The Big Feastival – Food, Music and fun for all the family

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The Big Feastival is a three day event held during August bank holiday weekend from Friday to Sunday and is held on Alex James (Blur) farm in Kingham– Oxon (Oxfordshire). The Feastival – founded by Jamie Oliver has become a very popular event and is famous for it’s selection of food outlets, live music and celebrity chef’s who do demonstration live cooking for audiences. some of the celebrity chef's that were there were Raymond Blanc, Nadiya hussain, Tom Kerridge, amongst many more.
 
As well as all the above there are also cooking school events for both adults and children and many activities and workshops throughout the feastival.
 
Since it’s first year, The Big Feastival has grown and grown and pretty much sells out every year. The line-up of music also seems to Improve yearly- attracting a whole mix of audiences. This year, the line-up included Mark Ronson, Tinie Tempah and Kaiser Chiefs amongst many other great acts.
 
My family and I have always wanted to visit The Big Feastival and now that we have a son, we thought it was time to check it out, especially as is known not just for food and music but for being very family orientated. My husband, who is a big foodie and a fan of Jamie Oliver was particularly excited to go as watches it on television almost every year.
 
I, however was mainly there for the food haha. Spending most of my youth at music festivals solely – food festivals have become a guilty pleasure.
 
As soon as you arrive you are greeted by a huge standing Big Feastival sign and can smell the wondrous foods that fill the air from all over. Right near the entrance was a vintage fair for the kids to have fun from the start. With the old fashioned swings, the fields were filled with excited screams and happy, smiley faces. There were food tents full of various food stalls selling all sorts of goodies from herbs and spices to organic brownies. Shabby Chic wooden signs were scattered throughout the festival to act as your guide, pointing the way to each and every area.
 
As we walked into the Main Arena, we were delighted to catch the start of Reggie N Bollie, two singers who were on last years X Factor and became fast favourites. The children in the audience loved every minute as did the adults. Reggie N Bollie are so much fun and did not disappoint, they had so much energy and stage presence that they brought life to the festival in a positive and up beat way – it is no wonder the sun shone so brightly for their set because after that, well…the rain came down like nobodies business, in fact, it was a storm as thunder was roaring and loud bangs filled the sky. In a mad dash panic, every guest ran for shelter. Having a buggy, this was hard but we made it into a food tent which of course, prompts impulse buying and Impulse buy we did. We bought two very lovely Organic Brownies from Fair and Square Chocolate Brownies, one Raspberry and one Salted Caramel, yum yum yum! Well what could I do but gorge on them right away? We were stuck after all haha! The rain seemed to subside, for a while anyway as we made our way back to the main arena and queued for some lovely Macaroni Cheese from Anna Mae’s Mac N Cheese whilst my husband had A Big Apple Hot dog with all the toppings. Both were delicious.
 
As we had the little one, we ventured off into the kids area called Little Dude’s Den. If the weather had not been so bad I would have liked to have explored more than I did. What caught my eye right away was these two huge eyes that were in one of the trees – what a wonderful idea, it looked fantastic! It’s the little details that make all the difference hey?
 
We went straight to the stalls and I was drawn in by a lovely baby food company named Babease who produce organic vegetable baby food. Babease were giving away samples for donations to Jamie Oliver’s charity The Jamie Oliver Food Foundation – The Charity teaches essential food skills to help people make better food choices for a healthier life and runs a number of successful programmes helping young people overcome disadvantages to create better futures for themselves working in the food industry.
 
As well as food samples we were kindly given a baby bib and a bag for mummy (me) and some good advice on weaning. If you want to check them out please visit http://www.babease.co
 
I found myself reverting back to my childhood as I beamed with joy when I saw two large buses from Hasbro, one for Transformers and one for My Little Pony. We did not get a chance to go in as had the buggy and there were big queues but I found out a little more about it here http://www.senselondon.com/hasbros-transformers-tour-hits-road-summer/
 
I was very pleased to see a small version of Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park where we saw gorgeous geese, delightful donkeys, glorious goats, lovely little lambs, bouncing bunnies, perfect little piglets and cute tiny chicks.
 
Alas, came down the rain again and with a vengeance. Of course, this is not the feastivals fault but mother nature. What a shame! Luckily we had a rain cover for our son but sadly, my shoes filled so much that they ended up with holes in them, our clothes were soaked so much so that they clung to our skin and I sneezed so much so that they my nose was running faster than Usain Bolt!
 
A few main stage acts were cancelled ( Zak Abel and Clean Cut Kid) due to the weather which, despite being a shame, was the safest option for everyone. Things went back to schedule in time for Reverend and The Makers, Reef, The Cuban Brothers, Ella Henderson, DJ Fresh and headliner Tinie Tempah. The crowds did not let the remaining bit of rain put them off as they danced and sang during every act. The children seemed to really enjoy every act. None of the standing area for the artists were crowded in a way you would find at a regular music festival, everyone was respectful of their neighbour and looked out for one another.
 
Seeing Reef made my day as were a band I saw many times in my teens and brought back many memories.
 
I highly recommend Big Feastival to anyone, especially if you have a family and want to introduce them to their first festival and for it to be enjoyable and child friendly. There is so much to do for adukts and children, so much we didn't see and so much food we had no room to eat. We passed bars, Alex James Cheese Hub, Crepe stalls, Dumplings, bakery stalls, meat stalls, you think of it – they had it! Arrive with an empty stomach, bring plenty of money and just in case, DO NOT FORGET YOUR WELLIES – I learnt the hard way.

House of Common – The Meaning of Madness

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The last bank holiday Monday of the year is known for many things: appalling weather, interspersed with glimpses of sun, a desperation to get the last drops of summer and a powerful desire to forget about work tomorrow and enjoy music for what it is.

 

Madness Fan - Photo by Ed Jacobs Photography

 

For me, this weekend has alway been significant for the Notting Hill Carnival. For years I would spend my bank holiday Sunday and Monday wandering around the street of West London, taking in the sweets sights, smells and sounds of the caribbean. Today was different. Today I found myself heading down to the leafy and spacious surrounds of Clapham Common for the Madness headlined ‘House of Common’.

