Westfest roars back, bigger and better than ever

DUNDEE’S Westfest is back and it’s bigger and better than ever according to the organisers.

After a two-year break due to Covid, crowds flocked to the Magdalen Green event yesterday to enjoy a fun day out with live music, funfair rides and stalls.

The event has attracted big crowds since being launched in 2010 but like other festivals in the UK however, the 2020 and 2021 plans had to be cancelled.

As thousands descended on the Green all set for a big day out organisers continued to hit back at objectors who last month claimed that the event does not benefit the community.

The two objectors even branded the event a “rave” and demanded its removal from Magdalen Green.

The event was granted an alcohol licence by the council last month.

A series of objections were lodged, but these have not been made public as the licence was considered by officials privately.

Interviewed during the festivities, Martin Hay, chairman of the volunteer organisers, said everything had gone very well.

He said: “It’s so great to be back after two years away.

“We are definitely bigger and better than ever with something for everyone here.

“There is a great family atmosphere, the sun is shining and everyone is out to really enjoy themselves.

“We all work very hard to make this event a success and it’s such a shame that two objectors can try to tarnish the event.”

Martin added: “There is little doubt that the event brings the community together and brings people to the West End of Dundee.

“To try to suggest, as they did, that this is like a rave is ridiculous.”

Meantime all age groups, from toddlers to grandparents, made the most of the sunshine and enjoyed the day out.

There was also a newly named stage, dedicated in memory of tragic Dundee climber Sarah Buick, who sadly lost her life having reached the summit of Ben Nevis at Midsummer last year.

Sarah was a regular volunteer at the event and the Sarah Buick stage was named in her honour.

Among the acts on that stage were local singers/songwriters, The Dooclichters and local act Demi McMahon.

The headline act on the main stage were the Buffalo Soldiers.

Earlier in the afternoon Dundee Schools Rock Band performed to a large crowd, benefiting from the earlier-than-normal noon start.

The Sistema Big Noise Orchestra also played to a good turnout.

The weekend kicked off in great style as Noel Gallagher returned to Dundee for the first time in 28 years – but told the crowd it was “still as cold” as his last appearance with Oasis.

The Mancunian and his High Flying Birds entertained a packed Slessor Gardens on Friday with songs from his illustrious back catalogue.

Gallagher acknowledged the fact he had not played in the city since 1994, suggesting to fans he recalled playing “Devil’s Kitchen” – he was close, it was actually Lucifer’s Mill.

After rolling out some of his more recent tracks, fans lapped up the likes of Whatever, Wonderwall and Little by Little from his Oasis days – before he dedicated solo hit AKA... What a Life! to all the Manchester City supporters.

That prompted boos from the crowd – with Gallagher cheekily retorting that Dundee had no right to boo.

That did not dampen spirits as the loudest singalong of the night was reserved for Don’t Look Back in Anger, which rounded off a historic night for the city.

Fans also lapped up sets from Inhaler, Dylan John Thomas and Theo Bleak.

Stereophonics headlined the second day of Dundee Summer Sessions last night as they thrilled their legions of fans at Slessor Gardens.

On a fantastic evening, fans rocked to their hits old and new.