Twenty-five years ago Hugh Masekela put forth an idea to Paul Simon to tour the ‘Graceland’ album with an array of South African musicians, including Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba and 10-man vocal team Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Now for the first time in 25 years, Paul Simon will be joined by original ‘Graceland’ musicians to bring the show back to the UK at Hard Rock Calling in London’s Hyde Park.
The groundbreaking world-pop masterpiece ‘Graceland’ generated three hit singles, a five-year tour, Grammy Awards for best album and best record andsales of over 14 million copies.
Rob da Bank says: “I can’t believe how much amazing stuff there is to do at Camp Bestival this year! From bouncy castles to UV bubble bikes and beyond you won’t know which way to turn but you’ll never run out of fun!”
There really is so much to do at Camp Bestival you’ll be spoilt rotten for choice every single day. Some of the major highlights of this year’s 100s of Free Things for Kids include:
1. Camp Bestival Panto – we’re thrilled to be presenting our first ever panto; ‘Beauti and the Beast of Lulworth Castle’. 2. Comedy Club 4 Kids – Otter-ly fantastic comedy just for the kids! 3. Daemon or Doppelganger? – The brilliant clay self-portrait workshops return to Camp Bestival for the fourth year to give you a wonderful mucky time! Get your hands dirty and let your imagination run free with the clay, you never know what might appear… surprise yourself! 4. Dick and Dom – we can’t wait for the mainstage return of those loveable rogues Dick and Dom with their own special brand of madcap mayhem. 5. Mr Tumble – The return of the legend. 6. English National Ballet Workshops – Coming to Camp Bestival for the fourth year running, with a once-in-a-life-time opportunity to learn from the masters. 7. Freestyle Sports Park – Expect awesome demonstrations from some of the finest extreme sports stars around and try your hand while you’re there. 8. Fantastic Mr Fox Opera – An exclusive performance of Roald Dahl’s classic tale. 9. Gideon Reeling present 'The Number 1 Seed' – an interactive theatre show weaving in you, the audience, every step of the way. 10. Kid Carpet & the Noisy Animals show – Lo-fi electro-pop purveyor Kids Carpet has swapped his normal live show for the enchanting adventures of gorilla, bear, hedgehog and badger as they make friends, cause mischief, contemplate the world and finally rock out at the grand dance contest. 11. Medieval Jousting – No castle is complete without its own Knights so we’re thrilled that the Knights of Lulworth Castle will be demonstrating their awe inspiring jousting. 12. Rob da Bank’s Music Club – Situated next to the Sports Park, The Rob da Bank’s Music Club Tent will be offering workshops and demos from our trusty volunteers and a host of celebrity DJs and Band members – all eager to show you their tricks of the trade. 13. Roundhouse Street Variety Show – Featuring music, street dance, comedy, circus and theatre treats galore. 14. Silly Sportsday with the Lost & Found Bluecoats – Our favourite professional wallies, Lost & Found, will be leading our Silly Sportsday action at Camp Bestival this year. 15. Singalong with Shrek, Fiona and Donkey from Shrek the Musical – Following their hugely popular fairy tale debut at Lulworth Castle last year, Shrek and Princess Fiona from Shrek The Musical are making a spectacular return! 16. Square Peg Circus present Rime – Square Peg, seen last year in the Little Big Top, will be gracing us with their spectacular new outdoor show. 17. Stefan Gates – The Gastronaut – Renowned for his love of extraordinary food, Stefan (award winning BBC presenter and writer) will be demonstrating his fantastic gastronomical stunts in the Little Big Top. 18. The Bopps – Mischievous duo The Bopps are the masters of slapstick comedy and music for the nippers, but mums and dads might recognise Stan Cullimore, who was a founder of pop group the Housemartins! 19. The Gruffalo Live – The Gruffalo Live show is back by unprecedented demand, with a magical theatrical adventure on Sunday morning on the Castle Stage. 