The much-loved Endorset in Dorset festival returned this weekend (Friday 7th and Saturday 8th July) for the first time in over a decade.

Taking over a field and courtyard at Cerne Abbas Brewery, this quirky little festival celebrated 30 years of the local cow-punk band Pronghorn.

Lamma Maund, lead singer of Pronghorn and organiser of Endorset in Dorset said, “We didn’t really want to stop hosting Endorset in the first place and we only stopped because of having young daughters. They’re in their teens now and ask me constantly, ‘Dad why don’t you bring it back’.

“Also everytime Ffi and myself go anywhere, it’s the most common question from artists and punters alike. So, new for 2022 we did just that and brought it back.”

Bringing together music fans of cow-punk, folk-punk, country-rock, folk ska, reggae punk and dubstep, the weekend was full of boot-stomping, fun-loving, eccentric festival-goers, all out to have a good time.

The Salisbury band LUMP opened the Desmond Dekker Stage on Saturday with a lively set – bringing their songs about people and places in Salisbury to the energetic crowd.

LUMP describe themselves as the self-proclaimed kings of ‘mongrel rock’ and are the brainchild of Salisbury Live’s Colin Holton.

Speaking to Love Salisbury Colin said, “To open the first Endorset Festival in 10 years was an absolute privilege. A great receptive crowd, with some actually knowing some of our song lyrics (better than us!). The ultimate compliment was
‘Wow!! That was like being hit by an express train!’

“We are so stoked,” added Colin.

The Bristol and London-based band Some Dogs took to the Wildcat stage for a set of chaotic brilliance. With band members sporting a super-sized giant straw hat, glittery blue shorts and an Elvis Presley shirt, their set was filled with joyful country music and hilarious sweary lyrics.

Penny from the band Big Boy Tomato joined Some Dogs on stage for the second half of their performance singing their lively song ‘Country Girl’. They followed with covers of Johnny Cash’s ‘Ring of Fire’ and Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ – getting the whole crowd singing along.

Next up on the Wildcat Stage was Salisbury’s own Gypsy Jukebox. The local turbo-folk ska reggae punk band brought their saxophones, guitars, bongos, melodicas and energy to the stage for a bouncy performance full of sax – perfect for a day of scorching sunshine.

Paul Sgueglia from Gypsy Jukebox said, “Endorse it in Dorset is legendary! We used to go to the original festivals held at Sixpenny Handley as punters so to actually play at the reunion was a real honour and immense fun.

“Lamma and the Pronghorn guys really know how to throw a great party in beautiful locations and attract a great crowd. We hope it continues and they book us again!”

Wessex Pistols brought a sea-shanty style to the festival with their cover of Drunken Sailor by The Irish Rovers.

As the sun started to subside, Pronghorn took to the Desmond Dekker stage for an atmospheric 50-minute set. The cornerstone of the festival, Pronghorn’s performance was a communal celebration of post-COVID life with everyone coming together to bond over the joys of live music.

The kings of Cow-punk showcased incredibly fast and intricate banjo and fiddle action which had the whole crowd dancing, stomping and swinging in the moshpits.

Lamma Maund, lead singer, commented, “We loved it! Just an outpouring of love and emotions from the beautiful family, in a barn full of like minded amazing people – kicking up a dust in the ol’ barn stomp. It was like the ultimate Psycho Ceilidh!

“The rays shone through the slatted walls onto the wonderful audience which included acts, caterers, staff and the family of course.”

Following on from Pronghorn was TV Smith, a 66-year-old guitarist and founding member, singer and songwriter for the Adverts who were one of the first punk bands to enjoy chart success in the UK with their 1977 single ‘Gary Gilmore’s Eyes’.

Playing an acoustic set, TV Smith brought energy and charisma to the stage and performed ‘No Time To Be 21’ with passion, reminding the crowd that “life is short, don’t make a mess of it.”

One of the final performances of the night was Subgiant, a UK electro trio founded in London who have previously played the likes of Glastonbury, Bestival and Blissfields, as well as multiple nightclubs across the world.

With a DJ, live drums and a bass guitar, this was an impressive and unique combination of dance music with a live instrumental twist. With Dale Titus bringing his impressive drum and bass style MC talent to the mic, the audience was well and truly captivated.

Filled with sunshine, beer, cider and incredibly friendly people, Endorset in Dorset Festival had a really liberating and welcoming atmosphere.

The punk movement ethos of individual freedom shone through, creating one of the most joyful, friendly, accepting, respectful and inclusive festivals I have ever attended.

Festival-goers looked out for each other, handing out suncream, tucking in stray labels on my outfit and complimenting one another. The sense community at Endorset in Dorset was a pleasure to be a part of – it is a very special festival indeed.

When asked if Endorset in Dorset will return for another year Lamma said, “You betcha! Perhaps we might do more than one? We might even take it on tour at different venues? I would like to keep it small – it’s so much more enjoyable when it’s this size.

“We will definitely be back at The Cerne Abbas Brewery as we love Vic and all the crew.”

For more updates on Endorset in Dorset Festival and details of its return for 2022, follow Pronghorn and Endorset in Dorset on social media.