Blondie at Dyrham Park Review

Safeconcerts asks the questions that you want the answers to

Safeconcerts is all about safety first and value for money - to be frank we don't expect to bring many complaints about band performance in this day and age - the vast majority do put on a great show - the more pressing issues are about whether or not you can actually get to either see or hear them in comparative safety.

Blondie was one of those bands that we maybe wouldn't have thought of going to see had it not been for Safeconcerts and the need to get to more varied gigs to see for ourselves - we found out quite by chance that they were playing virtually on our doorstep so decided it would have been rude not to go.

So on a cool and cloudy July evening and fresh from my unexpected (and very unpleasant) hospital stay it was with some trepidation that partner and self found ourselves headed to spend a long evening defying the elements in the name of our research. (The things we have to do eh??)

Despite the fact that it is on our doorstep so to speak this was the first time we had been to Dyrham Park, so we were quite interested in what we would find here. We had an A4 sheet with our tickets giving us basic information which covered directions, told us that car parking was free (hurrah - what a welcome change) told us that disabled facilities were very basic (well - almost non-existent, they operate a policy of 'integration') - I must say on a more critical note that it would seem that 'integration' means slightly closer parking and a disabled toilet. There was advice on clothing, gazebos and awnings, barbecues, catering and a few F.A.Q's. No safety advice as is usual. Even so we thought that this was a very positive and welcome addition that isn't usual at most events we attend and think it would be a simple matter for the organisers to improve it - a small job that would put them streets ahead of other organisers.

On arrival at the venue there were a number of parking attendants who directed punters to their parking spot. There were no searches to be endured on entering the arena which surprised us a lot and glass bottles were allowed. We could have taken anything into this arena and would not have been challenged, we know they base these decisions on projected crowd demographics but even so we were a little surprised at this omission.

On entering the arena we were treated to a Green and Blacks stall who were handing out FREE chocolate - great big handfuls of free upmarket chocolate - at this point we actually thought we'd died and gone to heaven!! Bloody well done organisers - such a simple thing but it really made a difference - extraordinary to go to an event like this and feel like a human being, even to be treated like a human being is unusual in our experience at an event like this - we were impressed.

Someone came on stage to announce that we would be getting a display from a Bi - Plane - which was pretty cool actually. Then all of sudden a band came on - as is usual in this day and age no-one seems to think it important to announce what's happening or who you're seeing - we found out that this support band were called 'Countermind' - we liked 'em a lot.

There were no video screens but the venue was small and intimate and you could have got a good view almost anywhere we think. Music was playing prior to the entertainment commencing but it was quiet and we could only hear it due to being at the front.

Blondie were announced - they bounded on stage and did a storming set - playing for an hour and a half in total. WE LOVED THEM, they were pop, they were fun, they were great entertainment and Ms Harry has a tremendous stage presence - being truly beautiful in real life - telly does not do this woman justice and neither do our photos! We came to the conclusion that she must have a picture in the attic. We'd defy anyone to go to a Blondie gig and not come away having had a ball - if you get the chance - GO SEE 'EM they're great.

There was the usual scrum getting out of the venue but it only took about 35 minuets, we were prepared for this but do wonder whether there is a better way - you're always directed in - why not directed out? Poor exit for cars and some control at the actual exit point which helped - interestingly the police were at the main road but weren't doing anything! Just having a look then!!

It didn't rain, it stayed dry - the entertainment was grand - the venue was small although we were told it could take 10,000 - security estimated 3,000 were there - we thought maybe 4 or 5,000.
It was safe, it was fun and it was what a good night out ought to be - we recommend it and wouldn't hesitate to go back to Dyrham Park as a venue. We'd certainly go to see Blondie again!