The heat didn’t stop the fun, and the music took the temperature sky high.

Headliners Tom Grennan and Tom Misch wowed crowds on Saturday and Sunday night, filling the tent of the main stage. Watching the sunset as Grennan played songs from his debut album was a special moment for all. Considering he played the festival last year, the jump to becoming a headliner must have been pretty great for him.

Misch brought on a host of guests during his set, including Barney Artist and Zak Abel, who had both played solo sets earlier in the day. Misch was a wonderful close to the weekend. With a packed audience and the organisers watching proudly from the side-lines, a spotlight and a disco ball appeared, creating a subtle shimmer over the crowd. An unexpected, but perfectly executed, moment that we were all able to share.

The two Toms weren’t the only artists wowing over the weekend. In fact, the music started on Thursday where Zak Abel was the surprise secret headliner, and ticket holders to the intimate event were treated to the voices of Billie Marten, Dan Owen and Matthew & The Atlas. Native favourites Cassia also played, their calypso-esque vibes an excellent match to the heatwave we were all beginning to endure.

Behind Doors Friday saw more people arriving, but also more acts performing. Particular highlights include Bristol’s Keir, a unique character and unmissable voice. He had everyone entranced. Lauren Aquilina’s ‘return’ to the stage was met with an incredibly positive reception, so much so that when another act had to pull out over the weekend she filled their spot – what a gal.

Orla Gartland was also a joy to watch and talk to, so watch out for her interview, as well as one with Lauren Aquilina, soon. Youngr’s set also sparked a lot of energy from the crowd, and he’s one we’d definitely recommend you see if you can. The secret headliners that night were Honne, and with their electronic synth-pop vibes, the duo were a great finish to the first full day.

A few other acts that really stood out over the weekend, and who we really think you should check out, include Bristol’s Bad Sounds, Easy Life, Sam Fender and Mahalia. Mahalia’s latest single ‘I Wish I Missed My Ex’ completed her set, and rumour has it her ex was actually in the crowd… that showed him, huh.

Matt Maltese and Jade Bird both produced gorgeous performances, both that will stay with the audience for a long time – hugely talented, and both worth your time. We also had the pleasure of watching and interviewing Farebrother and Maisie Peters, smaller acts with lots of potential. Farebrother’s indie-rock style opened the Wooden Barn Stage on Saturday morning, and by the end of the weekend there were lots of new fans wearing their merch.

Barn on the Farm is the best place to discover your new favourite band, and its attendees are the most friendly and welcoming, which is something that may have benefitted Farebrother, at least in t-shirt sales. Keep an eye out for those interviews too, they’ll be coming your way soon.

Past line-ups include Ed Sheeran, James Bay, Tom Odell, Oh Wonder, George Ezra, Hozier, Ben Howard, and it grows and improves each year. 2018’s line-up was very mixed, unlike a lot of festivals, with Pale Waves, Nina Nesbitt and Fickle Friends all high up on the bill. We’ve got lots of thoughts on female representation in festivals and got to speak to some artists about it over the weekend, so we’ll let you read that in the near future.

Barn on the Farm is unmistakably a home-grown endeavour. It’s about family, friendship, community, and most vitally, about the music. Musicians come back year after year, even if they’re not playing. They’re loyal to what the festival is about and support what it aims to achieve. It’s a festival that is leading the way for bookers and audiences in how to create a fairer lineup of artists who are immensely talented and deserving, and how to home a friendly, loyal crowd year upon year.

We’ll be back again, Barn on the Farm, and with next year being your 10^th anniversary, we know it’ll be something spectacular.