20. Truth About Youth – This year Oval House’s Truth About Youth London will be bringing their bus of tricks to Camp Bestival. As well as performances of Bussin’ it, their site specific show set over both floors of a double-decker bus, they will be running improvisation sessions, workshops on devising, script writing and dance. 21. Videopia – an interactive movie making activity that casts, shoots and screens DIY tributes to Hollywood classics. Step aboard the vintage Bedford horsebox for the full silver screen treatment. Grab some co-stars, pick your favourite film and get suited and booted before acting your socks off in front of the camera. 22. Wall of Death – Hold onto your hats! Joining us for the first time at Camp B this summer are the daredevil Hell Riders and their Wall of Death! 23. Wookey Hole Circus – Wookey Hole Circus are all under the age of 18 and are an unbelievably gifted bunch making their Camp Bestival debut in 2012! From magic tricks, to cloud swing, aerial silk performances, unicycling, juggling and balancing acts, these youngsters will wow you with their fast, fun and furious antics. 24. Watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony on a big screen – Catch the Olympics opening ceremony in all its glory. 25. Fireworks Finale – The captivatingly coruscating joy of the Fireworks Finale on Sunday night has to be seen to be believed. 26. Art Cannons 27. Baby play area 28. Ball pools 29. Balloon sculpture workshops 30. Being 747 show 31. BMX-ing 32. Bouncy Castle 33. Bread making with Young British Foodies 34. Camp Bestival Giant Orchestra 35. Camp Bestival Kids Chorus 36. Campfire singalongs 37. Campfire stories 38. Cardboard castle Building 39. Children's Go-karts 40. Circus workshops 41. Colour Makes You Happy 42. Colouring in with Rosie Flo 43. David Gatward author 44. Decorate a cupcake 45. Diddi Dance workshops 46. Dingly Dell playpark 47. Dingly Dell trail at night 48. DJ workshops 49. Dressing Up Catwalk 50. Face Painting 51. Fancy dress competition 52. Fancy Dress Parade 53. Fidget installation 54. Fish for rubber ducks 55. Flag making 56. Fun Kids Radio 57. Giant games 58. Howard Marks reading kids stories 59. Insect Circus 60. Jellicle Cats 61. Juggling 62. Kawa Circus 63. Kids Author signings in Berewolf Books 64. Kids films 65. Knitting tent 66. Lerryn Korda stories 67. Lost & Found games 68. Mask-making 69. Matt Whyman stories 70. Maypole Dancing 71. Mazy’s Art Club 72. Mini-football 73. Morris Dancing 74. Mural art 75. Music workshops 76. Ollie Mealing _ Magician 77. Parcour /Street Running 78. Piano playing 79. Pimp My Trolley 80. Play with the Fire & Water tree 81. Puppet show 82. Sandpits 83. Silly Science 84. Skateboarding 85. Soft Play area 86. Soul Park kids area 87. Stilt-walking 88. Swing dance classes 89. Tate and the Great British Art Debate 90. The Adventurers Club show 91. The Bare Knuckle Dance Battle – Old Skool Vs. New Skool Grudge Match 92. The Big Love Inflatable Church 93. The Funky Little Choir workshops and performance 94. The Jiving Lindy Hoppers 95. The Roundhouse Poetry Collective 96. Toddler's Play Area 97. Trace-a-face 98. Trapeze acts 99. Truth About Youth teenage workshops 100. UV Bubble making bicycles
For all those at Latitude who are looking for late night fun and games the i Arena is the place to be this year. On Friday evening revellers can party the night away to the best dancehall sounds, courtesy of popular party crew The Heatwave, who will be bringing a little bit of Notting Hill Carnival to Suffolk. Crowds will be rum drunk and raving with the wickedest performers, scandalous dancers and plenty of banging bashment anthems.
On Saturday night the party continues with a live set from Mancunian Skittles, whose brand of breakstep, garage and electronica has been receiving lots of love from the likes of Mary Anne Hobbs and Toddla T. Legendary DJ Shy FX will also be rolling out the tunes, expect a flawless set jam packed full of classic jungle and drum ‘n’ bass cuts, plus everything else in between. Don’t miss out on a party with one of the original pioneers of the scene!
