Mostly unknown in England, Callum soon demonstrated why he is so popular in his native Scotland. His original songs were full of heartfelt lyrics and vibrant musicianship, often reflecting his own emotional journey.
 
Reepham fan Julie Fielder commented on Facebook: “There are several new Callum Beattie fans from our group of old rockers! His set was the perfect finale to another superb Reepham Festival.”
 
His performance was preceded by a full day of music with both original music and tribute acts. Queen tribute Flash proved once again that they can get their audience on their feet with a pitch-perfect rendition of iconic tracks such as I Want To Break Free and We Are The Champions.
 
A further rock tribute, Wrong Jovi, were equally popular with the Reepham crowd, delivering classics such as Sweet Child Of Mine and Living On A Prayer.
 
Original music came in the form of Dissident Bleu and Koba, winners of the Metal 2 the Masses East Anglia Final. The day also featured rock favourites The Divide, Hammeta, Purplivine and Def Leppard tribute Def Lepp’d.
 
Festival director Tom Crisp said: “It’s always amazing to see all of our hard work come together to create a fantastic day of high-quality music. It couldn’t be this good without the commitment and dedication of the brilliant team of volunteers who make the whole thing happen.”
 
RFestival 25 had two local charity partners that will benefit from the proceeds of a raffle to win a guitar that took place on the day: Break, which raises funds to support work to make life better for young people on the edge of care, in care and leaving care, and the Black Dog Music Project, which helps those who suffer challenges to their mental health to participate and rediscover their love and skills for music.
 
The festival continued on Sunday 10 August with a further programme of music based outside the King’s Arms in Reepham’s Market Place.
 
Brenda Gostling