 

This appealed to me, for even if I was missing out on my jerk chicken, goat curry and cans of Red Stripe, I would be getting, for the first time, to see a band that has always been one of my guilty pleasures. You see I spent my time at school “smashing up the woodwork tools” while humming along to the catchy notes of ska and new wave that these veterans of the 70s and 80s proudly blared out. Madness was to be supported by a variety of reggae, ska, hip-hop and grime acts.

 

Lee 'Scratch' Perry - Photo by Ed Jacobs Photography

 

Four years ago they helped open the London Olympics. They brought the mellow tones of 'our house' to

the assembled audience of the entire world amidst a vision of a welcoming city.

 

Four years later and the messages of that night continue to hold true. London is still the global capital that is was and music is still what makes us great, but things have changed. Do we still have the heady optimism of 2012 or has it been replaced by something a little darker and realistic? I hoped that perhaps seeing this band that has stuck to the same routine would be comforting, delivering that nostalgic quality that in our dark and dangerous world is ever more appealing.

 

So what is Madness? Is it just a nostalgic throwback to a simpler time when the multi ethnic tones of a gang of guys from Camden Town, or is it something deeper?  A reminder that the Britain we live in is no longer the one they played to, but rather one shaped by that very era. Well I was set to find out, but there were other artists to take in too.

 

First up, Toots and the Maytals delivered classic reggae to a crowd elevated by the hot sun shining down. The juxtaposition between the setting and the music was noticeable, with the latter closer to Kingston-upon-Thames than Jamaica. There was the weird vibe of a  quietness of a crowd unsure of how act. Fans of reggae everywhere, but few willing to let loose. Camera phones and tattoos were on show, but this felt more like a cultural exchange than a happy marriage between audience and artists.

 

Toots & The Maytalls - Photo by Ed Jacobs Photography

 

Before I had a chance to ponder this further, we were dashing to the second stage to take in Ms Dynamite.

From the lofty climes of Archway, this world famous singer and entertainer was one of the highlights of the supporting acts – whose names were so small below ‘Madness’ on the billing, that corrective eyewear was needed to read clearly. She blasted off with her eponymous track followed up with an increasingly heavy set bringing in a blend of the urban rhythms of hip-hop, grime and UK garage.  A crowd of all ages and personalities were going crazy for the heavy beats.

 

Ms Dynamite - Photo by Ed Jacobs Photography

 

Next on the stage was Mike Skinner & Murkage. The temperature was rising and this was an indisputably London sound. Echoes of Streets fame, were mixed enthusiastically with a more a more edgy feel. As balloons were punched back between the stage and crowd, everyone was jumping in sweaty unison. We ducked out for chilled cans of cider, and bumped into a very friendly Ms Dynamite backstage.

 

David Rodigan was the final act before Madness on the main stage. ‘Girl I want to Make You Sweat’ was the first track, with the audience now feeling the love and singing in unison. The Marley classics continued with ‘The Sun is Shining’ appropriately dropped on the crowd as the sun finally went down. Good vibrations were in play and the atmosphere couldn't fit middle class suburbia any better as Rodigan exclaimed that all were welcome "if you love the original sound of Jamaica", this was the intro to Jimmy Cliff’s ‘Wonderful World Beautiful People’ that gave way in seconds to ‘You Can Get it if you Really Want’. The performance was fast food reggae. Loud, plentiful, very quick and really very satisfying. Delivered song by song like reggae reggae sauce in pill form, it gives people from all over the country a taste of something exotic.

 

David Rodigan MBE - Photo by Ed Jacobs Photography

 

Walking out of back-stage we were knocked into by a guy in a West ham shirt screaming "I want to see mike Skinner now"! Only seconds later we heard that at the last moment the Madness team had decided they wanted no photographers (or cider drinking writers) in the enclosure for their headline set. Somewhat shocked and disappointed we were in an Uber not long later.

 

Tomorrow is a workday and real life resumes. Until then, the laid back rhythms of London Town and its proud Caribbean heritage offer a real escape from the humdrum of life in this very same city. So in truth, I can’t tell you the meaning of madness but I can say that ‘House of Common’ was a fairly good place to get away from it.    

 

Photos © Ed Jacobs, words by Adam Michael Jenner

www.edjacobsphotography.co.uk

Instagram: @EdJacobsPhotography

Leeds Festival 2016 Review

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Leeds Festival 2016.

Leeds Festival is personally my favourite festival of the year. Having one of the greatest lineups covering every single aspect of music, Reading & Leeds always delivers and still holds the title in my books as the best live music event. This year we had headliners and co. headliners, Fall Out Boy with Biffy Clyro, Foals with Disclosure, with the final day being an American rock classic, Red Hot Chili Peppers.

After the down pour of rain which occurred on the Thursday it meant that the arena could almost have been mistaken for Download Festival. Rivers upon lakes of mud and dirt meant that unless you had wellies then it was likely that your feet would not last the weekend. Still, the weather did very little to less then mood of the people as a majority if them, despite the lack of sunshine still paraded in shorts, vests and occasionally the odd pair of flip flops.

FRIDAY:

To start the day main stage opened with the American Pop Punk band, State Champs who came all the way from Albany, New York to play for their first time at Reading and Leeds. With their most recent album ‘Around The World and Back’ being released in 2015, and their huge growing fanbase, meant that their set drew a relatively large crowd for an opening act. Playing some of their top hits such as ‘Secrets’ and ‘All you are is history’, the loud and energetic music meant that the crowd were on their feet dancing and jumping from the start.

(Above: State Champs)

Another pop rock band which was an act not to miss this Friday at Leeds were Waterparks who again were another band from America, this time Austin Texas. With their quirky charm and sweet talking lead singer, they were definitely a bunch of characters who like to have fun. Having recently finished Warped Tour in America, their popularity has also been on the increase with their frequent media coverage in a lot of the most popular music magazines such as Kerrang and Rock Sound. These guys will definitely be an act to catch, but with no tour dates as of yet in the UK, if you happen to be from American they will be touring with the bands Sleeping with Sirens, Tonight Alive and State Champs, who all played Reading and Leeds this weekend in the End of Madness tour this November in America.

