Reggae Foundation // The Plough Inn, Taunton // 31.12.16

From the outside, The Plough looks like a welcoming country pub. Tucked away in a little space that looks like it could have been an alley way, but of course we would much prefer a pub over a shortcut any day. The inside is much more warm and inviting. Incredibly delicious pies are served, or a tankard full of pork scratchings if that's more your thing. Ciders, ales, lagers and the rest are absolutely on offer at "better-be-worth-it" prices, and worth it they always are. It even comes with its very own friendly French landlord creating the most homely experience you could ask for. But this isn't about The Plough, this is about a range of ages, classes and walks of life coming together to celebrate another year survived and endured, all under the same roof.

The event was twice described on the night as a "family affair" by mother and sister in law of the promotor, since his father and brother also make up the best of the line up. Reggae Foundation was formed in August 2014, an event designed to bring together local DJ’s, MC’s and artists who share a mutual love for Reggae and Roots music along with deliciously enthusiastic fans of the same scene. Hosting regular events at the Plough, Foundation quickly grew a popular following and unique vibe to its intimate sessions and from the get go has always been free, standing as a not-for-profit organisation to bring good quality music and a certain awakening to a previously sleepy town.

2 years on and the events are still going strong. I personally travelled from Cardiff and I know a few who made the short journey from Bristol specifically to spend New Year in Taunton, with a bunch of likeminded music eaters who enjoy nothing more than a decent gathering and the opportunity to discover friendships through the collective love and zeal for such an extraordinary genre and its counter styles. The night brought a certain atmosphere that only a close knit community would recognise. Considering the majority of guests had only just met that night, it was almost as though each person was a soul mate for the next on a level unknown to the outside world.

How can we forget the not so gentle giant that made the noise possible? Hosting the arena stands a mighty home grown sound system by the name of Reason. Standing tall in the far corner, towering over the narrow corridor. On first glance it seems pretty overkill, but you soon realise that the large stack of speaker boxes are more than necessary to fully experience the magic of the music that these events are all about. Who could have asked for a better way to bring in the New Year than with a selected family through the power of a beastly sound system?

-Little Bubbles

Check Out the Reggae Foundations next night in March.