Stuart Evans

What an incredible year it has been for the wonderful band of sisters and brothers that are Brown Horse.

October Drift should be playing the biggest of stages, I hope 2025 sees this happen for them.

BBC Introducing Norfolk and Suffolk have championed and supported undiscovered, unsigned and under-the-radar acts for decades across the counties, bringing the magic and music to our eyes and most importantly ears.

Swim School once described themselves as ‘Tesco value Wolf Alice’ on this occasion however it’s clear to see they will become more they just peers with Ellie Rowsell and co, Swim School can go to the very top.

I’ve seen many, many bands since I’ve moved to this Fine City but tonight’s experience is quite possibly the greatest yet.

Whilst we may have only had ten songs and a set that lasted forty-five minutes it was a set full of beautiful noise and powerful sounds

All in all the night was a triumph of great musicianship, laughter, joy and beauty

The band seem very happy and confident on stage, relaxed in knowing they are producing the goods. I hope they return to their home from home soon.

Long live The Xcerts, here’s to another 14 years and hopefully bigger things to come.

...as the evening comes to a close there’s smiles all around, from those on the stage to those who stood, danced and sang along. Thank you, Hamish and your wonderful band. Haste ye back!