Bestival 2015: Full Review!

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Thursday

As the early bird catches the proverbial worm, so to do the first campers snag the best spots. A stream of gear laden guys and gals is making its way into the campsites from all directions and the sun is luckily, shining. Nighttime on Thursday sees the early opening of a few areas, The Wishing Tree is available for tiny raves, the Grassy Hill’s Caravanserai is jumping, and Underworld take an absolutely rammed headline slot in The Big Top. It’s a bit of a shame there’s no longer a big screen on the outside of the tent, as it’s frankly impossible to fit everyone in, but those outside are still dancing their legs off to the likes of ‘Born Slippy’ regardless.

Underworld @ Bestival 2015

Friday

Friday’s Gabrielle Aplin brings beautiful summer vibes to the main stage dressed in a spangly gold sequined jumpsuit, whilst The Cuban Brothers’ Miguel rocks his “Elvis in Marrakech” kaftan and afro combo as Archerio, Kengo and One Erection wow the crowds with headspins, backflips and flares galore. Having had the entire crowd sing Happy 70th Birthday to Bestival veteran, and former drug baron Howard “Mr. Nice” Marks who dons a golden kaftan on stage, Miguel implores everyone to “Increase the peace with a collective unconscious”.

Up on the big hill, the Slow Motion area is a serene place to take a break, with the bandstand gone, a new stage – Kaleidoscope – peeks out from the bottom corner, covered in silver sunrays. Grab yourself a fresh corn-on-the-cob, a pint of Bestivale and maybe take part in some Yoga. Massages, tea and cake from the Women’s Institute or making friends with fluffy llamas is also on the menu here, and if you venture inside Oberon’s Observatory you’ll find a tiny cinema and a pretty awesome lookout across the festival. Though there are notably less children year upon year, the kids area is still going strong with games and activities, across the way from lectures and comedy in the Bestiversity tent. There truly is something for everyone here.

A sun drenched crowd is relaxing at the main stage listening to the powerful voice of the incredibly talented Lianne La Havas, who is dressed in a show-stopping green ball gown and is tantalizing everyone with news of her upcoming UK tour in December for new album ‘Blood’. Followed up by the complete juxtaposition of Charlie XCX who spends her entire set swearing and making crude gestures. Luckily her songs are catchy enough to make up for it, and everyone seems to be enjoying ‘I don’t Care (I Love It)’ and ‘Boom Clap’ whilst she jumps around with a giant inflatable guitar, in her platform sneakers.

90’s Hip Hop super-group Jurassic 5 bring the entertainment with a massive turntable, portable turntable/mixer guitar contraptions and their distinctive brand of swagger, but it’s Duran Duran who are the stand out surprise of the night. The younger age set at this festival might not think they know more than ‘Rio’ but the hits keep rolling, and they put on an absolutely epic show which has everyone joining in with both classic hits and brand new album tracks.

See our full Duran Duran headline review here: http:///Reviews/2015/09/12/Duran-Duran-Bestival-2015-Review.aspx

Duran Duran @ Bestival 2015

Saturday

If you’re not feeling so fresh this morning, a quick trip to the lavish Elle Beauty Cupboard in partnership with Rimmel will have you all dolled up with a makeover or a manicure, as well as a goodybag full of makeup and you can get your brain back on track with a stop at the Science tent, where you can pick up a pair of psychedelic solar glasses for watching the fireworks too. New this year is the giant Lovebot, and a new-look Inflatable Church for all your wedding-disco wishes.

Over on the main stage, Dodgy rock “Good Enough” and IOW locals Level 42 (with a cameo from Cubano’s One Erection breakdancing) play to a relaxed crowd. Little Dragon wears some sort of golden bin-bag with red evening gloves for a set of weird and wonderful sounds, and over in the Magic Meadow the parade is a swarm of bright silks and mysterious creatures. Colourful birds, adorable little strawberries and lotus flowers dance past, as a squid rides a giant turtle followed by a Battala band. Only at Bestival…

Secret act cheesy hip hop legends House of Pain are actually great and anthem 'Jump Around' is spectacularly taken to heart by Bestivalites who are doing their best to jump up, jump up and get down. Kate Tempest gathers a big crowd for her main stage foray, in previous years she’s usually a walk through the woods to the amphitheatre for her spoken word sets. With obvious excitement she quips “Jeremy Corbyn has been elected… this is the summer of change, the summer of love!” and a keen eye can spot Rob da Bank clapping in appreciation from the side of the stage.

In the deep dark of the night forest, the amphitheatre comes alive and tonight The Story Beast (comedian John Henry Falle) is MCing Films in the Forest. Award winning short ‘Jonah’ is beautifully made and captivates the audience but ‘Festevil’ is the one that’s really going to stick with you – what could be better than a slasher short about a couple getting murdered in a tent at a festival by pig-masked psychopaths? “Are you all suitably shitted up? That could happen to you tonight!” says Falle. Cheers Story Beast… no really thanks so much. Just as well he follows it up with a rousing rendition of the theme from Dune (join in, all the words are… THE THEME FROM DUNE) and Tom Hyatt brings beautiful acoustic flavours to the stage with his songs about love. We hot-foot it when the next movie ‘Behind the Candelabra’ comes on, but not quite quick enough to escape seeing Matt Damon fellate Michael Douglas.

