Secret Garden Party :: Wind in the Willows

After organizing two themed parties that were packed to the rafters with smiley, happy people, Secret Garden Party tapped into our party throwing talent and asked us to programme a stage at the boutique music festival. We happily obliged and ran the Thursday night in the ‘Come and Play’ area hosted by Eco Arcadia.

The theme for the evening was ‘Wind in the Willows’ – a childhood favorite about the eccentric animals Toad, Ratty, Badger and Mole. The theme was inspired by the setting at the site in Cambridgeshire- based over and around a stunning lake.

"It's never the wrong time to call on Toad. Early or late he's always the same fellow. Always good-tempered, always glad to see you, always sorry when you go!" Toad- Kenneth Grahame

I searched the land high and low for bands that fitted the traditional earthy feel of Wind in the Willows, combined with high-octane grooves to evoke the animals in people. First up were The Ratfinks providing ska-rap tunage straight from the West country, then Kid Id that rocked the dance floor, setting the party alight. To finish the night we were over the moon to present the PRS award winning band The Fontanas- who performed with musicians from Amy Winehouses band and Basement Jaxx. The evening was hosted by comedian Matt Reed, who kept the crowds a chuckle throughout the night.

Lisa Devaney from the Hai Media Group set the scene for the evening with a skit poets version of Wind in the Willows. The skit interspersed comical performances, along with some fun poetry readings by Toad, and hilarious antics from the cast of characters, along with dancing and singing, including audience interaction to all to join in on sing-a-long moments. The skit took place around a lavishly dressed banquet table, kindly dressed by set designer Amanda Birch.

This event was run on ZERO budget, so big up to all for being involved…