I had played with The Artefact House Band in the 2023 edition of the Woodland Games. It was great fun, and I was overjoyed to have the same opportunity in 2024. The 2024 edition of the Woodland Games took place on August the 17th 2024. The Woodland Games is a community eco games where members of the community take part in fun, educational, sporting games. I played the keyboard in the Artefact House band. The Artefact House Band is made up of musicians, who are members of Artefact, a co-operative collection of creative people, who run an art gallery and experimental performance space in Stirchley. We are currently in between spaces, with our new space hopefully opening in 2025.
Last year The Artefact House Band played experimental versions of the Blade Runner theme and the Hell March from Command to accompany games involving trebuchets! This year’s edition was bigger in scale than the two previous editions with an extra game, excitingly involving Cargo Bikes. To aid the competitors in this new game, we played a cover of Kraftwerk’s song “Tour De France.” We received rave reviews from those at the games about the cover of the electronic music maestro’s song.
On a personal note, during these performances with the Artefact House Band I try to play the keyboard in a way that fits the overall music, but leaves me room to add what I think fits. I am not a as accomplished musician as my bandmates, so I rely on them to play the fundamental melody and harmony of the songs we play. I find it very challenging to play with the band as I mostly play and write keyboard based songs solos. This means I do not have a lot of experience playing in a band environment. Playing with the Artefact House Band, helps to improve me as a musician. It is challenging, yet rewarding playing as part of the band.
On a side note, I also helped support Central Co-op on the day too. Central Co-op provided fruit and talked about membership with those participating. Central Co-op has stores within walking distance of Stirchley. Central Co-op also supported Bike Mechanics to provide free bike safety checks and simple maintenance and repairs for those, who cycled to the games.
I had a great time being part of The Woodland Games again. The community spirit, the colour, were amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed playing keyboard in the band and supporting the Central Co-op stand. The Woodland Games 2024 were a big success. More people participating, more community groups involved. The Woodland Games gives the community an opportunity to creatively express itself, whilst learning about co-operation and ecology. I’m already looking forward to the Woodland Games 2025!
A big thank you to Hipkiss and Graney for starting, running and making the Woodland Games the community asset it is. Without them, the Woodland Games would not exist and be the amazing community event that is is. If you’d like to learn more about the Woodland Games, including either participating or sponsoring next years edition. Please contact https://www.hipkissandgraney.com/woodland-games