Annie Mac is ripping it up on the main stage with glowing palm trees to match the glowing umbrellas and fairy lights of the neon night parade, and The Chemical Brothers’ headline slot is a laser loaded, big beat heavy, electrifying show with a slew of hits from opener ‘Hey Boy Hey girl’ to ‘Block Rockin Beats’ and ‘Galvanize’.

Check out our full Chemicals review here: http:///Reviews/2015/09/15/The-Chemical-Brothers-Bestival-2015-Review.aspx

The night is young and the weather is sort of holding, so it’s off to Future Islands in the Big Top to see enigmatic frontman Samuel T. Herring dance like he’s been tasered and growl like he’s in a metal band. Completely bonkers but light, fun synthpop. The Port is packed with ravers and fire-dancers spit flames from atop the giant boat. Arial hoop dancers swing hypnotically from a crane above, everything is just on the edge of surreal and it’s brilliant. For a little less bass, Caravanseri’s little love-in is dancing along to violin folk-rockers Keltrix, cosying up in retro caravans or drinking mojitos in the carousel.

Sunday

Despite an overnight soaking, the campsite awakens to a clear and sometimes sunny morning (hurrah!) and there’s a dawning realisation that there’s only one day left of hedonistic adventures. DJ Yoda’s unmistakable beats reverberate across the arena to a massive crowd, and there are major queues outside the packed Amphitheatre for the genius Shitfaced Shakespeare. The drunken cast member simply can’t be arsed with what’s going on and keeps having existential epiphanies like “News is new… news!”. Throughout the forest people are hiding out, watching red squirrels or exploring round the lake, or searching out the secretive Blind Tiger stage.

Jungle Brothers get everyone chanting “We at Bestival baby” as indeed we are and Boy Better know keep up with the distinctly hip hop flavor to this year’s main stage lineup. It’s not as though those who aren’t into it have nothing else to do though, Pig’s Big Ballroom is a house of energetic folk and feelgoodery and the close-by Invaders of the Future stage is showcasing a plethora of great rock bands.

Over on the Kaleidoscope stage, Coco and the Butterfields are absolutely smashing it, gathering a bigger and rowdier crowd as they play, one of the very best things about Bestival is happening upon something or someone amazing that you’ve never heard of, and finding this banjo-led upbeat band is just one of those moments. Elsewhere the Oxfam tent is selling sparkly wares and as the weather is looking decidedly unsafe, wellies. The Llamas at Llama Karma are happily munching their way through Robin Hill’s luscious grass and wearing some very fetching rainbow neckerchiefs, the Solace tent is providing tea and cake to burnt out hippies and there are bare bottoms basking in the wood-fired hot tubs overlooking the enormous site.

A rare musical treat in the form of The Jacksons has the entire arena boogying, but it’s worth mentioning that it’s not just a classic hit parade – these guys are every bit as good as they always were. Polished entertainers with cracking vocals, for the likes of ‘Blame it on the Boogie’, ‘Rock With You’ and ‘ABC’. Jermaine has a noticeable tear in his eye when the crowd joins in for ‘I’ll Be There’ as a montage of their younger selves play on split video screens. Over in the Big Top, Todd Terje is providing summery soft electro-house to a busy tent, which makes a change from the heavier Port acts.

Final headliner Missy Elliott is every bit as showy as you could imagine. Plenty of bling, an army of backing dancers and MC’s hyping up the crowd the whole way through. Hits ‘Get Ur Freak On’ and ‘Work It’ are absolutely huge.

Read our full Missy Elliott headline review here: http:///Reviews/2015/09/15/Missy-Elliott-Bestival-2015-Review.aspx

As Missy makes her way off stage, ticker tape explosions coincide with the start of the fireworks display, which is magically timed so that red heart-shaped fireworks burst to the chorus of “Love Is In The Air” to the oohs and aaahs of the crowd. The floral fire arrangement of the Commune is glittering away and everyone is hugging each other, it truly is the Summer of Love. Though the night isn’t over, the rain starts coming in hard and a lot of people are heading back to the campsites with the threat of early ferries and late hangovers in the morning. Skrillex is bouncing around at The Port with a few thousand pals, the Carnivale ship is still rocking tunes and the drag queens of Sink the Pink at The Grand Palace of Entertainment are still werking it hard.

