Autumn might be imminent, but summer festival season is not over yet as two village bands get set to share headline slot at the nearby Cottenham Rock Club music festival. Amanda Borrill reveals what local music fans can expect to find at this popular annual event.
Autumn beckons, but there is still time to take in one last taste of that summer festival feel with neighbouring village venue, Cottenham Rock Club, set to host its 3rd annual music festival this coming Saturday, 5 September. And, sharing the headline spot at this popular night out are Histon & Impington bands Bin Weasel and The Contrives.
Founded by Dan Phillips, following the success of the summer bike shows hosted by late Cottenham resident Brian Dean, aka ‘Wobbly’, Cottenham Rock Club offers opportunities to take to the stage that can often be hard to find. “As a young musician there never used to be any venues that were happy to let us play, even for just a 30 minute support slot”, Dan explains, “So when I got this club up and running that was at the forefront of my mind. I would try and showcase local talent that might not otherwise get the chance to practice and show off their skills”.
A festival first
Making the journey to Cottenham this weekend, local band Bin Weasel promotes itself as a “high energy alt rock/melodic punk band”. Hailing from Impington (guitarist, Tom), Cottenham (front man, Martin), Waterbeach (bassist, B’Neil) and Arbury (drummer, D’Neil) – “think early Green Day, The Alkaline Trio, 90’s punk vibes”, says village resident and guitarist Tom.
These Cambridge Band Competition ‘Audience Choice’ award winners have been together since 2023 and this is their second time at Cottenham Rock Club – but their first headlining this Festival.
“We’re absolutely buzzing to be back at Cottenham Rock Club!”, shares Tom. “Our first visit was one of our very first full gigs and the Club was such a welcoming atmosphere we can’t wait to bring our fully developed sound back to their stage!” Big fans of The Contrives, having shared the stage with Luca a few times previously, Bin Weasel is also very much looking forward to seeing the other bands playing that night. “It’s set to be an awesome night of music. We’ve heard a lot about Stateline Sinners, so can’t wait for their set! Hare sound pretty epic and we’re really looking forward to hearing Gardens of the Moon for the first time too!”
“This is a night of local rock not to be missed”, they enthuse! “Get to the club, get down the front, and get ready for a party!”
A Rock Club return for The Contrives
Joining Bin Weasel in the headline slot is upcoming young band, The Contrives. Comprising Impington’s Luca Edmondson (guitar and vocals), Jamie Shaw (drums and backing vocals) and James Lees (bass), this will be their second time headlining at the festival.
“We’ve been a three piece for roughly two years now”, says Luca, “but when me and Jamie met in year 7, enough sparks flew to start playing music together and we’ve carried on for over 5 years now”.
On their unique sound, he explains: “We’ve never really liked labels when it comes to music because there’s not much of a label you can put on music with influences on jazz and hip hop drumming, folk and punk bass, and alternative rock and shoegaze guitar lines. But, for the sake of our (hopefully) future Wikipedia page, we are an alternative / indie rock band.”
And it’s been quite a journey for this teen trio. “With the addition of our super attractive bassist in 2024, we’ve gone from back garden parties and tiny shows in almost empty pubs, to selling out 200+ capacity venues in Cambridge and playing in larger venues such as the Cambridge Junction to crowds of 400+ people”, Luca reveals.
“We’ve been recording music for almost a year now, and have released three singles on streaming services, racking up more than 8000 streams between the three songs. Who knew, people actually like our whiny music about doing absolutely nothing. All we want is to show people that being yourself is ok, and whoever you are, you always have a place in the Cambridge music scene”.
Living the dream
Having first talked to Luca back in 2021 when he was just 13, it is clear to see music remains a fundamental part of his life. “A lot has gone on since we last spoke!”, he tells me. “Music is still my life. Songwriting, performing and making music is honestly all that I think about, even if it’s a drum and bass remix of the Thomas the tank engine theme song that I whipped together in 15 minutes on my laptop, I am never without my headphones on my head (you can feel the dent now, a few more years and I can put my hand in it). If you ask me again in three years where I’m at, I’m still on my bed with my guitars on my lap. Life is great”.
The Contrives are very clearly excited to be back at the venue which has offered them such great opportunities. “The Cottenham Rock Club is genuinely one of the best venues we have ever played as a band”, Luca reveals. “We’ve played there twice and had the greatest reception each time! This year we join the legendary Bin Weasel and are so excited to play, we can’t contain ourselves. We should probably put our instruments away and do our summer work for school, because these essays won’t write themselves”.
And, to those in any doubt about heading over to Cottenham on the 5th, Luca has this to say: “The glamour you see in the 02 and at Wembley stadium has to start somewhere, and all the bands on this year’s line-up deliver that same feeling. If you like jumping around, singing with your whole heart and feeling like you are part of a community that loves you back, the Cottenham Rock Club festival is not one to miss. Great tunes, great people and a great atmosphere. Come along!”
A great value night out
So what can those making the trip to Cottenham on the 5th expect? “On the night you can expect to be wowed by five local bands performing both original music and covers on a high quality stage, all for just £5 a ticket”, says Dan. “Value doesn’t get much better than that.
“Why not come on down, enjoy the night and, who knows, maybe you’ll witness the next big thing in music?”, he adds.
And Dan is very keen to hear from local youngsters or new bands looking for the opportunity to share their music in a supportive and welcoming environment. If this sounds of interest, drop the club a message via their Facebook page.
Entry to this event is just £5. Find the club in Cottenham on the corner of the High Street and Lambs Lane. Find out more about this festival, get a ticket and read about future events at the Cottenham Rock Club Facebook page.
Keep up with all the latest Bin Weasel news and gigs via their website. Follow The Contrives on Instagram or check out their website where you can find links to their music and other social media.
Keep up to date with local events at the HI HUB What’s On pages. Sign up to our newsletter to receive weekly updates.