Leading on to Tonight Alive who were noticeably higher on the bill this year on the NME/Radio 1 Stage. Also having been on Warped Tour and recently realising their album ‘Limitless’ earlier this year, the Australian rock band produced an outstanding performance. Their lead singer Jenna McDougall who I had the pleasure of meeting briefly in the press area shortly after their set said it was “amazing to be back” since their previous performance on main stage back in 2014.

 

(Above: Tonight Alive)

As it got to later in the day, the mud was still  holding strong and but luckily the weather was clearing up. One act who has been hugely gaining popularity in the British music scene, known for his huge impact on the Grime scene who I have worked with and become friends with was Big Narstie. Originally known for his comedy and Youtube sketches, Narstie grew in the Grime industry and now with the huge collaboration with Craig David on his single ‘When the Bassline Drops’, it was definitely going to be a huge act.

One of the most anticipated acts of the evening, other than the co headliners, Fall Out Boy and Biffy Clyro, The 1975 were the next biggest band playing that evening. And undoubtably the did not disappoint. With their huge stage presence and beautiful stage setup with digital cityscapes, the band were not one to miss. Performing from their new album ‘I like it when you sleep…’ as well as their 2013 self titled album, the Manchester based band enticed the crowd who were on their feet singing along and dancing like crazy to the overly energetic and charismatic lead singer Matt Healy.

 

(Above: The 1975)

Then it was time for the huge co headlining acts, which personally were my favourite headliners out of the weekend. Fall Out Boy had been on the verge of a split back in 2010 and took a break for several years until their surprise reformation back in 2013 with their album “Save Rock and Roll’. Since then they have produced another huge selling album which meant that they thoroughly deserved that top headliner spot. I could see the love and the energy in the crowd as they performed some of their true classics such as ‘This ain’t a scene, it’s an arms race’ as well as new songs such as ‘Uma Thurman’. I have never seen a crowd be brought closer together by a love for a huge and somewhat nostalgic performance. With some people describing their performance as a resemblance to a ‘Motley Crüe’ set their wild use of dancers and firework displays could be the reasoning behind that. After a number of energetic songs, Patrick Stump chose to use the middle of his set to take it back to some of their slower songs, whilst also using their single ‘Save Rock and Roll’ which originally featured the vocals of Elton John was used to pay tribute to the death of David Bowie.

For the final act of the night, I can honestly say that I have never been moved by such an outstanding and emotionally provoking set from witnessing Biffy Clyro. Whilst I can say I was perviously apprehensive about their performance, I was hugely mistaken to believe there was any hint of doubt as they were one of the best acts I have seen live in my entire life. With their recent release of their new album ‘Ellipsis’ back in July, it was no doubt why they were given the headline slot. With their aggressive and reckless stage presence they played songs from their 2009 album, ‘Only Revolutions’ such as ‘Bubbles’ and ‘Captain’ it was ‘Many Of Horror’ which brought me as well as many of the crowd to tears as their music brought chills. Unbeatably the best act to finish a perfect first day at Leeds Festival.

SATURDAY:

To begin the second day of the festival, main stage opened up to Frank Turner. Now being his 10th consecutive year at Reading and Leeds Festival, it is almost like his second family. Bringing me and a lot of my recently found festival friends who include other photographers, journalists and radio presenters, Frank Turner was a very special act for me to watch. HIs energy and motivation to wake up the crowd with is rock and alternative music meant that it was the perfect way to start the second day at Leeds.

With more acts covering across all genres of the festival, we had comedy from the Russell Howard, dance music from Hannah Wants, the heavier rock music of Asking Alexandria and Crossfaith as well as electronic synth music of acts Crystal Castles, Chvrches and headliner, Disclosure.

 

(Above: Crystal Castles)

Following Frank Turner, Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes were next to play the main stage. Considering their angsty reputation and crazy crowds even Frank had himself saying “they probably won’t let [him] play main stage again”. With attempts to create a circle pit around the sound desk and throwing a GoPro into the crowd to film their fans, the Rattlesnakes definitely woke up and quickly removed the lingering hangover everyone had from the night before.
If they weren’t crazy enough, nothing compared to the set of Die Antwoord. If you haven’t head of this crazy duo, they recently appeared in the film Chappie and also accused the new Suicide Squad film for stealing their image. Ninja and Yolandi Visser definitely had the crowd questioning their performance as they had one of the weirdest and strangest sets of the weekend.

 

(Above: Die Antwoord)

Saturday was definitely the day for the more obscure and wacky acts. Heading over to The Pit stage I managed to catch Crossfaith, a Japanese heavy rock act whose heaving bass and eccentric guitar playing meant that mud was being kicked around by the crowd left right and centre in the many mosh pits.

One of the most anticipated acts which were performing on the NME/Radio 1 Stage on Saturday were the multiple chart holders Twenty One Pilots. The american duo have been around for a few years in the alternative rock music scene but recently drew huge popularity by featuring on the new Suicide Squad soundtrack with their song ‘Heathens’. Their performance didn’t fail to impress with their seemingly dark stage presence and heavy bass and drums. There have bee rumours that the dark duo will be returning to the UK soon which will be a gig you do not want to miss.

To follow this already excellent act we had the duo Diplo and Skrillex who performed in their collaborative stage Jack Ü. Never have I seen the tent so full. The crowd were bursting out the sides of the already huge tent desperate to hear the popular act. Performing many of their own individual songs such as ‘Cinema’ by Skrillex, they also played covers as well as hit tracks ‘Where Are you Now’ featuring Justin Bieber, and a new song which will be released soon.

 

Headliners on the Saturday were Foals and Disclosure. Foals brought the rock element to the relatively electronic lineup, once again drawing a huge crowd which only grew bigger for Disclosure. The electronic duo have been playing their fair share of festivals across the world have flown up the bill to reach the headlining spot after gaining increasing popularity over the last few years.

SUNDAY

With the festival on it’s last legs with the amount of mud reaching far above the ankles, the crowds still had high spirits which only grew as the clouds started to disappear and the sun started to shine. Starting off the day with Fatherson, the folk rock band was a warming wake up.

Just like Y Not Festival, if there was one band which I had to see, it was HECK*. Since I reviewed Y Not, Matt Reynolds leg is now fully healed which means their set was ten times as crazy. Scaling the scaffolding, kicking over amps and throwing just about everything that could be found on stage they once again did not disappoint.