This year’s Bestival has been home to some eighty thousand neo-hippies for the Summer of Love ’15 and it’s pretty hard to say goodbye to this beautiful, weird and wonderful land knowing full well that responsibility and the adult world is waiting beyond these borders. You can be sure we’ll be first on the early bird ticket bandwagon at the end of the month, and the countdown clock will be immediately set for Bestival 2016. Massive thanks to Rob da Bank and the Bestival crew for another incredible weekend, we can’t wait to see what’s next…

All photos by Rob Ball for Summer Festival Guide. See the full set here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/summerfestivalguide/albums/72157658440759892

 

Missy Elliott: Bestival 2015 Review

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There has been a distinctly hip hop vibe to this year’s Bestival, despite the ‘Summer of Love’ theme chosen and it seems sort of disconnected. However, there’s no denying that after a six-year hiatus from UK touring and as a complete UK 2015 exclusive, booking the queen of extravagance – Missy Elliott, is a big win for Rob Da Bank, having twice turned down his request to play before.

Despite the first drizzle of the weather-app doom forecast, the arena is absolutely rammed with people and as an obelisk-like frame is put in place on stage, the excitement is palpable. Dancers in disturbing white comedy and tragedy theatre masks add shimmering lycra panels to the frame and writhing hands extrude from within the box before the sides fall to reveal Missy, clad in a slick black tracksuit and trucker cap with her name emblazoned on it. Famed for her indulgence in all things bling, tonight is no exception as she wields a crystal encrusted microphone with a knuckleduster-esque ‘Ms E’ embellishment whilst providing the thrills for ‘I’m Really Hot’ and ‘Hot Boyz’.

It’s a little bit of a shame the music is so often halted by her fluffers yelling “She can’t hear you….” , us Brits aren’t really down with self-promotion like our American cousins, but Missy makes up for it in pure individual electricity and her b-boy dancers are absolutely incredible.

Rolling through hit after hit, the crowd is going mental, everywhere is a sea of hipsters attempting to krump and hunter-princesses trying some swagger but when Missy throws down ‘Get Ur Freak On’ and ‘Work It’ there’s not a single still body to be seen. A costume change later and it’s down to celebrating her dance crew for ‘Pass That Dutch’, and no, we couldn’t do the routine, we tried, it was deceptively difficult.

Yelling out “Hey UK I love you, I haven’t been here in a while but I love you, y’all like my cousins, y’all like family, is that ok?” Missy introduces artist Sharaya J for a song whilst she changes costume yet again. ‘Shake Your Pom Pom’ is particularly celebrated by the man in front of us dressed like a cheerleader, and some lucky fans at the front have their night/year made when Missy signs some Adidas sneakers to hand out.

A little bit of Ciara’s ‘1, 2 step’, and ‘Lose Control’ have everyone good and rowdy ready for the firework show, but it’s a bit of an abrupt ending as Missy yells “Thank you UK” and exits as the first rockets go off. The main stage headliner is never the very last thing happening at Bestival, as the other stages continue well into the small hours of Monday morning, but for a closer Missy Elliott is well and truly one of the most memorable acts Bestival has seen. Even if we aren’t remotely street enough to pull off a supafly silk tracksuit, we are so going online to look for one when we get home…

Photos by Rob Ball, see the full set here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/summerfestivalguide/albums/72157658440759892

The Chemical Brothers: Bestival 2015 Review

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Saturday night headliners The Chemical Brothers, have been long on the wish list for Best-goers having waited for their main stage return since 2007. With Bestival being the last hurrah of the UK festival season, early dark skies provide a perfect backdrop for the onslaught of blinding green lasers of opening number and iconic late 90’s track ‘Hey Boy Hey Girl’. Despite the lack of the famed saucy skeletons on the big screens, it’s a strong start for the dance duo and the arena is jumping.

The show is heavy with trippy images of clowns and dancers, strobe lighting and colour to make up for the fact that you are essentially watching two guys push some buttons and bob along to a future beat in their headphones, but it honestly looks like they are having a damn good time as they drop ‘GO’ alongside a visual of a glittery roller-dancer gliding about on screen. Standard as it might now be for a festival or arena tour, there is something exciting about smashing giant inflatable balls around the place when you’re swimming in the depths of the front barrier crowd, long live the gimmick!

Two huge red and blue animatronic robots walk on stage shooting happy ravers with their laser eyes, and a giant inside-out disco ball refracts spotlights into a million starry specks as the Chemicals close out with hits ‘Block Rockin’ Beats', ‘Push The Button’ and ‘Galvanize’. With a final flourish and an on-screen tribute to their sadly missed music producer Stuart Jammer James, who had also worked with a plethora of Bestival favourites such as New Order, Hot Chip and Grace Jones, the set is over. The Chemical Brothers were well worth the wait, and as the sweaty masses leave the arena for other areas with wide grins plastered on their faces, it’s clear they were a great headline pick.

Photos by Rob Ball, see the full set here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/summerfestivalguide/albums/72157658440759892

Butserfest 2015 Review

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Nearing its tenth year, Butserfest hit a new level last weekend. With acts ranging from the harmonious Lounge Kittens, to metal core Vanity Draws Blood, the biggest alcohol and drug free festival in the UK had something for everybody to enjoy.

