Free music and comedy: well done Hartlepool (Hartlepool's Maritime Experience (Hartlepool))

Member Name: StuartGreen

Product:	Hartlepool's Maritime Experience (Hartlepool)
Date:	30/07/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Free

Disadvantages: One of those places you don't pass through on the way to somewhere else: a bit of a trip to get ther

Hartlepool Dockfest was a free (already a winner for me) two-day festival in the happy if a little down-at-heel town of Hartlepool: it offered the usual mix of music, comedy and entertainment and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by both the festival and the town of Hartlepool: nice people, a nice place and a great couple of days.
The Lighting Seeds headlined the music on Saturday: a little too run-of-the-mill for my liking, but they were decent enough. Brodie trundled through his extensive back catologue with an ease and confidence that reflects his status as one of the best writers in his genre: again, not really my thing, but it was good.
The stand-out for me was Sean Lock's stand-up show on the second day (Sunday). Once again, Lock is by no means my favourite comedian, but he really carried off the gig very well and the crowd ended (and, indeed, started) right behind him. Other notables (apparently, as I'd never heard of them0 included Radio 2's Ivan Brackenbury and comedian Lee Nelson.
A couple of days entertainment, and it was free! Well done Hartlepool.

Summary: Good fun, surprisingly nice town