Over at the biggest covered stage at the festival, The Ridge, we sat waiting patiently for Damien Lewis to take to the stage. Curiosity got the better of most of the Black Deer attendees and we watched as more and more people entered until it became a struggle to fit, even standing, anywhere under cover. Damien entered to a huge cheer and exclaimed, ‘it’s too hot for a ginger! …And I’m getting hay fever.’

Lewis kicked off proceedings with the first two songs on his latest album and most of the crowd seemed pleasantly surprised. A full, soft sound , melodic vocals, big choruses and a talented band.

The songs were bluesy and foot-tapping, with a summer-song groove that had girls dancing at the back of the tent, beers in hand. The lyrics were thought provoking, and interesting chord sequences created some dissonance that kept the audience listening for the resolve. Not always singing the happiest of stories, Damien still managed to bring a smile to everyone’s faces. Or was that the beer? Probably both.

Words by Becca Bates – Pics by SupaJam student Louis Templeman