For any Latitude festival goers who don’t ever want the fun to stop, newcomer Tuesday Born is on hand to keep the party alive until the small hours of Monday morning. The 21 year old Londoner will be causing a stir with his fresh and exciting mix of African influenced rhythms and ethereal electronic jams. BBC Radio 1 DJ Mosca will be powering the dance floor with a set drawing on influences far and wide – expect the hottest tracks from the worlds of dancehall, grime, bashment, garage and house. Joining them is George Fitzgerald, who will be hitting the decks on Sunday evening. The London beatsmith and head of the ManMakeMusic imprint is racking up the fans for his distinctive dubstep, techno and house productions and is a formidable DJ to boot. The perfect end to what promises to be an amazing weekend in the i Arena!
Other areas of the festival will also be hosting a selection of the best DJs and electronic acts to keep the crowds entertained. In The Woods have already lined up DJs Goldierocks, Norman Jay and Fat Camp for a party like no other under the cover of the woods. Over on The Lake Stage Friday evening will feature Latitude favourites Huw Stephens and Moshi Moshi DJs, on Saturday Gareth Porter takes to the decks and rounding up the weekend on the Sunday evening will be all-girl DJ group the Vinyl Vendettas spinning the tunes as the sun slips away. Finally if cutting-edge electronic music is your bag, sets from Apparat, Walls, Dub Boy and The Field will all keep you dancing late into the night… see you there!
A late English wonder goal by Danny Welbeck had the moods high and the expectations tipping to riotous proportions when The Garage opened its doors to a Subsonic Live event headlined by Chew Lips on Friday evening.
First on set were electro pop duo, I am Camera, who combined seductive sway and powerful vocals with brilliant synths and psychedelic lights to leave the audience trapped in a void of feel good trance.
London four-piece outfit Fiction were to follow, offering rebellious instrumental combinations, piercing vocals, and a penchant for having a good time on stage creating music which the crowd was clearly enjoying. They ended with a song called ‘parakeet’, which was an orchestral crescendo of sorts for headlining act Chew Lips.
As the momentum of the evening gained and the venue filled up Chew Lips was the perfect pinnacle for the final live act. A set oozing with energy and indie pop personality had even the most hardened wallflowers nodding their heads and shuffling their feet.
The evening was a true testament to Subsonic, which aims to showcase the very best emerging musical talent and was rounded off fantastically by DJ sets that played into the early hours of the morning.
With a host of the biggest and best live artists and DJs that spans the electronic music spectrum, the line-up reads like a who’s who of stadium stars, up and coming UK talent, world-beating DJ’s and industry insiders’ tips alongside some of the most exciting promoters out there.
FRIDAY 27th JULY
Storming the Main Stage on Friday is chart-topping, Brit superstar, Tinie Tempah, bringing a typically energy-fuelled and explosive all-new live show to kick-start proceedings. A firm favourite with the Global crowds, he’ll be supported by one of the most sought-after DJs and producers in the world, Afrojack, and the man with one of the most unique voices in the business, Maverick Sabre (Live). Grime MC Dot Rotten and Micky Slim ft Majestic are also in support.
International phenomenon, Armin van Buuren brings A State of Trance, the most popular trance radio show in the world, to GlobalGathering this summer to host an exclusive arena on Friday night. A festival first, the show will be broadcast LIVE to millions of listeners worldwide – with GlobalGathering once again providing the freshest festival experience to the dance music masses. AVB also welcomes Markus Schulz, Aly & Fila, W&W and more.
