After two years of night, Here Comes The Sun dawns once again
HERE Comes The Sun finally came back after a two year hiatus on Saturday.
The one-day festival returned to its home of the Rising Sun Arts Centre to shine on audiences once again.
This year’s festival was once again packed with live music and entertainment, all raising vital funds to support the independent arts venue.
Among this year’s offerings were the Rising Sun Drag Showcase, led by Reading drag royalty Big Jay, the Dreading Poetry Slam Poets, folk musician Jamie Larbalestier, Jen Berkova, and Ellis Ballard.
Damien Passmore, one of the organisers, said: “It’s a real team effort and we did have to pick up a little bit more this year.
“This was the most diverse lineup we’ve ever had, which is always a challenge to find performers outside of your usual,
“Everybody loved steel percussion orchestra, which was just the perfect sound to be drifting out in the sunshine, and The Mark II also really brought the party atmosphere, so it felt like everybody just had the best time.”
Jamie Larbalestier, who performed at the Tree stage, said: “There was a lovely ambience to the whole thing–it’s the kind of place where wherever you go you’ll find someone doing something interesting and fun.
“My highlights would be watching Aden Pearce’s last minute set, including a banging tribute to Lee Switzer-Woolf, who couldn’t make it due to covid.
“Dakorra were great, as well – it was good to finally see them live – I’d play every year if they let me.”
The Silver Street-based centre hosts a number of events throughout the week, inclukding tap dancing classes, salsa and tango sessions, as well as poetry nights and live music.
On Saturday, September 3, it will host the Trans Pride after party.