The eclectic, genre straddling festival Field Day returns to Victoria Park on June 10th and 11th for a tenth anniversary bash that looks set to continue this relatively new festival’s tradition of packing out it’s lineup with the very cream of the avant guard crop.
Field Day once again looks to be right in the centre of alternative music’s Venn diagram where ultra cool indie intersects with experimental electronica, progressive house and sophisticated pop. Sprinkle in some fine world music, a dash of folk and a little noise core psychedelia and you’re close to getting a feel for the scope and breadth of the talent on offer.
Not content with this the curators of Field Day know that a human can’t live on tomorrow’s finest acts today, sledgehammer headliners and dance floor filling DJs alone and has teamed up with London’s Street Feast to ensure all appetites are generously catered for. From dirty burger to vegan curry, they’ve got it deliciously covered. Why not wash it down with a pint of ten points Field Day Extra pale ale? That’s right, the festival has it’s very own brew crafted by those beer connoisseurs at The Five Points Brewing Co. There’s a beer festival within this festival with some of the finest craft brewers London has to offer, all sound amazing but don’t miss the Gipsy Hill Brewing Company’s quaffable session beers. There’s always a strong coffee to be had at Tim Burgess’ Tim Peaks coffee bike if you over do it.Tired of being at the zeitgeist of modern music? You can take a trip down memory lane and take part in some traditional village day games and crafts at the village mentality area. Tug of war, sack races and some creative craft work blend with a brass band to create a nostalgic village day of old.
All these extras are great and help to make the festival the unique, competitively priced and convenient season opener it is but the real draw has to be that line up. Year on year us lucky folk in the nation’s capital have been treated to an early look at what’s going to be making waves in new music with some massive and highly respected names from the left field of the music industry headlining. The only theme detectable is one of quality regardless of genre.
So this year you can swoon to the melancholic gorgeousness of Beach House and rage with Skepta. Annihilate your eardrums facing Girl Band’s onslaught then allow Air to skilfully apply their beautiful electronic salve. Die an ego death, beaming in wonder at Floating Points and witness Goat summoning gods. Greco Roman Sound System, DJ Koze, Mount Kimble, GOLD PANDA, Four Tet, Daphni my goodness you are going to dance. Deerhunter, Diiv, Youth Lagoon, Cass McCombs, John Grant, The Thurston Moore Group, Steve Mason I feel sick just knowing it will be impossible to catch them all and I’ve missed out so many amazing acts and not even mentioned the headliners yet. It’s going to be a lifetimes worth of best nights out crammed into two days. Check out the playlists available on Spotify or just turn up at a stage to discover a new favourite otherwise I’ll just shout names at you. Sleaford Mods! Roots Manuva! YEASAYER! The Avalanches! I need to lie down.
After catching as many life changing sets as you can, glory at the wonderful headliners. Fresh from the release of his critically acclaimed third album James Blake takes top billing on Saturday. Blake’s sure to bring the first day to a close with a mesmerising, emotionally charged set and it will be great to see him playing on top of a fantastic line up after years earning his stripes as “one to watch”.
Sunday sees the queen of alternative, PJ Harvey top the pile. With a back catalogue spanning three decades, an enchanting stage presence and sing along classics available to her Ms Harvey is sure to close proceedings in a suitably euphoric way.
A festival at the start of the season with a line up that stands up to and exceeds many of it’s peers, where you can shower and sleep afterwards or just carry on the party in our sleepless capital, with great food and beer to boot. Plus guaranteed sunshine. It really is a Christmas come early for music lovers.
Preview by Sean Daly
Further information and tickets can be found at fielddayfestivals.com