The last time The Local Answer spoke with Christopher John he was looking forward to performing at the Wychwood Festival. Now the dust has settled on that landmark performance the Gloucester-based musician has had time to reflect on what he calls ‘the best gig of my career’.

Christopher, who studies popular music at the University of Gloucestershire, says the opportunity to play in front of hundreds of people at the annual Wychwood Festival has given him a major confidence boost. He said: Wychwood was amazing, an experience I’ll never forget. I’ve never played in front of a crowd like it. It was the first time I’d been to Wychwood, the atmosphere was amazing. It was a beautiful summer’s day which helped.

“I performed with my band on the acoustic stage which was near the main stage. I had some friends and family come and support me which was really nice. A lot of my friends from university were in attendance as well which made the performance extra special.

“I was performing at the same time as bands who have sold millions of records, you gain a fair bit of confidence from that. All musicians my age are looking to build their reputation so to be able to say I’ve played a major festival like Wychwood will really help me push further ahead and get more opportunities to play at local venues and festivals.

“I’ve been wanting to pursue a career in music for many years now. I started playing the piano when I was very young, I’ve always had a desire to perform. I was involved in the Gloucester Operatic and Dramatic Society which really triggered my love of performing. I like to think I make expressive music, with lyrics that mean a lot to me.”

Having just finished his first year at university Christopher will be spending his three-month summer break working on new material. He continued: “Any spare time I get I’m usually on the piano or writing new songs.

“I’ll be starting my second year of university in September. I love the course, I feel very lucky to be studying a subject that I’m really passionate about. Everyone on the course supports each other, when we weren’t performing at Wychwood we were all out watching our friends perform.

“The plan after university is to carry on performing and increase my profile. I love what I do, the buzz you get from performing is one of the best feelings imaginable. I want to carry on doing what I’m doing and hopefully make a career out of it.”