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Chris Roberts and Rob Ball report from Oxford’s Truck festival.

Rachael Dadd and Frank Turner, who both spent many years based in Winchester developing their musical talents, were two of the highlights as this years Truck Festival.

Rachael regularly played and hosted her own nights in the Mash Tun, Railway and School of Art student union whilst studying here, and has since gone from strength to strength - forming a highly regarded trio, Whalebone Polly, and having Radio Ones Rob Da Bank championing her last solo release. Having been a Truck regular for six years now, this year she delivered another haunting set of her melodic folk in front of a packed to the rafters Market Tent - her joyful and breezy sounds drifting beautifully over the perfect backdrop of a hazy summer Sunday afternoon.

Frank Turner (pictured) has rapidly risen through the ranks since releasing his debut album in 2007. Growing up in Winchester, amongst his early ventures was the band ‘Million Dead’ who had a strong local following and performed to much critical acclaim for four years before going their separate ways. Alot of these songs became the spur for Franks rediscovery of his more folky and country leanings and gradually paved the way for the passionate, opinionated singer-songwriter he is today. Performing on the main Truck stage on the Sunday night, one of the best received songs of the night was one which Frank wrote specifically as an ode to Winchester and how much it means to him, and how a big a part its played in his life. Clearly having a great time, he gave a warm and compelling set, as eager to joke and chat with the crowd as he was to play a witty and explosive set.

Frank returns for a second Winchester gig of the year, playing The Tower on October 30th.  Ticket details are still to be confirmed, but we will let you know as soon as possible.

Also playing were Winchester favourites, SixNationState.  Playing at Truck for the third year running, and it has to be said were arguably by far the best act of the festival.

For more information on the acts, please visit their respective MySpace pages:

http://www.myspace.com/frankturner
http://www.myspace.com/rachaeldadd
http://www.myspace.com/sicnationstatetheband

http://www.thisistruck.com