Blimey – Music, Politics, and Beer are a heady concoction, especially when not necessarily partaken in that particular order. Interweave that with Passion; the passion of ordinary people coming together to express some fundamental beliefs, and it’s a potent mix indeed. So it proved at the excellent Wigan Digger’s Festival in Lancashire.

The third Wigan Digger’s festival celebrated the life and ideals of local boy Gerrard Winstanley – one of the founders of the 17th century ‘True Levellers’ movement… also known as ‘The Diggers’. Increasingly regarded as one of THE founding fathers of socialism, the rationale of the man can best be summed up by one of his most famous statements “The Earth was made a common treasury for all”. The essential premise being that everyone should be free, by the common ownership of land and resources, to prosper by their own efforts.  This was married to a fundamental belief in genuine equality for all …. Still largely a radical belief in 2013, this was Radical with a capital ‘R’ in the 1600’s. Interestingly for this reviewer, as we approach yet another spectre of global conflict as ideologies engage fuelled by opposing belief systems, much of Winstanley’s actions were triggered by his ‘socialist’ interpretation of biblical writings. The man perceived ‘The Word’ as a call to arms to implement, by direct action, true religiously inspired Commune-ism; The inalienable right to share and dig commonly owned land for the mutual benefit of all. Hence the ‘Digger’s’ moniker. Oh what a world we could dream, had more Men Of Influence decided upon the same interpretation! This review is not intended as some cod political thesis, but if the fancy takes you - you can read more about Winstanley HERE.

The rest of you can come out from behind the sofa - NOW…..

On a rain free Saturday, The historical Wiend area of the town was alive with plenty of stalls, bars, and a couple of stages. The People With Passion championing the causes of everything from South American political prisoners to the fight against ‘Zero Hours’ contracts. Importantly though, the festival was no tub-thumping affair – the atmosphere was pure carnival, full of a smiley happy crowd of all ages and backgrounds. The Liverpool Socialist Singers kick-started proceeding for us with some rousing stuff to set the scene. Sadly, a personal highlight for this reviewer, witnessing a presentation to Tony Benn, was cancelled due to health problems; we wish the great man well.

Next up we caught local Alt band Our Fold on the main stage. Excellent stuff – great energy and excellent songs performed with an almost swaggering style. A great advertisement for the wealth of local talent in the area. Then a quick change of scene, and more beer, over at the nearby John Bull Chophouse pub (which has, incidentally, an absolutely cracking juke box) for some top notch, and very funny, political satire from John Graham Davies & James Quinn as a couple of High Court judges.

Another change of scene back on the main stage with Sunderland punk rap outfit Class Actions, again excellent stuff with their trademark ritual burning of The Sun paper setting the enthusiastic crowd, er, alight. Powerful and forceful lyrics to appreciate; whatever your politics.

A great festival brings great surprises and none more so than one of the sets of the day from yet another immense local talent John The Baptist & The Second Coming. Previously unknown to this reviewer and badging themselves as “Krautrock/Prog/Gnast/Dance/Growl” (!), either way this was a great show. The guys have class, talent, and presence. Against a background of catchy electronica hooks and prog rhythms, flamboyant frontman John Togher had the bouncing crowd eating out of the palm of his hand. If ever a band deserved wider success it’s this crew. Hard to define - their sound is truly original and innovative – and very very good - catch them now before they really take off.

Earlier, local poet Laura Taylor transfixed the main stage crowd with an absolutely masterly performance. What a wordsmith; there was love, anger, and that passion thing in abundance here. Words that made you laugh, cry, … and yes, get angry …. Not in a negative kick the cat way, but in a Stand Up And Be Counted / Not In My Name kind of way. Inspiring stuff - Simply Splendid.

A continuing thirst prevailed, and sadly we missed what our spies reliably inform us was yet another excellent performance from local favourite Pauline Blackburn over on the acoustic stage.

Proceedings were rounded off by local heroes Merry Hell. A marvellous home town set to do The Digger’s Festival, proud.  What an atmosphere - is there anything more invigorating and liberating than dancing to wonderful music in the street! We’ve had the pleasure of witnessing this top band in action at festivals up and down the land over recent years, and this Wigan bash was particularly special. Playing a set heavy in classic tracks from their recent acclaimed album Head Full Of Magic, Shoes Full Of Rain, the set HAD to include Bury Me Naked, with its percussion line played on, you guessed it – an extremely apt shovel! A great set to end a great day.

So there you have it – Wigan Digger’s – a celebration of a truly inspirational local man by truly inspirational local people. We left the scene elated and feeling all rather proud to have been a small part of this.

Article by Barrie Dimond