After this there was a mysteriously long gap between Heck and the following act Milk Teeth, and this could only mean one thing, a secret set. It was unsure who was going to fill this slot from the start of the weekend but since the news was let out the previous day at Reading Festival, it was announced that the set will be filled by the British rock band, You Me At Six. After just releasing their new single ‘Night People’ only a few days ago, it was a surprise that no one could guess this before. After photographing and watching acts such as Milk Teeth and Vant, to which Vant have been announced to support You Me At Six on their upcoming tour, it was clear that even though the festival was drawing to a close on its last day that spirits were still high.

 

The next act which really stood out was Jack Garratt. The solo artist had the stage presence of twenty men, with his huge drum setup and almost spider-like lighting setup surrounding him, he performed with huge confidence and drew a crowd which echoed his songs almost just as loud right back to him. You could see by the look on his face that it was an incredible experience for him as well as the crowd which stood in front of him.

Headlining on the final day of Leeds festival was the classic rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Whilst their setlist seemed to be more of a great ‘Californiacation’ and ‘By The Way’.

With an amazing end to the weekend, Red Hot Chili Peppers definitely energised the crowd. However, i’m sure Reading Festival had an even crazier Sunday with the closing set of Biffy Clyro. The Chili Peppers were an act which every generation could enjoy. We had teenagers climbing the ice cream van to get a better view of the miraculous stage design and the slightly older generation rocking out. It has definitely been an incredible weekend which a lot of people will remember, and the memories and stories from the weekend will be taken back home with them along with copious amounts of mud stains on just about every item of clothing they own. 

Photos and review by Jade Hill.

 

 

Line-up for Jagerhaus Announced for Bestival

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We’re delighted to announce that the Jägerhaus is destined to return to Bestival 2016. One of the most futuristic designs you’ll encounter on your festival travels, this year’s line-up is a thirst-quenching smorgasbord of advanced sonic sorcery taking in earth-quaking bass, skanking beats and mellifluous marvels.

A much anticipated live set from genre-resistant duo Maribou State tops the Jägerhaus’s Magic Meadow-based manoeuvres, plus they will have DJ sets from liquid DnB wizards Fred V & Grafix and Hacienda legend Greg Wilson, plus live reggae action from Stylo G x Jacob Plant.

Keeping you refreshed through the weekend there will be more live music from the likes of Theme Park, Boxed In, Trim, Elderbrook, Postaal, Raye, Bad Sounds, Pictish Trail, Virus Syndicate, Aldous RH, Loose Meat, NYTCLUB and 808INK.

And don’t miss DJ sets from Lemmy Ashton, M.A.X, Dirty Freud, Data 3, The Sultan presents JägerHaus Closing Party, Paolo Di Liberto, Ton Dis Up!, Simon Singleton, Deja Bruh, Pepper, JägerHaus Sunday Sessions, Top Rankin' Sound System and the Haus DJs who will be tearing it up long into the night.

V Festival 2016 Review

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This summer has been something of a festival adventure for me. From the Valencian coast to the Garden of England, I’ve experienced a whole mixture of music, workshops, performers, and events, but V Festival is by far the biggest festival yet, and definitely the most commercial. The style of the festival has definitely changed since it’s conception 21 years ago. Although Kaiser Chiefs took the MTV stage, and Jake Bugg played a beautifully executed set of Country Rock and Roll on Sunday, the presence of typical rock, indie bands or simple singer-songwriters seemed almost banished from the premises, different from the days when Kasabian, Paul Weller and the Courteeners would take the stage. The festival this year boasted iconic pop headliners instead, with Justin Bieber taking the Saturday slot in Hylands park and Rihanna closing the Chelmsford site on Sunday, their 90,000 people capacity can definitely be seen packed across the various stages.

 

 

V Festival is one of the main chapters of the British festival season. It’s increasingly popular, features a lot of various stalls from sponsors, and a tonne of fairground rides. For a festival this size there are only two campsites, which though both incredibly large, are meticulously separated at ticket purchasing. When buying a V festival ticket You can choose to camp in either red or yellow, and if you have friends in another campsite or make some there who happen to have chosen differently, too bad, the security will probably bite your head off for suggesting you pay them a visit. This being said, the campsites themselves are pretty well organised, lit and have their own food vendors to satisfy their chosen ones, not to mention your fellow neighbours are friendly enough. Contrary to many rumours of tent burning, I saw absolutely no mindless violence or foul behaviour, but maybe that's because they were all in yellow camp, so I guess I’ll never know.

 

V is technically only a two-day festival, but with the vast majority of punters arriving on the Friday, the Arena is open, which at this point fairly clean, and the Radio 1/MTV stage showcased the likes of the incredible DJ EZ and Eric Prydz, who although had an incredible light show, played a set perhaps a bit too house inspired, and the silent disco is open until 1am to subdue the crowds and simultaneously adhere to the residential sound level of the Chelmsford area.

Smirnoff House

Saturday rolled around, and boasted a whole load of dance acts, such as the Smirnoff house stage, where Tinie Tempah’s DJ (if you could call him that) somehow wowed the crowds with his repetitive mix of hits. On the live music front, however, Rick Astley made a comeback with an incredible live performance. A big turnout and lots of fun, he threw in a cover of Mark Ronson’s Uptown Funk before ending his set with his beloved classic Never Gonna Give You Up, he certainly didn’t let us down. Also on the MTV stage, John Newman blew away expectations with new track Olé, as well as some classics and his Rudimental beginnings, also throwing in a surprising lone acoustic song written only a week previous, and performed for the first time on that stage. Emotional messages for loved ones graced the lyrics of the song, and although widely unexpected, it was a touching moment in an otherwise jam-packed show. Saturday also saw the likes of pop princesses Jess Glynne and Zara Larsson play, as well as the actual Tinie Tempah, and the elusive Sia’s strangely captivating stage show, which although fifteen minutes late was incredibly entertaining.

