Rock Regeneration

May04

Teddy Rocks Festival 2025 – Day 3

on May 4th, 2025 at 13:24

Charisworth Farm, Blandford Forum

After a great night’s sleep in my own bed I’m back for day Three. (I’m sorry but at my old age I don’t do camping. I spent many years camping at Glastonbury and Reading Festivals enduring all weathers and as you get older you appreciate your home comforts, so as I live about 20 minutes away I opt to go home). We, our team featuring media providers/photographers Becky Crothall-Brown and Lyn Burt are back on site fairly early to see the place once again full of excited revellers. All expectant for the final day’s fun that lay ahead and looking at the faithful Teddy Rocks lanyard around my neck, I have plenty to keep me occupied. in fact today out of the three looks to be the busiest, so lets get stuck in!

The first act we encounter is certainly not one by chance, Chig from Wimborne are a band I have followed recently and one that I expect big things of. The band have been busy putting together a concept album for release later this year and plan to preview some of the tracks this afternoon on the Vocalzone Stage. The 5-piece certainly bring the energy and deliver a set that impresses the gathered crowd. With lead vocalist Orla belting out some fine vocals, ably backed with some powerful creative twin-guitar work and alternative style hard hit rhythms. The whoops and hollers from the audience show they have clearly connected with the vast majority of the audience with their inspired alternative leanings.

Chig 1–2

The Merry Woodland stage is playing host to some great original local artists, the sublime talents of Millie Watson and the unique eclectic style of Jodie Elms, whose eclectic unique talents had to be seen to believed.

Jodie Elms

Scottish Band Indoor Foxes roll onto the Teddy Rocks site after a long drive down and a stop for a gig in Birmingham last night. Hello Kitty guitar playing vocalist Martha Barr is clearly the focal point bringing exuberance and chaos to the stage. The quartet bring a host of influences, their mixing pot from 90’s Indie to Grunge and Shoegaze includes tracks like “Plant Pot Song” and the enduring “Church Music”. The whole set ends with Martha randomly throwing handfuls of condoms into the audience, needless to say they are certainly another great highlight of the weekend.

Indoor Foxes 1–2

At the Royal Ted, while enjoying a pint I’m entertained by West Country soloist Liam Hannigan, who with his acoustic guitar delivers some pleasant ramblings about his own beloved surroundings. Dorset’s Bonsai Pirates whip up an energetic storm in the Woodlands; Bob, Becki, Amanda, Dave and Julien certainly know how to please a festival crowd with some great and infectious original tunes.

Liam Hannigan

I’ve just heard that sadly Avalanche Party have had to pull out and local musician George Kingman along with his band has stepped in at short notice to save the day. George can usually be found fronting Indie band “Wave Chase” and has recently set up a solo project with guitarist Joe Grange, Wave Chase bassist Tim Baldwin and drummer Luke. To date he has released a quartet of fine singles, which can be found on Spotify. With the band having very limited preparation time, they put on a great show and the gathered crowd seem to really get into the band’s vibe. A surprise Billy Ray Cyrus cover and a host of impressive originals sees them fill the 30 minute slot perfectly.

George Kingman Band 1

Choices, choices, I can turn one way and go and see one band or I can turn another and see something else. Bon Jovi tribute Bon Giovi are on the main stage with frontman Lawrence Case belting out some of the bands biggest hits and the crowd are of course singing the words right back at them. The band provide a fantastic likeness to the original band and great entertainment for the huge crowd in front of the main stage. West Dorset’s Edd Bleach and his constant side kick Ryan Barber are playing a set in the on site pub. Whenever I can I always try and catch these guys play, the performances are always fun and chaotic. Edd’s wonderfully passionate and honest lyrics take the micky out of himself and the scrapes he gets himself in. Typically the crowd warm to everything these two have to offer and the duo always make everyone smile.

Bon Giovi 1–2–3–4

The rumbles in my tummy remind me that it’s time to find some sustenance, I’m in need of something spicy? After my hot burrito yesterday evening I opt for a Chicken Tikka Naan wrap. It’s absolutely banging and really hits the spot, I sit on the picnic table by the Jan Boyd stage and Limp Bizkit parody band Stiff Bizkit are grabbing my attention. I’m quite a fan of the original band having seen them a few times live and I’m looking forward to seeing them at Reading Festival in August. Stiff Bizkit sound and look authentic and the ‘Fake Fred Durst’ with the biggest afro hair I have seen this weekend is putting the crowd through their paces with a great vocal delivery. Wes Borland looks magnificent in his colourful costume and provides some amazing guitar work. There are some euphoric fans having the time of their lives here tonight and this is testament to the quality of this tribute act.

One of the unmissable parts of any Teddy Rocks weekend is a set by Dorset’s very own Rock hero Chris Payn. Chris and his current band The Parade bring the Rock swagger and style to proceedings. His all original set features some of his anthemic tunes including his rather catchy new single “Breakfast”. The atmosphere in the Merry Woodland is fantastic; there are a host of familiar faces from the local music community, many who have played a set this weekend all supporting each other. Chris brings into play more of his epic originals before treating the crowd to a stunning rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain”, with guitarists Sam and Chris stunning us with some mesmerising skills.

Chris Payn And The Parade 1–2–3–4

As a big crescendo to the weekend’s entertainment Linkin Park tribute band “Hybrid Theory” who deliver a big production show to possibly the biggest crowd of the weekend. With fireworks, flames, confetti, streamers and large video screens, the band are spot on with the late Chester Bennington-era of the band and the setlist is mouth watering; full of tracks that would satisfy any fan, certainly a brilliant way to end festivities on the main stage.

Hybrid Theory 1–2–3–4–5

I cannot resist one last trip back to the Royal Ted to see my old friends “Plastic Jeezus”; a musical comedy duo featuring Simon & Aaron, who have become big stars since I last saw them have played at Glastonbury Festival and lots of hip Folk clubs and also have won awards for their work. They are very clever lyricists and deliver their stupidness in a very funny, sometimes dry way. It was great to see them again making the Pub audience belly laugh. Despite their fame and fortune they even took time to have a chat to me. (Which was Nice!!) If you get the chance, put them on your bucket list – they are great fun and worth the price of a London pint to see live!!

Before I trudge back to the car, I get an invitation from the Vocalzone team to join them around the firepit to toast marshmallows and chat about the wonderful weekend we’ve just experienced. There are friends and strangers all gathered, warming themselves and for this moment we were in agreement: what a wonderful weekend it had been. Once again Teddy Rocks has delivered in its droves with a wonderfully organised festival and in the coming weeks I’m sure Tom Newton will tell us about the many thousands of pounds that it has raised for the children’s cancer charity. Plans for next year are already underway and early bird tickets can be purchased here.

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