Various venues across Hanwell hosted 45 bands of different genres from funk to heavy metal on Saturday (March 28).
From bars and pubs, to open mics and a “busking bus” where anyone could take part and play to a small crowd (even I picked up a guitar and joined in!) the community spirit really felt alive during the Hanwell Hootie Music Festival.
Variation in genres was amazing to see. The first band I saw, Kings of Wonderland, saw children in tutus holding hands and dancing for the whole set, whilst some other bands were so popular with music-loving young adults the pub venues were full to bursting!
Unfortunately, the weather didn't hold out for the entire day, but with 11 venues taking part, there was always somewhere to shelter and see some amazing music.
A highlight was Ella & The Blisters, who played a lively set of swing and rockabilly music that got me, my friends and the rest of the crowd dancing away.
Hanwell is famed as the 'Home of Loud', as Marshall guitar amplifiers were created there. The festival has been running since Marshall amp creator Jim Marshall died in 2012 to continue his legacy.
Hanwell may be small, but its musical history runs deep, with bands such as Led Zepplin and The Who having rehearsed at Hanwell Community Centre.
Emily Lee, a performer at the event, said: “I didn't know anything about this [Hanwell Hootie], I didn't know what to expect. I saw all the pubs and thought, 'wow, this is great!'
"All the locals have been saying to me that this place is really music-oriented and that's really nice to have a community.
"London has these little communities of musicians; it is so lovely.
"It is nice to immerse yourself in it. I like the fact that Hanwell Hootie is really strong in terms of its line-up."
The Hanwell Hootie was a local event not to forget, so make sure you get down next year for an even bigger music event for the whole family.
