Arriving at Wollaton park on Saturday morning, the sun was shining and the crowds were gathering in a rather hot and confused queue like fashion, but there was excitement in the air, as we were the lucky ones that got our tickets early for this sellout event.
Yes this years Splendour sold out even after more tickets were released making it the largest Nottingham gig of the millennium, as main stage host Mark Del frequently reminded us, with around 25,000 people in attendance.
Through the pretty, hippy flowery entrance early arrivals were greeted by a group of drummers, before the first act, Nottingham’s Future Sound battle of bands competition winners, Super Furniture, despite clear nerves, did a solid job of opening the main stage.
Then came the highlight for me, more local talent, Ady Suleiman. His soft beats suited the gorgeous weather and atmosphere perfectly, and his version of Protoje’s Who Knows is still in my head making me smile. It was great to see the love he got from the audience too. Look out for his album out soon.
Up next was the one man loop machine that is Jeremy Loops, the South African demonstrated looping to the crowd, before being joined by his band who really multiplied the party atmosphere and got the crowd bouncing. If you were there and enjoyed looping, maybe even heard yourself being looped back, then check out the regular Loopers night at the Maze or see Jeremy Loops again on October 17th at the Rescue Rooms.
Then Turin Breaks came on and were appreciated by the older of us and made pleasant background music for the picnickers.
Jamie Lawson had a surprisingly good voice and reception, certainly wasn’t expecting that, not that anyone knew any songs apart from that one! One festival goer wanted it noted that he really enjoyed Lawson’s volume; think there was definitely a bit if a man crush developing there…
Next was the disappointing UB40, well disappointing for me anyway as I love the original line up of Ali, Mickey and Astro, none of whom were on stage yesterday, sadly, due to an argument between the brothers means there are now two
UB40’s.
However, it turned out to be a great opportunity to switch location and head over to the Confetti stage to watch Scottish favourites The Fratellis, who were absolutely incredible and got everyone in the vicinity dancing, from young kids on shoulders to grannies; playing the hits from the famous Costello Music album. If you want another chance to see this superb live act then get your tickets now for their gig at Rock City on 26th November.
Headlining the Confetti stage were controversial rockers The Darkness, as ever giving an amazingly comical self indulgent performance, they went down a storm. Even after confirming just how young the audience was, finding an 8 year old in front row, they sang their songs uncensored with the words C*nt and F*ck flashing up in lights.
And finally Jess Glynne sparkled as the headliner in glittering gold and belted out her hits.
It wasn’t just all music though, there was a delicious prosseco bar, with some great mixes including a refreshing raspberry one! There was also some tasty food on offer from the likes of Homemade cafe, not your typical festival food.
There was a great kids zone with giant jenga, ping pong, bongo drums, face painting etc. There were comedy and other performances too, our regular contributor Ann Taylor caught an act in the fringe tent:
“Mabel Green a musical comedy performance on the fringe stage at Splendour, I am so pleased I wandered over, it was brilliant. Ben Welch (Mabel) and his backing singers the Rizlers all had great voices and the songs were very funny written by the talented Nic Harvey. I missed Sheep Soups earlier performance The Invention of Acting sadly. “
It is safe to say this years splendour was a triumph from the weather to the music to the organisation. It had such a lovely relaxed and fun feel, tickets are now on sale for next year which will be Splendours 10th anniversary, get yours here http://www.splendourfestival.com/tickets/
Review by Josie Opal