Performers at Sia

But really we need to talk about Justin. Rumours about a cancelled set were floating around on the Friday, and when he took the stage Saturday evening it was clear to see why. Looking desperately hungover, and clinging onto signs of life in his various backup dancers, any energy was almost non-existent and he’s half-hearted miming to about half the set was not fully appreciated by the crowd. This, paired with the fact he kept treating the whole show as another stop on the Purpose world tour; and calling the crowd ‘London’ over and over again, made for a pretty disappointing set, but I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, advise him to take an Alka-Seltzer next time and put it down to illness.

Justin Bieber

One thing that V festival has upped it’s game on is the food vendors around and inside the arena. After some freshly ground coffee, a chicken Caesar Salad with soft poached eggs and (my favourite) a four-cheese Mac N Cheese topped with Jerk Chicken, I can safely conclude you will be able to find something amazing to eat, which you’re going to need to keep you going as you power walking through the absolutely massive festival site.

Sunday came around even quicker than expected and brought with it a lot of more guilty pleasures. All Saints made their reunion on the main stage, and my childhood was made in the few minutes it took them to perform Never Ever and Pure Shores. Following on the Girl Band theme of the day, Little Mix also took the main stage, though opening with Salute and rocking khaki leotards, took a very Destiny’s Child turn, which, alongside a bubbly, high energy stage presence, worked for them massively, as well as bringing Lethal Bizzle on stage with them, driving their fans wild. The main stage also saw the likes of Travis, which though nostalgically fun, didn’t really fit with the other artists, and Example, who seemed to be experiencing some technological issues around his sound, but was fun to watch all the same.

All Saints

Little Mix

 

Over on the MTV stage, Big Sean brought the fire and got the crowd going, ending with his signature ‘I don’t F**k with you’ – a big favourite among the Adidas, flower garland-wearing crowd. Katy B also hit the MTV stage, performing a few of her old tracks, as well as some new ones. Jake Bugg played the MTV stage shortly after, which although backed up by only a band, some simple lights and a colourful backdrop, blew the smaller crowd away with his faultless voice and mesmerising lyrics. David Guetta was the second to last act on the mainstage, just before Bad Gal RiRi herself closed the festival, taking inspiration from the art deco style of the 80’s with her stage show, and seemingly channelling Michael Jackson from beyond the grave, she gave a show-stopping performance. A set which combined the Dirty Diana/ Billie Jean styled tunes of ANTI – Desperado and Love on the Brain amongst my favourites, alongside a lot of fan favourites, including a medley of Run This Town, Live Your Life, and Love The Way You Lie. Although the mass amount of crowd around us were rather uninteresting and seemed content at watching the show through a smartphone, her voice, performance and crowd-pleasing setlist was enough to make us move and put the biggest, guiltiest smile on my face.

 

Big Sean

The crowd and general atmosphere of the whole festival was pretty boring, a lot of the festival goers seemed a lot more interested in their image than the acts, which was a bit of a first for me. Because the Lineup at V is so commercial, you don’t really get to stumble across many new bands or acts, as I’ve been lucky enough to do at other, smaller festivals. The smaller stages boost either DJs, already established artists or other acts such as comedy – which although enjoyable – doesn’t scream the festival atmosphere I enjoy. Where I appreciate that  V is one of the most expensive of the British festivals and therefore needs to pack in a crowd-pleasing list, it's lineup is actually pretty small, and doesn’t hold nearly as many artists as one of its main rivals, say Reading + Leeds, who still manage to support and showcase new bands.

I knew from the get-go that V wasn’t exactly my cup of tea, and with this in mind, I did still have a great time. It’s sheer size and sponsorship means that they get some big names, and they know how to accommodate them, the stage show for each performance fairly mesmerising and well planned. There’s also a fair amount of things to see and do (provided you’re willing to pay) but if as long as you like the music, walking, camping, and are adamant that you want to be surrounded by like-minded Instagram happy crowds, then V is the one for you, and you will definitely have fun.

Sundown Festival 2016 Preview

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The countdown is on to Sundown Festival 2016 in what is becoming renowned as the music happening to see out the last rays of the summer season.

With a third stage added at the Norwich venue for this year, there are more acts, more music and more choice.

An easy vibe, friendly crowd and variety are key in this urban, dance, pop and drum n bass mix and this year is no exception.

Warming up on Friday night is the big top campers party with Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard, best known for presenting his show Dance Anthems, which kicks off proceedings with stomping tunes until the small hours.

The festival proper begins on Saturday with a headliner classic of  Chase & Status after main players including chart topper Jess Glynne, UK rapper Kano, British rap favourite Dizzee Rascal, future pop sensation Becky Hill and respected British rapper and politically motivated icon Ms Dynamite, 

The Defected in the House stage includes Sonny Fodera, Sam Divine and DISKT while over in the UKF stage are mash up legend Jaguar Skills, reggae DJ pioneer David Rodigan, My Nu Leng and MC Dread.

Sunday fires off in all directions in the musical maelstrom that is Sundown with a main stage headliner of Jason Derulo. He takes to the stage after acts including Years and Years, grime duo Krept and Kronan, breakthorugh X factor star Fleur East and Sigala Live.

Over at the second tent the stage is set today by global dance brand Ministry of Sound with headliner Amine Edge and Dance, Redlight, Blonde and Low Steppa among the acts.

The third tent on Sunday becomes the drum n bass arena with crowd pleaser Wilkinson, Friction, the ever popular Goldie, Warning favourite Hazard, Dimension, Dillinja and Culture Shock.

Alongside it all throw in some fairground rides, stalls and a crowd that never feels overwhelmingly large making it both a perfect season closer for die hard festival fans or the ideal place for teenagers to cut their teeth in a safe and manageable sized festival world.

Either way, enjoy. The line up is randomly eclectic – but is sure to keep those dancing feet happy all weekend.

TICKETS: Sundown Festival 2016 is from Friday September 2 to Sunday 4. Tickets start at £46.75 for a day pass up to £121 for a weekend pass with camping at the Norfolk Showground venue. 

Even more acts announced for Bestival!

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The clock is ticking and The Future is very nearly here. With just over two weeks until Bestival 2016’s psychedelic adventures begin we give you even more amazing musical greats who will take you on wild, harmonic excursions and keep you reaching for the lasers long into the night at the greatest party on the planet this September on the Isle of Wight.

