Could there be a better way to spend the Bank Holiday weekend than watching some of the best young musicians in Nottingham perform, under the scorching hot sun, with a beer in hand, whilst raising money for charity? We don’t think so, which is why we headed over to New Currents festival at Trent Navigation for this all-day event…
It’s my first visit to The Big Shed, which sits adjacent and belongs to the popular Trent Navigation pub. You can probably guess how they arrived at that name, as it is essentially a big industrial warehouse they’ve converted into a multi-purpose venue. It is primarily used as a fan park for Forest and England games, with signs around the place advertising their plans for Euro 2024. However, with the sun slowly starting to come out, they’ve seen the potential for hosting more music events there and honestly, it’s a pretty perfect spot for summer gigs.
With an outdoor bar and BBQ, plenty of seating and standing space, it’s already got the perfect set- up for hosting a mini-festival. While the weather is being kind today, the fact The Big Shed is a covered space but also has retractable sides to either let the sunshine and breeze in, or keep the rain out, is a welcome bonus. So, despite seemingly not too much advertising about today’s festival, it seems word of mouth and a sunny day has been enough to attract punters along for New Currents festival.
Kicking the day off at 2pm is Luna & The Lime Slices, previous finalists of the Future Sound of Nottingham competition. Always a tough spot opening a festival, they immediately prove they’re up to the challenge of starting the day. With howling vocals, thunderous drums and big riffs galore, it’s a great opening set. Finishing on a heavier track with rumbling bass and an anthemic refrain of “Call me what you want and say what you like”, they successfully get the crowd energised for the rest of the day.
After their set, compere for the day Cali Green takes to the stage to talk about Emmanuel House, the chosen charity for which the festival is raising money, and points out a stall at the back where attendees can donate if they wish. Providing basic needs and support services to those in Nottingham who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, it’s an important cause and throughout the day, its great to see people stop-by the stall to make their donation.
After Luna & The Lime Slices, it’s a genre and pace change as R&B singer Courtney takes to the stage. With soft, soulful vocal tones, smooth piano keys and an accomplished band with her, it’s nice easy listening for the early afternoon.
It’s also worth mentioning that the production throughout the festival is top notch, with the big screen behind the stage projecting graphic visuals relating to the artist, interspersed with cuts of the crowd and shots of the band on stage for those sat at the back.
Set In Motion are up next, a four-piece indie outfit that are making a lot of noise as one of Nottingham’s most promising new bands. As they begin it’s easy to see why, with plenty of stuttering riffs and pounding drums driving their foot-stomping rock anthems. At one point they sound like a cross between early Arctic Monkeys and Red Hot Chilli Peppers, a funky bassline running through their spiralling guitar work. They also get the first clap and singalongs of the day, ending emphatically on debut single, Break Free.
There’s a great balance to the programming today, with the heavier rock acts interspersed with some more mellow performances. Duo Ajay Henry & Olly Hensby are the perfect breather after Set In Motion’s set, having appeared on stage already today as Courtney’s backing singers. It’s just the two of them and an acoustic guitar, their sweet harmonies sounding great under the warm afternoon sun. The highlight of their set is a slowed-down cover of Mark Morrison classic Return of the Mack, before they get the crowd to provide backing harmonies for them on another track.
Sancho Panza are next, a band that have yet to disappoint whenever I’ve been lucky enough to see them. They bring the tempo of the day back up, with swaggering grooves, bluesy riffs and a splash of vintage 70s rock pastiche. Their set really comes alive in the back-half, with jittery guitars, funky toe-tapping basslines and instantly catchy choruses. From the Rolling Stones-esque, gang vocal cries of “Scream if you wanna go faster” to the massive finale of Your Place Or Mine, it’s another thrilling live performance from these guys.
Then the last act we manage to catch is up-and-coming talent Cam Mannix, who recently won the opportunity to open the main stage at Y Not Festival in Derbyshire this summer. He begins the set solo with a couple of great covers, one originally by Mac DeMarco and then his own version of Mama, You Been On My Mind, written originally by Bob Dylan but Cam’s take is based on the wonderful Jeff Buckley rendition. His band then join him on stage for the rest of the set, jumping through the infectious riffs of Strange Ways, before the lockdown-inspired Our Days. After taking the mood down a notch with slower track Last In The Race, the danceable summer vibes of Midnight Sound is a joyous closer to the set.
With GOODGOODBYE, Cappo and Midnight Rodeo then playing into the late evening, New Currents festival was a great way to spend the bank holiday. Not only a great showcase for some of our city’s most promising young artists, but also hopefully helping Emmanuel House raise the funds they need too. If you missed New Currents, don’t worry as The Big Shed is hosting Lever 2 The Ether festival on Saturday, 18th May, which features a similar line-up consisting of Cam Mannix, Luna & The Lime Slices, Set In Motion, Airport Dad and more. If you don’t have plans, get yourself along!
New Currents festival took place at Trent Navigation on 5th May 2024
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