The arrival to the festival began with a Wars and Vanity Draws Blood both drawing in the crowds as the momentum grew for the main stage to begin. With a little bit of rain from the beginning, it eventually grew brighter and brighter, bringing out the smiles and the friendly atmosphere. Being my first time at Butserfest I was constantly overhearing about previous years and how excited everyone was to be back!

Photo by Jade Hill

Once the acts started playing, the crowd’s energy grew stronger through every song. What I could gather from the festival was that size does not matter! With only two big stages, Main Stage and Crossroads Stage, the only other places to find music were the Introducing Stage and the Acoustic Shack located backstage for lucky festival goers.

As the day carried on the we saw sets from SHVPES who had previously played NASS and Y NOT Festival, with their crowds growing bigger for every festival. Since their show last week supporting Bring Me The Horizon in Kingston, these guys are growing at a rapid rate getting better with every performance. Other acts which have been growing increasingly popular were main stage acts The One Hundred and The Xcerts, two acts which drew in an excessively large crowd.

Photo by Jade Hill

Being a day festival, it meant that there was no time to waste, there was alwasy an act to see. With a few acts who I bumped into in conversation, I could tell how much they were enjoying and how much they would have loved it to have been a weekend event! I for one would also have enjoyed another two days in the beautiful location of Queen Elizabeth Country Park in Petersfield.

As the sun started to set, the music got louder and the crowds got more energetic. With excellent performances from Zoax, who's style and energy definitely took the unaware crowd by surprise. There were hats thown off heads, breaking of comfort zones and continuous laughter throughout the entire set – Zoax definitely knew how to draw a crowd in.

Photo by Jade Hill

With the sad news released a few days after Butserfest that Funeral For A Friend are finishing as a band, I was so glad I got to the chance to watch and photograph them on the day! Playing a mixture of old and new there was something for new fans and older fans.

Photo by Jade Hill

And then it came to the end of the night when the two headliners took to the stage! WIth HECK* (previously Baby Godzilla) taking to the Crossroads stage and Don Broco on Main stage, the night was definitely worth waiting for. Announced for Wapred Tour UK later this year, Heck have been taking festivals by storm this year, and Butserfest was no exception. Photographers like myself were not even allowed in the pit due to health and safety (even though the act would spend the majority of their time in the crowd anyway) and the act did not dissapoint! They were climbing the roof of the tent, running into the crowd, diving to the floor and throwing instruments in the air. If you missed it, you definitely missed out!

Finally it came to 9pm and Don Broco were about to start. With their recent release of thier new album 'Automatic' and their phenomenal set at Reading and Leeds Festival, these guys have taken this Summer by storm, and Butserfest was no exception. The crowd were kept on their feet, their energy had exploded as they opened their headline set. They played a mixture of older music from the album 'Priorities' as well as their most popular songs from the new album. Overall my experience at Butserfest was very enjoyable! Would highly recommend it for anyone! Looking forward to next year already!

On Blackheath 2015 Review

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With the festival season drawing to a close for another year, On Blackheath is a festival for families and music, art and food enthusiasts. Running for its second year, the line up was impressive, with Elbow and Manic Street Preachers performing on Saturday and Madness and Kelis on Sunday.

The festival was based in Dartmouth Field, Blackheath and consisted of 3 music stages as well as a variety of tasty food stalls, bars, street performers and a huge children’s area, with activities and shows families could enjoy as well as the impressive line up.

To kick things off, Saturday saw Kyle Riabko open the main stage, followed by BBC Introducing London winners, Venice Trip who won a spot on the line up this year, playing their first performance on a festival main stage.  Jack Savoretti also gave an amazing performance, with On Blackheath being one of his last UK shows for the year, he sang songs from is latest album ‘Written in Scars’ as well as known hits ‘Take Me Home’ ‘Sweet Hurt’ and ‘Home’.

The smaller stages saw a line up of up and coming artists, from a variety of genres, tailoring to everyone’s tastes; including, Hooton Tennis Club, Temples and 808 State. Summer Camp, Rivrs, Moth Trap, Greg Wilson and Tom Findlay from Groove Armada.

The Chef’s Club Banquet stage featured a number of chefs showcasing their best recipes. Chefs including Daniel Doherty, Natasha Corrett and Hemsley& Hemsley all made appearances and cooked to a small audience.

Manic Street Preachers were the first sub-headliners at this year’s festival and gave a memorable performance that had the whole festival singing to their hearts content. Opening their set with ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’, the band belted classics such as ‘Your Love Alone Is Not Enough’, ‘A Design For Life’, ‘You Stole The Sun From My Heart’ and ‘If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next’. The band did a fantastic job of warming the crowd up for the night’s headliners.

The much-anticipated Elbow closed on the Saturday, announcing that this performance was going to be their last for a while. The band made their last performance count and soon got the crowd going as the sun set and the end of the first day drew to a close. They sang their hits ‘One Day Like This’, ‘Grounds For Divorce’, ‘Lost Worker Bee’ and ‘My Sad Captains’.  The band rounded off the day perfectly and set the bar high for the second day performers.

