dance hits, showing great onstage chemistry and atonement across their arrangements of Fatboy Slim’s Praise You or Technotronic’s immortal Pump Up The Jam. Towards the end of the performance the stage could no longer contain the bands zeal as several members made their way into the audience, armed with their instruments, to deliver a final burst of danceable mayhem. After one last hurrah the equally stoked band and audience departed, leaving nothing but a mass of empty Red Stripe cans in their wake. Reflecting on the night whilst walking home I was struck by how heartwarming the whole experience so far had felt, nights out in Lancaster as expressive and welcoming as this are hard to come by and should be experienced where possible.
Whilst my Saturday spent at The Sugarhouse felt like stepping back in time to a bygone era of live music, Sunday presented a glimpse into the future of live music in Lancaster. This, much longer, day at Sugarhouse proved to be exciting but for different reasons. Although the day mostly consisted of a chilled out and welcoming atmosphere (even children with ear protectors were in attendance), the array of local, national, and even global bands provided a compelling case for the future of live music in Lancaster. The amount of talent on display from alternative acts like Maz and the Phantasms, Motopia, Harrison Rimmer and Kiwi was exhilarating to see in such a fitting environment. Finally, Sugars part in the festival was capped off with a bang by The Uptown Monotones providing an eclectic mix of folk-pop and electronic inspired dance tracks, proving the festival still had some surprises like the use of an inflated balloon as an instrument and beat boxing duets.
Overall, I will cherish my time at this years Lancaster Music Festival for both its restorative and informative accomplishments. Local venues like The Sugarhouse provide perfect settings to appreciate and enjoyed talented live musicians, attending this local festival is a must.
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