A group of musicians from Burnham-On-Sea took to the high seas to attend the Watchet Harbour Festival at the weekend.
Rustique – which comprises John Clist, Pete Beach, Greg Aylmer, John Ellison and Rob Brain – sailed across the Bristol Channel from Burnham to Watchet in John’s yacht, Matilda, to reach the festival.
“Unusually, the band sailed to the gig and it was a great success,” John Clist told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
But he added that the voyage didn’t go ahead without a little drama.
“The boat was slightly damaged when another yacht collided with us just before we left Burnham, but fortunately the damage was not enough to prevent us from setting sail.”
Band Leader Peter Beach added: “We were delighted to learn that we were to play at Watchet, and it was a great opportunity to sail to the gig. With acoustic instruments and the use of wind power for transport, Rustique must be the most environmentally friendly band in the country!”
The group is building a reputation for resurrecting popular international tunes from the 50s, 60’s and 70’s and giving them their own distinctive sound.
Rustique will be playing at Chaplin’s Bar during next month’s Burnham Folkfest. The band has also already been booked to perform in Cardiff Bay in 2011, and they intend to sail to that gig as well.
John added: “It will be interesting to see where all this develops – perhaps you will see us at the Bristol Harbour Festival next year!”