Rob da Bank says: “The Future is fast approaching and I’m super-excited about all the new explorers who will be joining us on our journey into the unknown. From dance music legend and big Sunday Best favourite Joe Smooth and sublime selector Jaguar Skills, to hot tips Ashworth, Kid Canaveral and Nimmo there’s a little bit of something for everyone, just the way we like it!” 

Ensuring dancefloor devastation of a truly futuristic kind, we are delighted to announce that super-beat ninja Jaguar Skills will be stepping up to the ones and twos at Robin Hill for a trademark tear up that is destined to take us to a new dimension in space and time. We’ll also have performances from musical polymath Ashworth, our old muckers Bugged Out with their Little Bugger, seductive sonic types Cirque Du Soul, classic house legend Joe Smooth, wigged-out wonder Justin Robertson Scottish alt-poppers Kid Canaveral, infectious disco divas Nimmo, Chicago don Roy Davis Jr, genre-skirting trio Strong Asian Mothers and vowel-phobic punks SWMRS.

 

Don’t miss Manchester rave legends A Man Called Adam, Canadian folk troubadour Aidan Knight, slick pop siblings Ardyn, Strobewax co-founder Bobby O’Donnell and Oxford’s own Burt Cope. And expect to be blown away by CC Smugglers, Deaf by Disco, DJ GG, Dr Sid, Ella and the Blisters, Feeling Gloomy’s Bowie Tribute, Full Nelson, Ghettospheric, Graceland, Greg’s Greats, Ian Void, Idiot Savant, Jay-L and Jules and Lisa.

Plus, there will be even more sonic marauding from the likes of Kaf-Tan, Kemback, Lucy Cait, Martin Davies, Miss Chameleon, Mojo Filter, Nick Gabriel, Noble Jacks, Not Saffron, Pete Kosanovich, Rev Milo Speedwagon, Roy Davis Jr, Stevie Wonderland, Tasty Lopez & Karistocat, The Beau Bow Belles, The Black Kat Boppers, The Caulfield Beats, The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing, The Shellac Collective, The Tom Seals Band, Thomas Urv, Timo Garcia, Tom Colborn, Tony Tunes, Uncle Junior, Vote Pedro, Vula Viel and Ziriguidum Samba Band.

Booking your place at Bestival couldn’t be easier with our amazing £25 deposit scheme. For just £25 (plus booking fee) you can secure your Bestival ticket at Phase Three prices now.

Pay the balance by 1st September and join us we venture into The Future with headline sets from Major Lazer, The Cure, Sean Paul & Wiz Khalifa and even more amazing music from Bastille, Years & Years, Katy B, Hot Chip, Carl Cox, Diplo, Fatboy Slim, Skepta, Craig David & so much more!

And, if you’re having trouble persuading your friends to come along to our luminous dreamworld, dial Rob da Bank’s Decision line now on 0845 388 BEST (0845 388 2378) for just 5p plus your standard rate per minute, and let the man himself twist their arms.

Bestival announces Caravanserai lineup

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As the summer sun beats down on Robin Hill, the wagon train of Monsieur Bateman’s incomparable masterpiece Caravanserai has made its way to Bestival’s Stardust field and a rendezvous with The Future. An arcadia of vintage caravans, wurlitzers, object d’art and alchemy, helmed by the inimitable Continental Drifts, Caravanserai is a cocktail-fuelled carousal of curiosity filled with eye-popping delights, raucous gypsy-bathed lilts and brass-powered beats, making it an unmissable stop on your date with destiny this September 8-11 on the Isle of Wight.

Rob da Bank says: “Caravanserai is without doubt one of the most incredible things you’ll ever come across at a festival anywhere in the world. Distilling the essence of merrymaking through the ages to create something truly futuristic and astounding, all topped off with delicious cocktails, this one should be at the top of your to do list”.

In time-honoured tradition Caravanserai will be a melange of madness and music both live and deejayed, featuring fevered enchantments from Budzillus, Cut Capers, Daytoner, Dejavoodoo, DJ Chris Tofu, DJ High Daniels, DJ Kosta Kostov, DJ Penny Metal, Forest of Fools, Immigrant Swing, Lee Bruck, and Madame Electrifie.

Plus, there will be outlandish expressionism from Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, New York Brass Band, Oh My God! It's The Church, Owen Penrice, Rumpsteppers, Samuel Wulf & Lso, Seas of Mirth, The Balkanoes, The Ska Vengers, Thrill Collins, Transylvania and WBBL. 

But that’s not all, adding an air of sorcery and wonder to proceedings Cirque Bijou will present Cirqueserai, an aerial, acrobatic pageant of the preposterous that is sure to blow your minds!

And don’t forget, you can book your place at Bestival with our amazing £25 deposit scheme. For just £25 plus your booking fee you can secure your Bestival ticket at Phase Three prices now.

Pay the balance by 1st September and join us we venture into The Future with headline sets from Major Lazer, The Cure, Sean Paul & Wiz Khalifa and even more amazing music from Bastille, Years & Years, Katy B, Hot Chip, Carl Cox, Diplo, Fatboy Slim, Skepta, Craig David & so much more!

Moondance Festival full lineup announced

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Bringing festival season to a close Found Series mark the end of summer with one final blow out at Moondance Festival on Sunday 18th September 2016. Tickets are flying out for the Sunday all-dayer so dust off your raving shoes and look back over twenty years of rave culture with a likeminded, unified cross-generational crew.
 
A celebration of Britain's iconic rave culture, Moondance Festival will be the first of it's kind to take place in an equally iconic British setting. East London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will set the scene for a retrospective, old skool reunion as Moondance celebrates its 21st birthday. Harking back to the traditional Sunday sessions synonymous with early UK raves, Hopkins's Field in the north of the Park opens up to celebrate rave scene instigators and its musical evolution. Curated to bring dancers from all walks of life, the full line-up boasts a smorgasbord of sounds, shining a spotlight on 20 years of rave across 9 stages the best in old skool, drum and bass, garage, house, jungle and grime.
 
The final announcement sees Moondance Festival welcoming pioneers of the culture, adding stalwarts of the scene to the previously announced Mainstage, alongside fresh new Arena additions, which come the form of Arena 7 and Arena 8, championing urban sounds and upfront house respectively alongside House FM's VIP Arena. 
 