Also on Friday night, the UKF Bass Culture arena brings the biggest bass bangers to the largest indoor arena on site. Under the atmospheric cover of canvas, man of the moment Skrillex returns to GlobalGathering following a breakthrough set that was a highlight of the 2011 festival, taking to the stage with his almighty pioneering live show the spaceship that recently wowed the crowds at Coachella and The Grammys. Knife Party, Zane Lowe, Jaguar Skills, Feed Me and more will continue keep the basslines pumping throughout the arena, and be joined by a very special guest performance from Andy C with his new live show Alive.
Friday at Global also features the first ever Visionquest as well as, Rinse, Electric and House arenas featuring the likes of Magnetic Man, Annie Mac , Steve Aoki, Nicky Romero and Art Department.,
SATURDAY 28th JULY
Back by popular demand following an unbelievable headline set in the Metropolis Arena at 2011’s festival, pioneering bass kings Chase & Status (Live) headline Saturday’s Main Stage. Joining them will be samba-tastic indie-ravers Friendly Fires (Live), plus chart-topping producer Labrinth (Live) as well as DJ Fresh Presents Fresh/Live, The Japanese Popstars and Major Look.
Saturday sees the return of the Metropolis arena teaming up with drum & bass label Digital Soundboy in 2012 to bring the best of the UK underground scene to the fore. Nero (Live) are joined by GlobalGathering favourites Sub Focus (Live), Modestep, Flux Pavilion and many more DJs and MCs, who’ll ensure the drops just keep on coming.
For the full line-up and info on who’ll be playing Godskitchen, Global, Hospitality, House,Toolroom Knights and Ec-lectricity Arenas on Saturday, go to: globalgathering.com/2012/line-up
VIP
Building on the success of last year’s revamped site and epic new areas, GlobalGathering is pleased to announce that the VIP ticket offering at this year’s festival is set to take the experience to a whole new level.
Providing guests with access to the ultimate clubber’s playground and a completely new audiovisual festival experience is the best VIP area GlobalGathering has ever seen. 2012 sees the introduction of a plane crash site theme, ensuring the sanctuary that is the VIP Fields and the party hub, the VIP Woods, perfectly compliment Long Marston Airfield’s aeronautical heritage.
Next to the VIP campsite and entered through a tunnel of windsocks, the VIP Fields are a place to relax, recharge, socialise and enjoy the delicious range of food and drink on offer throughout the weekend. With a Global Impact plane crash theme, the Fields will be dominated by the cockpit of a plane and feature chill-out areas including seating booths created out of graffiti covered cargo boxes, cargo net nests, specially adapted tyres and the Global Reclaim suitcase tunnel.
Tucked away between the VIP Fields and the main festival action are the more intimate VIP Woods. The Global Airways Hangar will dominate GlobalGathering’s very own enchanted forest, which truly comes alive at night. An incredible two story structure styled as a retro airplane hangar, the ground level will host a nightclub where VIP DJ’s and surprise guests will ensure it’s the hottest, most exclusive spot on site. Upstairs, the VIP Pilot’s Lounge will host a chillout area whilst outside, The Good Life zone will be filled with hammocks for revellers who prefer their R&R under fairy lit tries.
The VIP Woods will also invite guests to explore the secret pathways that take them to hidden gems including The Enchanted Garden, an oversized tropical oasis and the Mad Aviator’s Tea Party, featuring a long dining table doused in colourful lighting and seating area (magic teapots not included).
R’n’B star Alexandra Burke will be performing at Hyde Park and Victoria Park on Thursday 2 August as part of London’s biggest FREE celebration of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Also added to the bill is soul sensation Rebecca Ferguson, who will be performing at Hyde Park on Tuesday 31 July, Scottish songstress Amy Macdonald, who will be at Hyde Park on Friday 3 August, and Canadian singer Alyssa Reid, who will be performing at Hyde Park and Victoria Park on Sunday 5 August.
Since winning The X Factor in 2008 Alexandra Burke has become a multi-record selling pop R’n’B artist. The British star had her first hit, reaching Christmas no.1 back in 2008, with ‘Hallelujah’ and has gone onto become one of the leading female artists in the UK. Following the release of her platinum selling track ‘Bad Boys’ (2009) and recent hit single ‘Elephant’ (Feb 2012), Alexandra’s eagerly awaited second album Heartbreak on Hold was released this month.
