It’s been a minute, but we’re back where we belong! At Black Deer, in the meadows of Eridge Park, surrounded by the best Country and Americana music and food that any UK festival has to offer. And who better to draw us into the main stage than Vegas born Franky Perez, accompanied by band and brass? It’s early in the day but the crowd is already stretching back.

‘This year I turned 46. 46 and proud!’ Franky declares to us all before launching into ’90’s Love Song’, a feel-good jazzy number released this March, and the perfect soundtrack on this hot summer’s day. (You’re looking great whatever your age Franky.)

Franky commands the stage with energy and expertise, clapping his way into the next song… ‘If I’m losing you baby, pick up the phone and let me know…’ – if you haven’t heard Franky’s insane vocals already, you won’t yet have been privileged with the expertise and expression captured in each of his songs. Lesser singers would be lost under the huge drums, keys brass and the multitude of layers – but this band are very much in harmony with each other to create a massive festival sound.

This is the first of many performances from Franky this weekend, including headlining the SupaJam stage in the Yard area on Saturday night. We’ll see you all at the front of the crowd!

Photos by David Court