The fabulous Off The Tracks festival returns to Derbyshire for its Thirty Something Birthday bash 3rd – 5th Sep 2021. Yep – thirty plus years!  Its longevity is proof positive that good things have permanence and quality counts. As much House Party as festival, this bijou bash is a firm FFA favourite – and no wonder. Small, intimate, and perfectly formed, OTT still remains one of the best kept secrets on the festival landscape. Those in the know adore it.

Our FFA Reviewers simply love that famous OTT VIBE!  You want atmosphere – OTT has it in spades. Take a look at the Festivals For All Off The Tracks 2019 Review for just a hint of what does down at this daddy of the British festival summer scene. There is simply nothing not to like. For many, OTT traditionally marked the end of the outdoor festival camping scene, and is a perfect location to do so. That was the Before Times, of course. Many will have not experienced a festival for a couple of years, and indeed, OTT will be their first festival of the year. It’s a cracking choice whatever the circumstances, and is virtually guaranteed to be a celebration of everything the world has missed these last 18 months.

The festivals is held at Donington Park Farmhouse - a permanent year round camping site, with all the facilities to boot, plus, the festival is under cover, located within converted farm buildings on a diversified farm… with its own permanent on-site pub and diner amongst other things! It’s a brilliant location, brimming with character, and characters. Throw in a real ale and cider festival, a wonderfully diverse crowd of all types and persuasions and an atmosphere to die for, and OTT, well, it has it all. No wonder some attendees have graced the event for each one of its glorious seasons.

The bands are not the half of it at OTT, but each year, the festival delivers a host of class artists throughout the line-up, many an undiscovered upcoming band down the bill at OTT later continue to find greatness. Its that kind of festival.  2021 witnesses Dub Pistols, Ferocious Dog, Astralasia, John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett, Monster Ceilidh Band, Headsticks, Kissmet, Paul Henshaw & Dan Booth, and Kasai Masai amongst a packed roster.

FFA Reviewers will be there yet again to cover this excellent bash – Come join the party, with tickets from only £90 including camping!

Article by Barrie Dimond

Photography by Graham Whitmore