Another former X Factor star to join the bill, Rebecca Ferguson won the hearts and votes of millions of viewers as runner-up in the seventh series of the show in 2010. Famed for her soulful and amazingly powerful voice, the songstress from Liverpool has gone on produce top 10 hit single ‘Nothings Real But Love’ and has co-written her debut album Heaven (released in December 2011). The album received high praise and glowing reviews from critics and fans alike, charting at No.3 in the UK and has just recently made onto the Billboard 100 in the US.
Amy Macdonald shot to fame in 2007 with the release of her debut album This is The Life, an album that sold over three million copies, with the single track charting No.1 in over six different countries. Now one of Europe’s biggest selling singer-songwriters, Amy has played to over half million fans and has had phenomenal success across the globe. Amy’s third album Life in a Beautiful Light was released on 11 June.
Canadian singer / songwriter Alyssa Reid shot to fame after a YouTube video of her singing a Justin Bieber track went viral, and was soondiscovered by her record label. In February 2012, Alyssa’s debut hit single ‘Alone Again’ (featuring P. Reign), sampling Heart’s ‘Alone’, reached No.2 in the UK Official Chart.
BT London Live Hyde Park and Victoria Park has something for everyone, from live music to watching the 100 metres final on a 160m2 screen, the 55m high BTObservation Wheel in Victoria Park giving views of the Olympic Park, have-a-go sports, plus al-fresco Sports Bars and much more. A great line up of artists has already been announced, they include: Tom Jones, McFly, The Feeling, Feeder, Dodgy, The Levellers, Cast, Amy Macdonald, Paul Carrack Kenny Thomas and the cast of ‘We Will Rock You’. For updates and details of days they are performing go to: www.btlondonlive.com
BT London Live is also hosting two Celebration Concerts in Hyde Park to coincide with the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Snow Patrol,Stereophonics, Duran Duran and Paolo Nutini will perform at the Opening Ceremony Celebration Concert on Friday 27
July, whilst Blur will headline the Closing Ceremony Celebration Concert on Sunday 12 August, withspecial guests Bombay Bicycle Club, New Order and The Specials. No one willmiss the excitement as all the action from the Olympic Park will be beamed into BT London Live. For tickets and more information go to www.btlondonlive.com.
Sunset Strip is bigger and bolder than any T in the Park campsite entertainment zone ever before, and will be fuelling the festival fun and hosting top notch performances throughout the 4-day weekend in three incredible entertainment areas – the relocated Slam Tent, all-newCabaret Club and the Sunset Club.
Festival goers can witness something truly spectacular in the Sunset Club. Describing themselves as Quentin Tarantino directing Cirque Du Soleil, Dr Haze & the Circus of Horrors have toured the world gaining cult status. Dragging circus screaming and shouting into the 21st century and beyond and featuring some of the world’s most bizarre and extraordinary performers, an incredible show at T in the Park is guaranteed. Performance collective Bearded Kitten are a huge hit with festival fans, and return toT inthe Park to host an opening extravaganza on the Thursday night, as well as a variety of entertainment throughout the festival weekend. Expect live comperes, DJs, visuals games, stage dancers, a Movie Mash-up Party like no other, and loads and loads of energy.
Ken Fox Troupe’sWall of Death bring their exhilarating, world famous daredevil motorcycle stunts to Sunset Strip for the first time. Featuring skilful performers who ride vintage Indian motorcycles around an 18ft high cylindrical wall with heart-stopping panache, this thrillingly visceral, unmissable show will surprise and amaze the crowds, who can view the gravity-defying stunts from a viewing platform at the top of the wall.
It’s safe to say that the Sunset Strip sets a whole new standard for festival campsite entertainment, as well as being uniquely set up to allow the day-trippers to join in too!