Bringing over 20 years of bass music, the Mainstage welcomes breakbeat legends The Freestylers with a live performance, featuring original artists MC Sir Real, Valerie M and Navigator MC. Matt Jam Lamont also joins the bill. A firm Found Series favourite and a scene kingpin, his sets are a journey throughout the UK Dance Scene, from it's earliest inception through to its current evolution. European house comes courtesy of Italian act Livin' Joy. Famed for carving out a space in the rave scene with 90's classic 'Dreamer', Livin Joy, will be joined on the Mainstage by Luzahnn, with a live performance. Brixton born and bred, former Kiss FM host Rob Blake, will bring the club classic and old skool house vibes to the main stage of the festival.
 
Some other exciting news just announced, United Festival returns to co-host the main stage: Following the success at Finsbury Park and the road-block tie up for Love Rave NYE, United once again link up with Moondance to bring London's biggest celebration of rave culture.
 
The Relentless Arena 7 showcases the artists behind the grass-roots sounds of Grime, Garage and Bass. Acclaimed rapper Chipmunk will headline the stage performing his famed live act which saw him shoot to fame, collecting multiple awards from MOBO, Urban Music Awards and many more along the way. With over 6 years of radio shows, urban music night Jamz and label Butterz under their best East London grime duo Elijah and Skilliam bring the best of the genre to the festival. Longstanding British DJ and Producer Zed Bias, known for his pioneering delivery of UK Garage and broken beat, swaps dark club rooms for open air at Moondance. Jammz and Big Zuu will perform live, with additional actsKlose One, Amy Becker, Silas and Snare, Kruel Intentions, Liam D and Lee Freeland & Tony Parsons rounding up the bass fuelled line-up set to surge throughout Arena 7.
 
Arena 8, the love-child of Found's own Analog and Stush, long-standing purveyors of raves, offers dancers the space to embrace classic, no-frills house music all-day-long. Gaining recognition from BBC Radio 1, DJ Mag and Defected to name but a few, DJ SKT, will headline the collaborative stage. One for the dancers and the house heads, the headliner's set embodies his penchant for classic house, most notable through previous remix work for the likes of legendary house label Strictly Rhythm, as well as Kontor and New State.
 
Audio Rehab founder, Mark Radford joins DJ SKT, flexing his undeniable ability to transform a dancefloor, injecting it with an energy only made possible through years of selection and involvement in the early acid-house, rave and jungle scenes. Sam Supplier, fellow Rinse FM host will also play Arena 8, bringing true rave energy, a unique force owed to the tacit knowledge earned hosting pirate radio, parties and raves over the years.
 
Analog and Stush also play host to Tom Zanetti & KO Kane, Booker T, Sy Sez, DJ S, Aluku Rebels, PSR and Snoops.
 
With over 180 acts playing across 9 stages of music, Moondance Festival at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park will be London's biggest celebration of rave culture in 2016.
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FULL LINEUP:
 
MOONDANCE & UNITED MAIN STAGE
THE FREESTYLERS LIVE FEAT. MC SIR REAL, VALERIE M, NAVIGATOR MC
TODD TERRY 
JOEY BELTRAM 
A GUY CALLED GERALD LIVE (EVOLUTION OF DANCE MUSIC) 
MATT JAM LAMONT
ALTERN8 LIVE
GENERAL LEVY LIVE
LIVIN JOY FEAT. LUZAHNN LIVE 
ANGIE BROWN LIVE (BIZARRE INC)
CHANNEL ONE SOUND SYSTEM
RATPACK VS SL2 LIVE 
DJ PHANTASY WITH SKIBADEE & SHABBA D
ROB BLAKE 
TWISTA & TRIX
ACID BROTHERS
ARENA 2 – GARAGE NATION (GARAGE)
ELIZABETH TROY (LIVE)
VAPOUR MC (LIVE)
SPECIAL MC (LIVE)
ARTFUL DODGER VS DJ LUCK AND MC NEAT 
OXIDE & NEUTRINO
FOUNDATION (STICKY & SCOTT GARCIA)
MIKE DELINQUENT
DJ CARTIER
JASON KAYE
RAMSEY & FEN
JUNIOR BUZZ
DJ LISTENER 
 
MCS VIPER, CREED, B LIVE, RANKING, CKP, KIE, LOKSIBOY
ARENA 3 – BREAKIN SCIENCE (DRUM & BASS)
ED RUSH & OPTICAL
HAMILTON & FRANKEE (RAM RECORDS SHOWCASE)
MAMPI SWIFT
SUB ZERO 
SHADOW DEMON COALITION (SLY, TRIGGA, BASSMAN)
NEW BREED CREW (MAJISTRATE, LOGAN D, EKSMAN, EVIL B, FATMAN D, HERBZIE)
U.N.C.Z (RUFFSTUFF, FUNSTA, HARRY SHOTTA & DREPS)
GUV & TURNO 
INTER
SLB & BOYLAN 
TERRY M & KEZMAN 

MCS EKSMAN, EVIL B, SKIBADEE, GQ, IC3, HARRY SHOTTA, BASSMAN, TRIGGA, FUNSTA, STORMIN, FATMAN D, HERBZIE, DREPS, GRIMA, AZZA, DEEFA, FUNKTION

ARENA 4 – EPIDEMIK (OLD SKOOL & JUNGLE)
FABIO & GROOVERIDER WITH MC MC
SHUT UP & DANCE SHOWCASE FEAT. RAGGA TWINS & PETER BOUNCER 
DJ SY
SLIPMATT
BILLY DANIEL BUNTER
UNCLE DUGS & NICKY BLACKMARKET 
DJ SENSE
MR X & VINYL VERA
DAN REWIND & GENETIC
LISA DIZZY BLONDE & BONNIE BLAZE
JOHNNY B & SOCIAL LOGIC 
PARKER & REMIXX
 