On Sunday, On Blackheath seemed quieter than the previous day, but never the less people seemed excited and ready for the day’s events.  Ska band Chainska Brassika opened the main stage, followed by the cast of Sunny Afternoon, the hit new musical about the life of The Kinks.  The musical won 4 Olivier awards this year, so expectations were high and the cast really didn’t disappoint.  They played classic hits such as ‘You Really Got Me Going’, ‘Lola’ ‘This Time Tomorrow’ and ‘Sunny Afternoon’.  The audience got an extra special treat when The Kinks front man Ray Davies took to the stage to thank the cast and to introduce the song ‘Waterloo Sunset’.  The cast gave an amazing performance and were a real tribute to The Kinks.  Laura Mvula also gave an exhilarating and soulful set, performing hits such as ‘Green Garden’, ‘Like Morning Due’ and ‘She’.

The much-anticipated Kelis sub-headlined Sunday’s line up, as well as showcasing her culinary skills on the Chef’s Club Banquet stage.  After a late start, she graced the stage and performed all her hits including ‘Milkshake’, ‘Millionaire’, ‘Acapella’ and ‘Trick Me’, with backing jazz band, which gave her songs a unique soulful, jazz edge.  The change to the structure of her songs went down well with the audience, despite the risk and complimented Kelis’ talent well.

Other performances throughout the day included David Rodigan, Giles Peterson, The Reflex, Hannah Holland, The Mighty Cosmics, Brass Roots and Hollie Cook. The Chefs Club Banquet stage saw the likes of Tom and Henry Herbert, Andy McLeish and Calgary Avansino.

To close the day and festival Ska favorites, Madness took to the stage to give an energetic performance that the crowd had been eagerly awaiting all day.  The band performed classic hits ‘Our House’, ‘It Must Be Love’, ‘Embarrassment’, ‘Baggy Trousers’, ‘One Step Beyond’ and ‘House Of Fun’.  The crowd couldn’t help but sing along with Madness and dance the night away.

On Blackheath is the perfect family festival as it has something for everyone, with an eclectic line up, chefs showcasing their best recipes, delicious foods and plenty of entertainment for kids.  Although it’s only on its second year, the festival has managed to bag brilliant headliners to round off each day, as well as opportunities for up and coming musicians to showcase their talent.  Can’t wait for 2016!

United Festival 2015 Review

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Looking for a rave in London, then look no further than United Festival, a dance music festival which brings back the legends of the British rave culture!

Taking over North London's Finsbury Park, a day after hosting Ceremony Festival, this single day festival returned in 2015 on a bigger scale with 8 arenas and over 150 artists.  Heading to the festival, there is a sense of old skool rave culture as we hit Finsbury Park station with festival goers dressed ready to dance.  Out of the wardbrobes have come the fluro coloured tops and pants, glitter makeup and sneakers, all accompanied with the lazer light protecting shades!

Bringing Drum & Bass, Old Skool, Jungle, Uk Garage, House Classics, Hard House, Trance and Hardcore, there was something for everyone.  Our first stop is the Frantic arena to check out a good friend of ours, Masif head honcho Steve Hill, who has flown all the way from Sydney, Australia.  With smoke pouring out of the tent, it was obvious that the Frantic arena was full of energy as 100's filled the tent to bounce to Steve's notorious hard trance sound.  Hosting the likes of Andy Farley, Lisa Pin Up and more, the hard house / trance lovers had plenty to keep them going all day.

The main stage is the place to be for Drum and Bass lovers.  Sunday brought together the best of old skool with Fabio & Grooverider, Baby D, Ratpack, DJ Hype & DJ Marky keeping the tent packed the entire day.  Complete with a massive l.e.d screen and lasers, the tent illuminated up as the sun fell down over Finsbury Park.  

One of the other highlights of our day was the TwiceasNice arena where DJ Luck & MC Neat, Ironik, Pied Piper and more of UK Garages finest lined up.  It was great to see these legends take to the stage all in one place. Luck & Neat's performance of one of the biggest known garage tunes With a Little Bit Luck had the crowd going crazy!

Elsewhere at United Festival 10,000 people had arenas like Promised Land which hosted old skool house with Brandon Block, Arkoss, Philgood & Ram and more, Mental Asylum Records where you could put your hands in the air to Trance, One Nation and Moondance which shared mixture of rave, drum and bass and more ensured that all your musical tastes were satisfied.
 

Duran Duran Bestival 2015 Review

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It's Friday night, the sun has set over the Bestivalley and the crowd is a sea of sequins and glowsticks…‎ 80's kings Duran Duran make a spot-lit dramatic entrance dressed in monochrome leather, and the packed arena roars in anticipation of some straight up ‎guilty pleasure. 
 
Starting strong with stage pyrotechnics and huge AV backdrops, this is power pop turned up a notch and 'Hungry Like the Wolf' is met with howls of appreciation around the arena. There are more than a few drunken impersonations of wolfiness.
 