THURSDAY: Campers are in for a fun-filled night on Thursday 5th July in Sunset Strip. Open from 3pm, there will be a whole host of entertainment kicking off the party weekend. From the allure of cabaret, burlesque and comedy in the Cabaret Club, to the sounds of the Sub Club DJ’s at the all-new Captain Morgan’s Spiced Shack, through to the banging beats in the Slam Tent and the entertainment in the sizzling new Sunset Club, there’s something for everyone. The Sunset Club will be home to a wide variety of entertainment including the Smiffy’s Fancy Dress Friday Disco, Bearded Kitten, Roman Nose DJ’s, Third Door DJ’s, Dr Haze & the Circus of Horrors and more.
Mixed Bizness bring a handpicked selection of some of Glasgow's very best club nights to the Slam Tent on Thursday, all celebrated for their diversity, unique sound and reputation for getting the party started. Heading the bill (10pm – 12am) areJackmaster and Spencer from the NMBRS crew, international tastemakers and leaders of the Scottish electronic music scene. Mixed Bizness' Boom Monk Ben plays his last ever Scottish DJ set, bringing his bass fuelled party styles to the floor one last time (8-10pm). Vitamins (6-8pm) and Deadly Rhythm (3-6pm) have established themselves as two of Glasgow's most talked about collectives over the last 2 years and will get the floor moving and the pulses racing on Thursday night before the advertised Slam Tentbill kicks in from Friday afternoon.
For campers that want a more chilled start to their long weekend, the Thursday open-air Campsite Cinema returns with some comedy classics creating fun and laughter into the night, showing The Inbetweeners Movie, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Step Brothers, voted for by the fans.
FRIDAY: Campers can savour Sunset Strip from 9am Friday, until the Main Arena gates open at 4pm. Campers will now access the arena from Sunset Strip. From 4pm Friday,Sunset Strip will provide fun for all, day ticket holders included. Day trippers can enjoySunset Strip until the Main Arena entertainment stops at midnight, after which the area will remain open for campers to party on until 2am.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY:Sunset Strip will continue to be a dual party zone opening from 9am for campers and 11.30am for day trippers. Again, this area will continue on into the night until 2am for campers with various forms of entertainment available whether T in the Parkers want to dance until the early hours or soak up some late night comedy and cabaret. All day trippers must be at their departure points for returning home no later than 1am.
The all-new Cabaret Club will bring a glitteringly diverse programme of cabaret, burlesque and comedy entertainment to tantalise the taste buds and tickle the fancy of the 85,000 festivalgoers per day that will spend the weekend of a lifetime at T in the Park 2012, over 6-8th July.
Summer Break is not your ordinary festival. It’s advertised as being a 96 hour long party, and that’s not far from what week 1 delivered. Unlike your average festival, except for the few that have chosen the camping option, there’s no tent pitching to be done, but rather collecting the keys for your static caravan. By festival standards, this is pure luxury living with all the facilities you could want. You can definitely see why the site is referred to as the ‘student village’ with a real feel of uni halls.
After everyone had settled into their new homes for the week, it wasn’t long before the fancy dress started, along with the music and drinking. And of course the drinking games! This was followed by a short walk to the on-site club, known for the week as ‘Sundown Field’. This first night had a real union club night feel with most people in fancy dress and starting to make new friends among this big group of students.
The following morning, once everyone had soothed their hangovers a little, it was time to head to Fistral Beach. The weather was glorious with bright sunshine – the ideal weather to enjoy Summer Break’s own area of the beach. With DJ sets on the beach throughout the day and many games of football and volleyball and a sandcastle building competition. And of course a trip to Fistral Beach wouldn’t be complete without some surfing, swimming and skimboarding. Most students had signed up to take advantage of the bus transfers on offer, which provided an easy way to travel between the holiday park and the beach.
