Fritwell Live Night Saturday 20th September 2025
Another fantastic night was organised by Frets & Strings and the Village Hall. We are fortunate to have the support of so many great musicians who come along and play for free to entertain us all.
This one was absolutely filled with performers, with Carl kicking us off with one of his old tunes. After this, he was joined by fellow F&S co-conspirator, Paul Walder, who belted out a couple of well-known tunes.
Following a tight Frets and Strings set, Ian called Josh to the stage to join him for a couple of Bob Dylan songs, which were beautifully performed. Lyndsey and Alisha joined Ian and Josh on stage, along with obligatory stetsons, cowboy boots and check shirts to add expertly delivered train whistle noises. Hoping we get to see more of them in future events.
Fritwell favourite, Will Vetcher, produced three excellent tunes and did not look as nervous as he claimed to be. After Colin reminded us all that summer is slipping into autumn by means of a poem plus the the Heyford Airbase Gate 10 ghost story & some amusing English signs across the world, there was a short break. Ben was next up, treating us to an original and a couple of covers. His voice is really developing, as is his confidence.
Finn took the stage. Another rapid developer, Finn, gave no clues to his young age. His freshly broken voice has really settled, and his confidence and guitar playing are also improving every time. Chris Lydon is a regular performer who never shows nerves at all. Again, his guitar work has improved significantly, with competent fingerpicking now a regular part of his arrangements of popular tunes.
The Dyfies were extremely entertaining, choosing to major on covers this time out with an excellent rendition of Tom Waits’ Waltzing Matilda and one of Fritwell’s favourites, Rufus Wainwright’s “Vibrate” – How does Si hold that not for so long? – Of course, Janine adds class and musical excellence to their trademark sound.
Jay first performed for us at the age of 13. Now pushing an ancient 21, Jay has been studying music production at university and taking advantage of being amongst many splendid musicians to learn and write some great songs. These will be released over the next 12 months as he takes a year off to vent his talent.
For the first time, the event was MC’d by Paul Walder, although nowhere near as handsome, he is much funnier than Carl and adds a different voice to the event.
Frets & Strings hardly need a mention. Reliable, upbeat and fun, the rounded off yet another fabulous, fun-filled evening.
Huge thanks go to Mike Stewart, without whom, none of this great music would be heard. Also, big thanks to Christine and Paul on the bar as well as everyone who helped with set-up and breakdown.
The Next Fritwell Live will be the highly anticipated Christmas special on 20th December. More details closer to the date!
Were you there? Check out the photo galleries below.
Thanks so much to Jon B, Cass MJ, Ben W. Si, Janine for sharing your photos on the night.
