Bingley Weekender: Thousands enjoy Rag ‘n’ Bone and The Libertines

Bingley Weekender returned with a star-studded lineup following a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, The Libertines and Pixies headlined the event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Bradford and Bingley Sports Club.

While artists such as Embrace, Shed Seven, The Amazons and Peter Hook & The Light also provided great entertainment.

Rag ‘n’ Bone Man headlined the opening night

With children under the age of five able to attend for free, it was fantastic to see families and regular festival-goers mix as one and enjoy the magical music on display.

Glen Shaw, head of Commercial at B&B Sports Club, said: "To see so many happy faces in Bingley, it has just been brilliant.

"Rag ‘n’ Bone Man even spent time in our bar after his set on Friday.

The crowds were excellent all weekend

"The money that we lost from not doing it made it a struggle for the club, so it is great to have it back.

"Every day has been amazing. We have had no trouble whatsoever."

Annette and her friend made the long journey up from London to attend the festival for the first time.

Annette said: "I am far too old to be at a festival but I am having an absolutely marvellous time.

The festival was a huge success

"The weather is great and the music is fantastic. It could not be better.

"I have really liked it because it is a smaller festival.

"We usually go to one festival a year and the line-up drew us here."

Mark Shield, co-owner of Quaff Box, a mobile bar, is delighted to be back.

This is the fourth time he has brought his North East cocktail service to Bingley.

Mark said: "The line-ups and production are always really good. The demographic of people really suits our business too.

"You can tell the people here have missed it for the last couple of years.

The cocktails served at the Quaff Box were amazing

"We always get a good reception with the cocktails on tap. People are intrigued as to how we do it and are surprised by what they taste like.

"The bar attracts males and females. Once you have had a few beers or proseccos, you want a more fruity drink, so cocktails have always been popular."

22-year-olds Fabian and Sean have been coming to their hometown festival for over a decade.

The latter said: "It has been amazing. I have been looking forward to this for three years. I have missed it so much."

Both lads (Fabian, left) were glad to be back

Fabian added: "The Libertines and Pixies are unbelievable. Global bands coming to a small little town in Bradford, it is great."

Chantelle Davis, from Leeds-based festival street food caterer Big Phillies, loves coming to Bingley.

She said: "Business has been steady, not massively busy, but okay. More importantly, the people have been great, really nice vibes."

Emma brought her crystals business to the festival.

She said: "It's free music and free vibes. Business has been booming today (Saturday)."