The tranquil country village of Fawley was far from quiet on Sunday 19th May, for the Fawley Hill Steam & Vintage Festival had returned for another year. The fairground rides were moving in steadfast, mesmerising circles, and the red kites soared gracefully in the sky. A muffled voice narrated the vintage planes as they performed a choreographed dogfight overhead, adding to the festival’s nostalgic atmosphere. All eyes were diverted by the sight of over 100 saxophones gathering, ready to unleash their melodies onto the unsuspecting audience. The bandleader raised his arms and a hush fell over the crowd. Suddenly, a chord rang through the air, and Sax Bandits were off!
Setting the Scene
…but let’s backtrack a bit to fully appreciate this moment. On the final day of this annual 3-day festival, Sax Bandits met for their highly anticipated event of 2024. The sun was shining brightly and the festival was in full swing, offering a plethora of attractions to entertain visitors of all ages. Fairground rides whirred and twirled, vintage and antique stalls beckoned with their treasures, and food trucks served up delicious treats. A beer tent provided a refreshing retreat, and for those seeking a touch of whimsy there were rides in iconic vehicles like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the magical bed from ‘Bedknobs and Broomsticks’. Pristine vintage and historic vehicles were on display, some dating back to 1907. There were even camels which delighted children and adults alike.
Sax Bandits get together at least once a year to perform as one giant band, a collective of our six smaller regional bands. This year, they were set to play their biggest gig yet. Excitement buzzed among the band members as they prepared for their moment in the spotlight. The joy of playing together in such a large ensemble was evident. One member exclaimed, “Everyone is smiling, and there’s a beer tent—what more could you want?”. The festive atmosphere was infectious.
Supporters of the band shared in the excitement. One enthusiast audience member commented, “I’m looking forward to it! The band always plays such exciting songs and I’m excited to see what they have in store for us today,” capturing the anticipation felt by many.
The Performance
The performance began with the aptly named “Cars” by Gary Numan, a perfect opener for a vintage transport festival! Sax Bandits then delighted the audience with a diverse selection of songs. Their Madness Medley had feet tapping, while their rendition of “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears and “Stop” by the Spice Girls brought a wave of nineties nostalgia. “Sk8er Boi” by Avril Lavigne kept the energy high and they closed their set with “Song 2” by Blur, which included some spirited audience chanting “Wahoo!”. The set was so well received that Lady McApline insisted on an encore. The audience revelled in the opportunity to join in a second time, making sure they were even louder than before!
After the exhilarating performance, I had the chance to catch up with some of the band members. Anna shared her experience, saying, “the gig was very warm but very enjoyable! I think the crowd enjoyed our performance, and it was great to have such an enthusiastic introduction from our hosts.” Chris added, “It was really nice to put all the band sessions into reality and see everybody listening and moving to the music.”
The band members were unanimous in their appreciation of the audience’s enthusiasm, many saying the crowd’s involvement in the final song and their demand for an encore made the event all the more special.
A recently joined member, who came along to watch the band, expressed their eagerness to participate in future gigs. They commented, “I can’t wait to play in the next gig. To hear so many saxophones coming together to play is just mind-blowing”.
All in all, it was a fabulous day filled with music, laughter, and a sense of community. Sax Bandits left a lasting impression on everyone present, and their performance will be remembered as a highlight of the festival for many. As the day came to a close, attendees departed with smiles on their faces, already looking forward to the next performance opportunity. So here’s to the next one!
You can see all the photos from the day on our facebook page here:
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