Bond theme 'View to a Kill' is special for Bestival regulars as it's also the film another Bestival diva‎ Grace Jones (2008) was in. Calling out to the crowd"Looking out at all of your happy faces… we just realised this is the most important gig of our career" the band touch on something we hear quite often here, that special atmosphere you only get at this festival is picked up by artists every year.‎ With the new album being released today, 'Out In The City' is all new, techno and modern, it probably is the most important gig for their new album – an arena full of new ears and fans alike.
 
Photo courtesty of Bestival
 
As lead vocalist Simon LeBon tootles along on an electronic ocarina, the crowd joins I'm singing along to 'Reflex'. Offering the mic to keyboard wizard Nick Rhodes, who deadpans "there are far too many people here". In fairness, this might be the biggest and youngest crowd Duran Duran have seen in a while, UK festivals get bigger every year and it's far more faces than any arena tour could be.
 
Following on with a Duran Duran classic, "We relased our first song in 1981… we're here thirty years later, playing it to you… this is Ordinary World"‎ and the B.I.G appropriated refrain 'Notorius' has everyone yelling along. New single 'Pressure Off' is suitably promoted with a huge explosion of pink and white ticker tape, it's funky and completely unlike the other new song, setting up the album to be a fairly varied affair.
 
As the first spits of rain come down, 'Girls on Film' picks everyone up, and there isn't a single person who isn't attempting to sassy Vogue along with them.
 
Coming back on for a encore with a 1978 Summer of Love ringer tshirt, 'White Lights'‎ shows the days of lighters is well and truly over "If you have a mobile phone, get it out and hold it up, we're filming this, we want it to look like the stars". Finishing up with hits 'Save a Prayer' and 'Rio' have the entire arena bouncing, after a thoroughly brilliant set. Even the rain can't dampen the spirits of this crowd.
Photo by Robin Ball for Summer Festival Guide

Sundown Festival 2015 Review

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FRIDAY

Sundown Festival returned this weekend for three days of pop, drum and bass and house music, offering, as one girl gushed on the first night, "great value and a great line up." Kicking off with an exclusive 'campers only' opening party from 5pm hosted by SubSoul, house music belted out of the Big Top tent throughout the evening. With one-hour sets from upcoming producers including Après – who has just graduated from university, DJ S.K.T who reached the top ten of the charts with 'Take Me Away', Friend Within (of Renegade Master fame), GotSome and Icarus, who closed the night with a grimier, bassier vibe. But it was Toyboy & Robin's set, from start to finish – with a perfect opening of Bicep's 'Just' mixed into Format:B's Ibiza smash 'Chunky' and ending with their own massive hit 'Jaded' – which gained the biggest reaction. With the music switched off dead on 11pm, the hundreds if not thousands of revellers were able to catch a good night’s sleep in preparation for nearly 20 hours of live music.

Photo courtesy of Sundown Festival

SATURDAY

After filling up on a Sainsbury's big breakfast – the handy thing about Norfolk Showground is that there's a McDonald's, Costa and Sainsbury's within a short five minute walk – SFG made their way to the main arena for the first time, after mingling with Kiss FM breakfast presenters Rikki and Melvin and Facebook famous Jack Jones.

Following a last minute cancellation from Jess Glynne due to recent vocal surgery, Becky Hill – who gave a standout performance last year – was left to foot the bill, a task she took on with ease; her new collaboration All My Love, produced by Watermat and Tai showing off her seemingly endless vocal range to the booming house beat. Once the growing crowd realise how many of this year's chart hits she's put her voice too; Wilkinson's 'Afterglow', Oliver Heldens and 'Gecko (Overdrive)' to name just two more, everyone's lungs are given a real workout as she makes way for Karen Harding.

Similarly a go-to-vocalist for house producers, the glamorous singer shines brightest throughout her top-ten track 'Say Something' and new Blonde-collab 'Feel Good (It's Alright)' – the latter with a strong and catchy enough hook and chorus to top the charts when it's released. "Up next we've got the man that gave us the tunes Pow and Oi" proclaims Rickie and Melvin of Kiss FM fame as they ensure the crowd are suitably hyped up before introducing each act over the weekend. And the phrase 'hyped up' barely describes the atmosphere when Lethal Bizzle arrived onstage … gliding accords on a Segway no less. Sporting one of his own 'DENCH' t-shirts, the likes of Rari Workout and Flashing Lights descend into his request of numerous circles of mosh pits. "This is the last festival I'm doing this year. Let's make it the best one" he beckons, launching into The Drop and Fester Skank.

Contrastingly, MNEK, backed by two powerful female vocalists take things down a more smooth R&B/pop route during Take You To A Place and Ready For Your Love. Meanwhile in the Big Top it's a Defected Records take over. Returning for their second year, label boss Simon Dunmore, leading lady Sam Devine (cue crowd surfer) and relatively new Low Steppa keep the thousands of house lovers satisfied as they bring Ibiza vibes to Norwich. But, expectedly, the biggest draws come from Gorgon City and then Hannah Wants – the latter who's had a whirlwind year, with a Mixmag cover shoot and story last month.

