Tag Archives: festival

Lovebox Festival 2012, Victoria Park

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Lovebox is the ultimate London festival. Three days of music, fun and frolics in Victoria Park.

Thanks to TFL’s unkind timing with engineering works, the Central Line was down all weekend, making the journey to the Mile End destination rather more challenging. Getting home on Saturday almost ruined the experience for me, and after falling asleep on the District Line home, I debated cancelling my return trip on Sunday. But the infectious programming of Chic, Lana Del Rey and Chaka Khan was too appealing to resist and I am so glad I went back for round two.

This year Lovebox celebrates its 10th Birthday, with a line-up of eccentric and classic artists, old and new, bold hip and cool. The ever evolving London street style was very much evident in the grounds of Victoria Park: Doc Martens, dip dye hair and neon brights all trending very obviously. Many chose to don their own creations and elaborate specially arranged outfits, that I tried to sneakily photograph as much as possible (see the album here). There was a real feeling of ‘anything goes’ with everyone having a good time and openly expressing themselves.

The great thing about day festivals, is a different group attends each day depending on the line-up. Each day the guests arrive fresh faced and raring to go… having enjoyed proper showers and clean sweet smelling toilets in the comfort of their own homes! I didn’t go on Friday… as dance music isn’t so much my scene, but I had a ball on Saturday and Sunday… enjoying the entertainment, food and jolly atmosphere to the max.

Saturday saw a more mainstream troupe and it was definitely the busiest day. With Friendly Fires topping the bill, the fans were a mix of all ages, united in their love of good music. The weather was uncharacteristically unsummery however, with an offensively harsh wind and chill in the air. The Love-boxers didn’t let this deter them, dancing and singing with more gusto than ever.

I was glad to be finally getting the chance to see Emeli Sande, a characterful girl with a truly sensational voice. She sung through some of her new album, energising the crowd and satisfying us with familiar tracks. I was sad not to hear ‘Easier in Bed’ – a beautifully gloomy acoustic song top of my ipod playlist.

Groove Armada were my Saturday highlight. Bursting onto the stage with energy and charisma, they stunned the crowd with hit after hit and got everyone dancing. Friendly Fires were good too, and looked spectacular thanks to brilliant lighting. From up on the shoulders of a friend, the performance looked amazing. I was shocked to discover how much I enjoyed the House band Booka Shade on the Second Stage. This groovy German duo create contagious beats and twisted tunes which seem to really excite the listeners.

Sunday welcomed a more specialist crowd of disco lovers and 80s divas. It was a relaxed and chilled out vibe, unconventional outfits reigned in the fields. The weather had calmed down and it was easier to enjoy the festival without needing to shelter! I ate Hummingbird cupcakes and had my photo taken in the Doc Marten booth – the perfect afternoon! The old school bands received an enthusiatic retro reception; Chic and Chaka Khan both belting out their famous songs. To hear ‘Freak Out’ and ‘I’m Every Woman’ live was incredibly exciting. Chic are an enormous band: the crew on stage and more and more musicians came to join the party. Shaka Khan has a killer voice and vocally stole the show… filling the stage and field with her sparkling presence and attitude.

Lana del Rey’s performance live is a controversial topic and I was hoping the rumours weren’t true. I was disheartened to witness a set that was dull and damp. Her voice is good enough, but shatters the illusion of the cd. She barely moved from the spot, and didn’t smile, dance or offer any rapport with the audience… for someone with such a captivating look and sound she was totally average. I have to admit though seeing an overnight icon like Lana so close up was exciting, hopefully her set at Latitude will be more spirited. Unfortunately I missed Grace Jones, the final act of the night, needing to get home and avoid a horrific journey like the previous night. It was the right decision as I left on a high, still reeling from the Lovebox party.

http://www.lovebox.net/

Best of British Festivals 2012 – A Preview of my Top Five

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Music Festivals are always a summer highlight for me and with so many to choose from, I thought I would compile a list of my top UK festivals for 2012.

Everyone can be a festival-goer, there is something out there for you whether you like the music, the food, the camping, the fashion or just the general fun of it all!

Best all round: Latitude 12th-15th July

I am so excited about Latitude, a festival which never disappoints with its eclectic array of music, literature, comedy, cabaret and theatre acts. This year looks set to be bigger and better than ever with Bon Iver, Elbow and Paul Weller headlining. Somehow Latitude always manage to appeal to all ages and is a truly memorable event for the whole family to enjoy. The Word Stage have gathered up a group of first class performers including Lana del Rey, St Vincent, Explosions in the Sky and Lianne la Havas. And for those classically inclined, Lang Lang will be giving a performance by the Waterfront on Sunday 15th.

Best atmosphere: Hop Farm 29th June- 1st July

Hop Farm only began back in 2008 and yet it still manages to present some of the most exciting music festival acts. Last year they had Prince and, believe me when I say, it was a musical highlight of my life… it was electrifying. The year before, I spent the day fighting my way to the front to ensure rinside exclusivity for none other than Bob Dylan. This year they boast exclusive acts like Sir Bruce Forsyth who appears in his first ever festival, also performances from legendary artists like Peter Gabriel and The New Blood Orchestra, Bob Dylan and Suede. Other guests include Ray Davies, Billy Ocean, Patti Smith, The Psychedelic Furs, Bellowhead, George Clinton, Athlete, and a personal favourite of mine, Jose Gonzalez.

Best London festival: Lovebox 15th-17th June

This year Lovebox celebrates ten years of existence. Wild and wonderful, contemporary and cool, Lovebox is London’s hottest festival, taking place in Victoria Park, Hackney. Without the stress of camping, this day festival excels in providing Londoners with raucous music and fun. This year Lana del Ray is taking to the stage alongside Grace Jones, Hot Chip and Kelis, who I recently witnessed in Beirut! Last year I had great fun checking out the vintage stalls which offer gorgeous retro clothing and accessories for bargain prices.

Best food: Port Eliot 19th-22nd July

Alongside the awesome music and creativity, Port Eliot offers some inspiring grub for hungry festival goers. Now in its ninth year, this Cornwall-based Festival introduces a wealth of talent with more of an interest in the culinary than most festivals. Nathan Outlaw (2 Michelin stars, of St Enedoc Hotel in Rock) will be working his magic in the Port Eliot kitchen. Celebrated food experts, William Sitwell and Allegra McEvedy are teaming up to tell the tale of ten dishes that changed the world. And cocktail lovers should be excited as London restaurateur and writer, Russell Norman brings his renowned signature drinks to Port Eliot.

Best fashion: Bestival 6th-9th September

Every year Bestival encourages guests to dress imaginatively and the results are a field of psychedelic craziness. The boutique campsite caters for those guests wishing to sleep in more luxurious lodgings. This year musicians include Stevie Wonder, Florence and the Machine, Emeli Sande and 2ManyDJS, a variety of music stars from all genres.

There’s no excuse, dig out your wellies and prepare for a summer of festival fun.