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Hunstanton

Hats off to Wild West Norfolk Festival!

A spur-tacular second year for Hunstanton's live country music event - with line dancing, lots of family fun and dogs in cowboy hats!

A spur-tacular second year for Hunstanton's live country music event - with line dancing, lots of family fun and dogs in cowboy hats!

"They live for line dancing," says Ash, whose two children are up on the tent stage at the Wild West Festival.  As they do various moves - some kick-ball changes, a few grapevines (so I'm told) - the pair are full of smiles.

After 8 year old Erin tells me, "What I love about line dancing is how everyone is so nice and friendly, it's fun." Her brother Tyler who's 11, adds, "You get to make great friends and it feels good when you're doing it."

The advice the pair have for me is, 'just enjoy it', and I do.

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Erin and Tyler

The family have lessons with Amy, from Buckin' Boots Line Dancing, who's here leading dances throughout the day, "The atmosphere is amazing, everyone seems happy," she smiles.  

"Anyone can line dance you don't have to be this trained dancer to do it, as long as you can pick up some steps, you're fine - and if you enjoy the music, that's half of it."

As she takes the stage again, I go for a wander around the festival.

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Amy (green top), who runs Buckin' Boots Line Dancing, along with team members - and Ash, Tyler and Erin (left of Amy)

I walk by a Wild West Show by Lawdogs and Ladies, where families watch as there's a gun fight - a few kids have been put in jail.  

There're food stalls with their enticing smells, the UK's largest mobile pub, face painting, a few fair rides and lots of people admiring some classic cars.

There're people having a go at the buckin' bull (I didn't) and axe throwing.

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Lawdogs & Ladies

By the popcorn and lemonade stand, you can't miss co-owner Bill Dent, who's wearing American flag dungarees.  I stop to chat.

"My wife bought them for me, a lot of people have been admiring them and want them," he says, "I'm originally from Washington State, but now live in Swaffham.  The festival's great - it's a lot of fun."

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On the way to the main stage, where more than 8 acts will perform, I spot Bella - a dog, who's got a cowboy hat on - I can't resist but ask if I can take a quick video (click above to see).

Her owner says, "To be honest I can't believe she's keeping it on."  Obviously enjoying the vibe.

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Adam Brucass and his band

About to go on stage is singer Adam Brucass and his band, from King's Lynn, "For me there's not really any greater feeling in the world.  I think the first time I got up on a stage I knew that this was exactly where I needed to be, and for me it's the bigger the better.

"This festival is definitely something to be admired, they've got a great turn out, there're a lot of great stalls around and the crew have been fantastic.  And I can see an impressive number of cowboy hats, a staple of country festivals!"

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It's Hunsanton's second Wild West Norfolk Festival in the grounds of Glebe House School.

Organisers say the number of people who came along has doubled - we can't wait for next year!

When perhaps I will have a go at the buckin' bull.


Images Ian Burt

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