The buses took on a whole new atmosphere when it came to the evening. The second night took place at Sailors nightclub in Newquay town centre. Having enjoyed pre-drinks and plenty of drinking games in caravans throughout the early evening, everyone on the buses was really excited for the night ahead and there was a lot of singing and chanting! Sailors nightclub was packed and everyone had an amazing night with DJ sets from Urban Knights, Jaymo & Andy George and the week’s special guest DJ, Mr Hudson. The crowd went absolutely wild for Mr Hudson with the dancefloor packed during his set. Everyone had an excellent night partying through to around 3am before getting on the bus back to the campsite.
The next day was another trip on the buses down to Fistral Beach for even wilder beach antics. These included beer can races, pegs on faces competitions, blind sack races and marshmallow eating competitions. And of course, with another day of wonderful sunshine, there was more surfing and splashing around down on the beach as well as rugby, Frisbee and cricket.
That night’s activities took place at another popular Newquay club, Bertie’s. With MC Majestic pumping everyone up all night, the atmosphere was great. The nights DJs were also great including sets from Jakwob, R3wire and Cutline.
On day three, the weather took a bit of a turn and we woke up to rain. This put a bit of a stop to the planned activities on the beach, which should have included bikinis contests, ‘Mr and Mrs Summer Beach’ and a tug-of-war. No-one seemed too bothered by this downturn though, almost welcoming the opportunity to have a slightly more chilled day relaxing in their caravans and soothing their sunburn.
By evening though, everyone was ready to make the most of their final night, which took place on-site at the Sundown Field. The club was roasting hot, but everyone was still pumped up and ready to party. The atmosphere built up more and more with sets from lots of DJs including Urban Knights building up to a highly energetic set from Kissy Sell Out and MC Cobra to finish the night off.
Overall, the first week of Summer Break was filled with lots of crazy antics both on-site at the ‘student village’, at Fistral Beach and at the clubs in town, with many people living up to the ’96 hour party people’ motto! Rather than a traditional festival feel, Summer Break is more like a large scale student holiday with crazy beach days and energetic party evenings!
Headliners, the Friendly Fires closed Saturday night at the 10th year anniversary of Lovebox, playing to a packed field who had decended on the main arena on a day where the sun shined and the rain held off until the very end of the day.
Playing tracking from there 2011 album 'Pala' and their self titled album, frontman Ed Macfarlane took the crowd on a journey through their biggest tracks including 'Lovesick', 'Live Those Days Tonight' and closed out with 'Paris' before they returned for an encore of 'Hawaiian Air' and 'Kiss of Life'. Macfarlane's presence on stage is electric, his ecentric dance moves get quite the reaction of the crowd and the high energy of the performance keeps the majority of the crowd there right till the very end.
Lovebox founders, Groove Armada was my pick of the day. Playing an epic one time only full show, Groove Armada sent the Lovebox massive on a trip through memory lane with tracks such as 'My Friend', 'Superstylin' and 'I See You Baby'. Complete with CO2 cannons exploding out of the front of the stage, Groove Armada showed how Lovebox has progressed from being a club residendcy night to a full blown festival weekender.
On the second stage Rita Ora was smashing out her hits 'Hot Right Now', 'R.I.P' and her latest single 'Party and Bullsh*t'. Kelis also come to the party to keep the second stage arena packed with notable tracks like her collaboration with Calvin Harris 'Bounce', and massive hit 'Milkshake'. Closing the second stage on Saturday night was German house duo Booka Shade with their live full stage setup. Their progressive house style had everyone on the second stage grooving as the sun set over Victoria Park.
Over in the Big Top, Hospitality Records had taken over the tent and it stayed packed whislst the likes of Netsky, Camo & Krooked, and High Contrast played electrifying body-shaking sets.
Complete with art displays, hula-hooping, a make-up tent and other wonderful things, Lovebox celebrated their 10th year anniversary in style, giving the festival goers enough diverse music and entertainment for everyone to enjoy.
Sunday will see the legendary Grace Jones, Chaka Khan, Lana Del Rey, Mika and more take to the stages on what promises to end another legendary year for Lovebox.