MCS MC MC, RAGGA TWINS, CHARLIE B, SKIBADEE, WHIZZKID, SHABBA D, FIVE ALIVE, FEARLESS, BLACKA, CUTTER, EXPRESS, RIBS
ARNEA 5 – JUNGLE MANIA x ROAST (JUNGLE)
CONGO NATTY FEAT. CONGO DUBZ
DILLINJA & RANDALL 
GROOVERIDER
MICKY FINN
DJ RON 
KENNY KEN
BROCKIE 
BRYAN G & JUMPIN JACK FROST
SHIMON (CLASSICS SET)
 DR S GACHET & ASHATACK
 REDLOCK
 MCS GQ, SKIBADEE, FEARLESS, IC3, DET, RAGGA TWINS, MOOSE, FLUX, EXPRESS
 
ARENA 6 – PROMISED LAND (CLASSIC HOUSE)
 FAST EDDIE (LIVE PA & DJ SET)
ALISON LIMERICK LIVE
 MARSHALL JEFFERSON
 NICKY HOLLOWAY
 TERRY FARLEY
 BRANDON BLOCK & ALEX P
 HUCK FINN
 PHILGOOD & RAM
 ARKOSS
 EZM
 
ARENA 7 – RELENTLESS (GRIME, GARAGE & BASS)
CHIPMUNK LIVE
ELIJAH & SKILLIAM
ZED BIAS
JAMMZ LIVE
BIG ZUU LIVE
KLOSE ONE
AMY BECKER
SILAS & SNARE
KRUEL INTENTIONS
LIAM D
LEE FREELAND & TONY PARSONS
ARENA 8 – ANALOG & STUSH (Upfront House)
DJ S.K.T
MARK RADFORD
SAM SUPPLIER
TOM ZANETTI & KO KANE
BOOKER T
SY SEZ
DJ S
ALUKU REBELS
PSR
SNOOPS
 
VIP ARENA – HOSTED BY HOUSE FM
 
Over 70% tickets sold. Final remaining tickets available at: moondancefestival.co.uk

Talking Teriyaki, Musical Influences and Googleability at Leefest with Get Inuit.

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Indie-rock, dirty pop, lo-fi garage sounds, these days it’s getting harder and harder to characterise a good band – something the guys of Get Inuit find slightly hard to do themselves. Described as dirty pop, I asked Ollie and James, two of the boys in the band, about how they would choose to label their own sound.

‘I guess we would say it’s poppy, dirty pop. People tend to shy away from that term and lean towards indie or rock, but I think our songs are quite catchy and they do quite fit the genre, we describe it as a dirty guitar pop.’

 

When asked about their influences, the answer was just as mismatched. ‘As a band we have a lot of different influences, which I think is good, it comes through the music and gives us our sound. We’re all fans of the American grunge rock scene, bands like Nirvana and Sonic Youth, but we also differ on a lot of bands as well, bands like the Beach Boys, and also really cheesy bubblegum pop, guilty pleasures like Katy Perry.’ The band adopt a similar carefree attitude when it comes to the meaning behind the band name. 'It's kind of a joke, it came to the point where we just wanted something that was going to come up on google. I don't know how we actually settled on it. ​It's like a play on get into it, but it's actually in an episode of Spaced. It was Jamie's [lead singer] fault really, blame him.'

 

After being together for about two and a half years now (on their watch) it’s just in the past twelve months that they’ve really perfected that ‘fine-tuned fuzz’ sound they now execute so beautifully in their live shows. Riding the wave alongside bands such as Spring Kings, Vant and The Magic Gang, the band have certainly had a lot of up’s this year, which doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. They’ve just finished a tour with Spring Kings before the start of festival season, and are now tearing up the summer; stage after stage. With an electrifying, energetic show at Leefest, making myself a true convert, a Friday slot at Reading Festival, and an upcoming tour starting October with old friends Spring Kings, the boys have a lot to look forward to.

‘That will be a pretty big one [on the Spring Kings tour] much bigger than the one we just left, we’re playing much bigger venues, we’ve got KoKo in London as well as a couple of academies, so that’s going to be fun to play, plus the guys from Spring Kings are so lovely, so it should be a really good tour, we’re looking forward to it.’

 

Leefest itself showed the kind of hype the band is getting. Though a tiny festival tucked away in the Garden of England, it’s clear the southeast is Get Inuit’s home turf, the amount of merch floating around and buzz around their set shows the band is definitely headed in the right direction, even though they stay humble and a little surprised when asked about it.

 

This weekend is a big one for the band, as it sees the pre-release of ‘Teriyaki,’ their electrifying new single. Catchy, but with a rocky, distorted edge, Teriyaki is an intense track. Bursting with energy that’s reminiscent of their live shows, the guitar and drum work compliments each other perfectly, and songwriter/lead singer Jamie delivers on a lyrically mesmerising pop-chorus, that will have you singing ‘I can’t remember who I was before’ way after the song has finished. Listen to it here via Soundcloud before it’s official digital release on September 2nd.

 

Preorder Teriyaki now, set for release on September 2nd and limited edition 7" on September 30th via Unlabel.  
 

 

With a list of dates lasting well into October, I fully recommend catching these boys live. With support from DIY, NME and Gigwise to name a few, I’m sure these lovely, joking lads are going to go from strength to strength, so see them before their shows sell out.

 

AUG

26  Reading – Reading Festival

27  Brighton – 234 Festival

 

SEP

3   Hertfordshire – Wilkestock

4   Portmeirion – Festival No 6

10  Guildford – Always The Sun Festival

23  Canterbury – Penny Theatre

 

OCT

1   Southsea – Southsea Fest

10  Edinburgh – Electric Circus **

11  Glasgow – Stereo **

12  Newcastle – O2 Academy 2 **

14  Manchester – Academy 2 **

15  Sheffield – Plug **

16  Leeds – Wardrobe **

17  Lincoln – Platform (Headline show)

18  Birmingham – Institute 3 **

20  Stoke – Sugarmill *

21  Coventry – Kasbah (Headline Show)

22  Nottingham – Rescue Rooms *

23  Oxford – O2 Academy 2 *

26  Bristol – Thekla ***

27  Brighton – Concorde 2 ***

28  London – Koko ***

 

Follow, Get Inuit:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetInuit

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GetInuit

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/get_inuit/

YouTube: http://bit.ly/GetInuitYT

Vevo: http://bit.ly/GetInuitVevo

 

Words: Ella Guthrie.