Involving Music Takeover: Respect Festival
The Involving Music team reflect on the Respect Festival (7-8th June) and its vibrant atmosphere…
This weekend saw the return of Exeter’s beloved Respect Festival to Belmont Park for its 28th anniversary, transforming the space into an energetic celebration of community, music and diversity.
Despite the drizzle on Saturday, there were plenty of sunny spells of connection and creativity. Yep, even on the rainiest days, Exeter’s music scene shines bright.
Saturday’s line-up also shone a light on some incredible local acts that we’ve proudly championed at Involving Music.
On the Community Stage, Trikkeballakke (a very recent IM spotlight) brought their immersive fusion of music and dance from Southern Italy, transforming the stage into a swirling celebration of folk rhythms and traditions.
Meanwhile, over on the Mandela Stage, Leonian Dream showcased their East Devon indie rock magic, with singer-songwriter Leonie Prater and Black Country guitarist Thomas Rogers creating a soundscape that was both unique and captivating.
3 Days of Wonder
Over at the Diversity Stage, Saff Juno (another artist we’ve proudly featured) delivered a powerful set brimming with themes of female empowerment, reminiscent of Wolf Alice and Florence and the Machine.
This year’s headliners included the internationally acclaimed Da Fuchaman and His Blaze Band, who brought their Jamaican reggae roots and a powerful message of positivity to the Saturday stage.
On Sunday, local music legends Stu and Debbie of No Ordinary Fish (who played the festival last year) were right in the heart of the festival spirit, soaking up the atmosphere and supporting fellow local acts. Their reflections captured the sense of unity and the undeniable power of grassroots music to unite people:
“This year, the Stephen Lawrence Diversity Stage offered a showcase of some of the region’s finest indie talent.
Singer-songwriter Cat Rose featured on the Diversity Stage, bringing her unique style and lyrical compositions to life. Playing both guitar and ukulele, her repertoire is both thoughtful and whimsical.
But it’s her vocals that are spellbinding. She has control and a beautiful tone, weaving complex vocal melodies over simple chord structures.
Her standout vocal performance came from a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’, which she acquitted with aplomb. Her last song, ‘Seagulls’, was a great demonstration of how she can bring her own experiences to life in a poetic manner.’’
Cat Rose
Sunday’s line-up also boasted a diverse range of acts, including Drea and The Pandas (soul, rock, funk and world rhythms), singer-songwriter Izzy Gale (heartfelt piano melodies and vocals that lcaptivate), The Lunar Keys (alternative rock and neurotic pop) and Exeter’s own GRLBND, lighting up the stage with their all-female indie-pop rebellion.
Another standout act for Stu and Debbie was another IM-featured, local fave, Three Days of Wonder.
“3 Days of Wonder, fresh from a Glastonbury audition, brought an infectious energy that perfectly embodied the festival’s spirit. With their blend of 90s indie rock, 80s guitar subtlety and that signature Libertines “get on with it” ethos, they had the crowd singing along, especially during their impressive cover of RHCP’s “Under the Bridge.”
Fair to say it was a Sunday well spent for Stu and Debbie.
Every year, Exeter Respect Festival proves that it is more than a music event. It is a celebration of diversity, creativity and community. Its ethos of “All Different, All Equal” couldn’t feel more relevant as we all continue to champion local artists and grassroots venues through initiatives like June Boom.
Thanks to Stu and Debbie for going along, showing your support and shining a worthy spotlight on the incredible local talent that makes this city’s music scene so special.
Photo credits: Stu and Debbie from No Ordinary Fish, courtesy of Involving Music.