Part 2 – see 44/60 City Wall Stage
Boley Hill Stage 5th May 2024
Jo was recovering from a long lasting chest infection and we even wondered if we were going to be able to do these gigs. She managed to get through both gigs though without seeming to make things worse.
Boley Hill Stage is positioned between the massive Rochester Cathedral and Rochester Castle which overlooks the River Medway. There’s a large open area in front of the stage which is busy with people making their way from the castle grounds to the rest of the town. The rear of the Golden Arrow pub is also adjascent. It’s an enjoyable location with families meeting and groups of people chatting, but it is also challenging for a singer songwriter duo. There are a lot of distractions so to hold an audience is hard. The weather was perfect this year but we have in the past played this stage in horizontal freezing rain. The stage is hosted by our admirable friend and wonderful performer and songwriter Bob Kenward. It’s always a treat to catch up with Bob – his enthusiasm is really infectious. The PA and sound engineer here (apologies as his name escapes us) was excellent and we were set up with minimal fuss and in good time. A few people lingered to hear our songs, but largely the crowds here are making their way from one place to another. We got a good reception though and came off stage feeling tired but good. As we performed we spotted a group of good friends we hadn’t seen seen for some while, which was fantastic and we managed to catch up with them in the high street a little later on. One small perk of playing here is access to the artists’ ‘green room’, A small marquee behind the main stage within the Castle Grounds. Free tea and biscuits and some where to leave instruments and equipment for a while. The main benefit for us though is access to toilets without queuing!
We nearly always come across friends to chat with. For example on our way back to the car, we managed to catch some of the brilliant Lunar Barge’s set and wave to them from across the pub courtyard and chat to the old friends we had spotted from the Boley Hill Stage. Finally, after a pizza (served by the world’s friendliest waiter, we stopped in neighbouring Stroud for a nice cup of tea with Jim’s cousin.
We had to register as a supplier with Medway Council before the event in order to obtain a purchase order number and then invoice them afterwards, so there is a bit of paperwork. There are hundred’s of performers and it’s council funded, so although it doesn’t pay hugely, it covers our expenses and we have a great time. However as we write this post on 5 July we are still awaiting payment.