After the success of the first ever UK Cigar Box Guitar Festival, it was obvious that it just HAD to happen again. It was also obvious from what was happening on the web that things were growing rapidly, and that already we'd outgrow the  original venue...I did some thinking, sent out some emails, made some phone calls..and managed to book thePublic..a multi-million pound arts centre in West Bromwich, near Birmingham.  Things came together pretty rapidly, and I found I'd got an international line-up, with Hollowbelly from the UK, Redshaw from Switzerland (after moving there form his native Yorkshire) and Tinqui8 from France.

This was a real step-up from the original festival...I'd got a fantastic facility at my disposal, the prospect of being able to premier some Cigar Box Guitar music videos...and get together even more alternative music fans from across the UK. The stress of organising something like this is immense, but I needn't have worried...it turned out great, I met some old frneds, and made lots of new friends...and it felt just like coming home. Thanks to some amazing generosity from one of the Cigar Box Nation members I was able to offer cut price ticket and hotel room deals to people who were strapped for cash, and we were able to get them there for the weekend to have great time.

Here's a compilation of a few clips of what happened during a totally mind-blowing day.........

Thanks to everybody who came, for the daytime and evening sessions....you all made it happen!!!  Watch out for details of the next UK Cigar Box Guitar Festival..not just cigar box guitars..but much much more.  If you didn't manage to get there last time...DO NOT MISS THE NEXT ONE...come and be part of the most fun, maddest, friendliest music scene in the UK today. Due to popular demand, it's no secret that this year we will be adding a Friday night open mic to the schedule. In previous years, a few of us who were in town got together for a pint, a bite to eat and a natter...this year it's morphed into an extra night of music.