The annual country and Americana music festival The Long Road (which takes place in the heart of Leicestershire) faced much concerns for many with its miserable weather forecast but despite that, fans arrived in true fashion (Stetsons and cowboy boots galore).

A delayed opening at the gates, I tested my power walking skills to make it to the Front Porch Stage to catch the first band of the day East of Reno.

A fan for a while now, this would mark the first time I have ever seen them live and to be honest, alongside Julian Taylor, East of Reno were the other act I was most eager to see all weekend! Earlier in the year I spoke to lead singer Irwin Sparkes and spoke of The Long Road Festival and how he should play it and on the Front Porch Stage so the fact this came true meant I absolutely had to be there!

A quieter day, the Friday doesn’t start till 3pm so crowds were a little less than they would be on Saturday and Sunday and I must admit it does impact the atmosphere somewhat. With that being said, having such a remarkable band as East of Reno kicking the whole thing off was a great idea as they bring so much energy to their shows that they could probably liven up a graveyard!

Lead singer Irwin Sparkes (also of The Hoosiers) was unfortunately stuck eating Croissants and Pain Au Chocolat’ in France (I truly hope he had some almond Pain Au Chocolat’- game changer) so the band had to make do as a three piece. Most bands would simply not go ahead with the gig but this proves the absolute talent, skill, professionalism and team work of the East of Reno band members. If you didn’t know that they aren’t a three piece then you wouldn’t have known! That doesn’t of course take anything away from Irwin as he is one hundred per cent needed and an absolute asset to the band. I was personally gutted to not have him there and his unique vocals and wonderful ability to hit some ridiculously difficult high notes.

Bass player Jason Rungapadiachy and keys member Chris Vince covered the vocals and although they couldn’t quite match the high notes of Sparkes, they definitely did the band justice as had great vocals. East of Reno are exceptional musicians and to have a band of their calibre on so early was setting the bar really high! I could have watched and listened to Chris Vince on the keys all day! The insane talent that flowed from his playing was second to none. What a skilled musician! It was honestly mind blowing!!!

Playing songs from their debut album as well as unreleased (but known to fans) track Louise, the performance was spectacular! If you haven’t heard their music yet then I highly recommend it. Musicianship to get completely lost in, each note of each instrument played is so brilliantly detailed that I feel absolutely privileged to be a part of their journey as a fan so early on!

Night of Nothing and Anyone Other Than You translated beautifully in a live setting to the point I can’t get those songs out of my head! The atmosphere and energy they spilled on stage was uplifting and you could see that these band members are great friends. It felt too short and I wish they had other stages booked across the weekend so here’s hoping for more involvement next year!

A massive well done to Jason, Chris and Chopper for pulling this off in top form! What a truly magical moment to have been in the audience for!

Here’s to more shows, more music and a hell of a career!