I get to the Rialto on a freezing Friday night, with just enough time to stop at the bar, grab a pint and drop my layers at the cloakroom before catching the first act – a wise move, as it’s about to get hot! Upstairs, Snipit and the Hotrocks deliver a high energy set of ska-infused songs carried by a 10-piece band, complete with saxophone and groovy percussion.
Downstairs at the bar, Ben Jammin entertains the crowd with his acoustic guitar and harmonica accompanist by the Christmas tree, while Bambaman takes over the main stage, keeping the spirits high with a smooth reggae DJ set.
Next up was Dende, a funky Latin band fronted by accordion, keytar and a horn section bringing good vibes through songs about happiness and cheekiness. With a name that roughly translates as “spirit”, they delivered a heartfelt performance with rhythms and lyrics from every corner of the world. Meanwhile, in the bar, the hilariously named DJ Jingle Bellends kept people dancing and drinking!
Laura Loops enchanted the audience with a luminous hoop performance, dancing and spinning her electric blue rings around the room to the pumping beats of a dub sound system.
Last but not least, Dr Bluegrass delivered a foot-stomping set of country bangers full of humour and energy, ending the night on a high note with covers ranging from Johnny Cash to Gnarls Barkley, 5-part harmonies, banjo riffs and rock’n’roll attitude.
All in all, the Scallywag Christmas Party offered the perfect antidote to December’s winter blues and managed to recreate a warm, fun festival atmosphere in the cosy settings of the Rialto. Make sure to follow Scallywag Party everywhere on social media to join all their upcoming events!
One Fern Records 