Leading the evening's talent is Sigma, arguably the breakout drum & bass act of the year. Performing tracks from their soon-to-be-released album Life,  Labrinth-collab Higher, which sees girls on shoulders and a building d'n'b edit of Rhianna's Diamonds as well as Lighters with its Chase & Status-like beat, keep the crowd's energy up.

Although, the highlight comes from Ella Henderson's appearance as she belts out Glitterball, faultlessly, along with all the girls – and guys – in the audience, proving herself as one of The X Factor's finest exports.

With flares in hand, it was down to London collective and Sundown first-timers Rudimental to headline. Flanked by live instrumentalists and numerous guest vocalists including Will Heard and Anne Marie who feature heavily on second album We The Generation, the hits everyone knows prove memorable, and the newer as-yet-unheard songs fares nearly as well. With ten members onstage, Right Here, Never Gonna Let You Go and Waiting All Night, the latter dedicated to a passed friend, certify their headlining credentials with ease; the drum & bass + live instruments set up clearly a well honed success.

Sundown 2015, all photos by Kath Sansom

Photo by Kath Sansom

SUNDAY

Following a failed attempt to get into the DJ EZ after-party on Saturday night, everyone was left clueless as to why, until a member of the merchandise team told SFG the following morning that, allegedly, police were called to shut down the warehouse event due to mass over capacity. Catching Zak Abel, whom SFG later caught up to chat with, the young Londoner's performance was a case of great voice, potentially massive songs, minimal crowd – most likely down to his post-lunchtime set time. Running From Myself and the Kaytranada-produced Say Something, from his brilliant new seven-track EP, One Hand on the Future, are given soul-filled, emotive outings and deserve to gather a lot of attention in the very near future; as does his somewhat brave cover of Daniel Bedingfield's Gotta Get Thru This…

"This young girl actually went to school with Zayn Malik. I would love to have her kisses for breakfast" says Melvin (Kiss FM) as he welcomes Melissa Steel. With slick black hair and vibrant trousers, she bounces onstage, along with two impressive backing dancer. The crowd are quick to pick up on all the tracks she's provided vocals to this year; from the reggae vibes of Drunk and Incapable to her top-ten pop breakthrough Kisses for Breakfast. Ending with Kove's D&B hit The Way That We Are and an acepella version of Blonde-collab I Loved You, Melissa's a pop star to keep an eye on; especially with her new single You Love Me (featuring Wretch 32 – who performs next) coming out this week.

Sporting a new, almost unrecognisable head of hair, Wretch 32 tells the story of Blackout with humble intent; "I started out having to in to the shop to get electric", he says, adding that there is a "hope for life for everyone". A heartfelt version of Six Words stays in the audience's heads, as does Don't Go. Trekking over to the RAM Records stage, it's a drum and bass lovers paradise; Culture Shock, DC Breaks, Mind Vortex, Sub Focus and label head honcho Andy C each rattling out energetic heart racing beats throughout the day. Back at the sunny main stage, Maverick Sabre, who it seems has been away for years now, is asking the question, "can you be my Sundown choir?" The reason? An impeccable cover of Chaka Khan's Ain't Nobody, led by his, as ever, individualistic vocal style. Airing his new single Come Fly Away, the soulful lyrics are bound to score him a hit, and just as he reveals to SFG later during an interview that a new album is imminent as well as a UK tour, he's set for a big return.

Headlining on Sunday evening, Tinie Tempah, whom performing at his last festival of the summer ("lets make it the best one" he shouts) ran through his biggest hits; Pass Out, Frisky and Miami 2 "Norwich", the collabs; RIP, Not Letting Go and Tsunami; and  new single "which i've not performed anywhere else" Turn Up The Music – which is bound to go to number one with a Katy B feature and a cheeky, infectious house sample of KDA's track, Rumble – it was a crowd-pleasing set for sure, and one that left everyone with smiles on their faces before leaving to go back to school/college/work.

Photo courtesy of Sundown Festival

For SFG and friends though, it was Nero's live set which smashed it most. From the intense ground rattling opening bass right to the trio bowing at the end, it was easily the best hour of the weekend, possibly the year in terms of this festival season (closely behind seeing Faithless at Balaton Sound). Having wanted to see Nero for countless years now, it was refreshing for the anticipation to be fulfilled. Alana Watson, who would stalk the stage in a lace dress ensemble, appearing and disappearing between songs,  provided transfixing, almost haunting vocals, to Guilt, Me and You, Innocence and Satisfy among others, while the guys took charge of the drops and beats – all aided by an insane light show onstage. With a new album imminent, Nero's grip on dance music will soon re-tighten.

Photos by Kath Sansom

Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church Review

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Compiled from undeveloped film that lay untouched in a barn for 30 years, this documentary surrounds Jimi Hendrix‘s performance at the Atlanta Pop Festival on 4th July 1970.

