THE Salisbury Live strand of Salisbury Festival got off to a fine start at the weekend with musical events across the city from the Duke of York to River Bourne Community Farm, writes John Palmer.

Many bands were out getting audiences to dance to covers of well-known songs.

The always-popular Zucchinis drew a huge crowd to the Cosy Club on Friday night and rewarded them with a storming performance.

Blues aficionados were able to enjoy very different interpretations from the Rhythm Blasters at the Duke of York, Head Back Holler at the Avon Brewery, the Dan Sowerby Band at the Wig & Quill and the Hop Back Blues Band at Cloisters.

There was plenty for fans of original music too. Innovator stepped in at short notice to cover for a cancellation at the Avon Brewery, and the Winchester Gate had a full programme over the weekend alongside their real ale and cider festival.

River Bourne Community Farm held their Live at the Farm Festival on Sunday. Despite the grim weather forecast a large crowd turned out, and fortunately the rain held off.

The seven bands on the bill covered a wide range of styles, from opening acoustic duo Tea and Waistcoats to Saints of Sin.

The Saints brought plenty of their fans with them, and turned everything up to 11 to deliver a hugely entertaining 45 minutes of heavy metal mayhem.

Salisbury Live continues this weekend with more events taking place across the city. For more information go to salisburyfestival.co.uk. All the venues have leaflets with details of acts appearing.

  • Tomorrow (Friday, June 2)

Alabaster Queen, Winchester Gate

Off the Cuff, Anchor & Hope

Drop Off Zone, Five Bells

Eve ‘n’ Song, Royal George

Pyeshoppe, The Marlbros, plus BSA, Avon Brewery

Tim Madden & the Struggle, The Cloisters

Kings of Lounge, George & Dragon

The Db’s, Wig & Quill

The Cellerats, Huntsman Tavern

  • Saturday (June 3)

The Chalk Outlines plus support, Winchester Gate

Slingshot, Anchor & Hope

Skynflynt, Five Bells

Little Red Roxie, Royal George

The Fog, Avon Brewery

Peter Aston, Nia Nicholls, plus Limpley Stoke, Fisherton Mill

45RPM, The Cloisters

Never Surrender plus Howlin’ Boy Bonner, George & Dragon

Voodoo Rays, Newcombe & Roach, plus Carpet, Music Box

Glasshouse, Wig & Quill

Beaky, Huntsman Tavern

Total Recall, Devizes Inn