This year’s Golden Touch was not only a fantastic line up but also another sold out event, which is amazing for an independently run festival. It just shows how important showcasing local and national artists from across the UK is.

There were a few line up changes as sadly The Kairos had to pull out (van break down) so a little re shuffle was made by the team. This meant Natalie Shay opened the main stage at The Wedgewood Rooms a little later at 2pm instead but this change did not affect her performance in the slightest and was at 100% from the moment she started. Hailing from north London, she brought her mix of vibrant, indie pop songs which were a mix of love and heartbreak as well as discussions of mental health, a lot of topics which we can all relate to.

Due to how packed the Edge was, I was only able to experience Dirty Blonde and Flo Gallop from just outside by the door but both were great and hope to see them on the bigger stage next time.

Fiona Lee’s set was one of my highlights of the day, her voice and presence was mesmerising and comforting, within such an intimate setting.

The Covasettes

Luna Bay

The Covasettes

Fiona Lee

Local favourite Harvey Jay Dodgson was back in the main room and at this point it was considerably busier now. Opening with a crowd favourite ‘Freedom’, you could see how much joy he had playing that song and the emotion on his face when everyone started singing the lyrics back.

Back to the Edge where I managed to squeeze in this time to see Spangled smash their set out. It was great to see so many fans in the room as we were all told to ‘get Spangled’!

One of the bands I was really excited to see were The Covasettes who lived up to expectation. Their setlist was filled with indie bangers such as ‘Duvet Thief’, ‘Wave’ and new single ‘Love in Polaroid’, which was the first time they had played it live. The four lads from Manchester had the crowd bouncing from the first chord throughout their set.

The Clause were another band I was excited to see again after their set at last year’s Golden Touch, I was keen to see their performance again.
With Oasis blaring over the speakers, the band stormed on stage to an eruption of cheering and the atmosphere suddenly went up a few notches, bringing their northern charm to the south coast.  Their set list was filled with banger after banger including ‘Time Of Our Lives’, Take Me Home’ and the ridiculously catchy ‘In My Element’ which was stuck in my head for the remainder of the evening. You can see why the band have been favourites to support bands such as DMA’s, The Reytons and The Enemy.

Delights

Harvey Jay Dodgson

Natalie Shay

The Clause

Golden Touch 2024 was a complete success and another fantastic example of how live music can bring so many people together and create such an amazing atmosphere.

Billy Fitzjohn and team completely smashed it again this year and they should be so proud of what their hard work has created over the years. Massive thank you to them and the staff at the Wedgewood Rooms, always love an opportunity to spend the day at one of my favourite venues surrounded by so many music fans.

I cannot wait to see what’s in-store for Golden Touch 2025!

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Words: Hannah Kenyon
Images: Hannah Kenyon

Spangled