From early on it is clear that this isn’t your average Hendrix documentary. Whilst the first half of the production features interviews with fellow musicians Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox as well as Paul McCartney, Derek Trucks and Steve Winwood amongst others, all praising the late and great – the actual focus of the storytelling is the Atlanta Pop Festival itself, of which there were only two; 1969 and 1970.

With not even a year passing since the legendary 3 days of peace and music that was Woodstock, temperatures soared to 40 degrees Celcius and 500,000 people from all corners of the United States descended on a soybean farm in the quaint town of Byron, Georgia for this spectacle. A lineup boasting names including B. B. King, Bob Seger and Grand Funk Railroad amongst others, this festival was the first of its kind – one with an international recording artist as a headliner. The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Interviews with the locals of Byron, GA give an amusing insight into the impact the event had on the community. With many having never even seen a hippie or listened to rock and roll before this moment, the sudden social shift saw many embrace the counter-culture of the late sixties who would otherwise remain in the dark. A reminder that change in society is not only inevitable, but imperative.

The second half of the film provides footage from the legendary performance followed by more conclusionary interviews. This was the last festival of its kind for a long time; the land was trashed and the blatant disregard for state laws were swiftly clamped down upon, and like every other budding industry, heavily regulated.

At just under 90 minutes, it isn’t too long and gets into a decent amount of detail regarding the social and historical context of the event.

Freedom: Atlanta Pop Festival is available on mp3, double CD and Vinyl. Track listing below.

Disc 1:
1. Fire
2. Lover Man
3. Spanish Castle Magic
4. Red House
5. Room Full of Mirrors
6. Hear My Train a Comin’
7. Message to Love

Disc 2:
1. All Along the Watchtower
2. Freedom
3. Foxey Lady
4. Purple Haze
5. Hey Joe
6. Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
7. Stone Free
8. Star Spangled Banner
9. Straight Ahead

Whilst his revolutionary guitar style may sound primitive in comparison to modern standards, this footage showcases Hendrix at perhaps past the peak of his career and enthusiasm as a pop artist, but not past his peak of creativity. Sadly, he made the transition to rock artist to idol only months later when he passed away in London.

This film truly gives any Hendrix fan a new insight into the musician’s personality and genius at such a crucial time in his life – a man who didn’t see the world in black and white, but rather in the sense of the obsolete and the new. His profound visions of the future – which don’t seem too far from fiction, are perhaps not too far from the reality we experience today.

Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church will be available to buy on Blu-ray and DVD from 30th October 2015. Preorder your copy now!

Alchemy Festival 2015 Update

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Change of Venue, see details below

NEW LOCATION !! TO A FEW YARDS TOWARDS KIRBY ON BAIN

For ALL the relevant information regarding the change to location to the new venue, which is situated only a little way down the road towards KIRBY ON BAIN , please review the info on the website where ypu can also have access to information on how to get there and possible links to public transport: ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015  www.alchemyfestival.co.uk 

SO ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015 has a new location, and also some new bands , acts and entertainment booked for the 2015 event

Including…………DAVE THE DRUMMER…..PHAT BOLLARD……and also some amazing entertainment acts …….." THE  ENCHANTING EYE!" AND MANY MANY MANY MORE………YOU HAVE TO CHECK THE UPDATE TO BANDS , ACTS AND ENTERTAINMENT ON THE ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015 WEBSITE AT  WWW.alchemyfestival.co.uk    FOR UPDATED INFORMATION ALL THE TIME AS NEW EVENTS , ENTERTAINMENT  AND BANDS ARE BEING BOOKED AS WE SPEAK……IT IS GOING TO BE A TRUELY AMAZING EVENT!

IT SEEMS ITS ALL AT ALCHEMY THIS YEAR , WITH THE AUTUMN EQUINOX approaching & it being the INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF LIGHT, IT IS 2ITHPUT DOUBT GOING TO BE AN AMAZING FESTIVAL BOASTING  – LIVE MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT /and many ENTERTAINERS, ACTS & PERFORMERS……KIDZ ENTERTAINMENT &  WORKSHOPS…….HEALING AREAS offering unique therapies……and even a  HENGE!!!!!!!!!!!!

SO FESTIVAL PEOPLE WITH ALL THIS IN MIND,,,!!!!!!!!!!Have a good long look on the  ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015 SITE AT wwwwww.alchemyfestival.co.uk,  and take a look at all the great bands entertainment, workshops, entertainers, acts and literally EVERYTHING  that ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015 will have to offer that weekend (18th  –  20th SEPTEMBER 2015)  and GRAB yourself a ticket and make sure you get involved…..ITS ALL ABOUT LIGHT/AWATENESS & SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT! !!!!!!!!SO lots of smiling faces, lots of colours and lets all join together and have a GREAT FESTIVAL EVENT!!!!!!!!

ALCHEMY FESTIVAL 2015

18th – 20th September 2015