Saturday review

Starting Saturday inside, Pig Iron Joe delivered heavy blues in a shiny suit, and eFestivals favourites BlackBud gave a typically good performance, making new fans with their first Leicester show.



Outside, the grass was covered in bodies, soaking up the sunshine. Conveniently, our bums didn’t have to soak up the moisture from the ground, as the organisers had thoughtfully provided personal plastic sheets for sitting on.



Local boys Kasabian were always going to be a hit with a hometown show. But to me, they were simply a pastiche of Manchester bands circa 1990, with a quick trip south to add the occasional Pop Will Eat Itself feel. What they do, they do well – in fact better than many of the bands that are their obvious inspirations – but they offer nothing new.

Dogs Die in Hot Cars were next. The early part of their set was uninspiring, but they got better as they went on. Inside for a bit of the excellent Ian McNabb, he treated us to a version of The Doors’ “Roadhouse Blues”. Back outside again for Easyworld and thousands of bubbles, they were followed by a blistering set from The Ordinary Boys.



The Beta Band – who from past experience can vary from fantastic to poor – gave their last festival show before they split, and managed the “fantastic”. Perhaps more consistency would have extended the life of this band with their own very distinctive sound and style.



A quick walk around before the Furry’s hit the stage took us to the Rising Stage, where the superb reggae of T & La Touche was drawing in anyone within audio range. Why is reggae normally absent from festival stages? This proved the instant appeal and dancability.



Last up were Super Furry Animals. I’d never have thought of them as headline material, but this proved to me that they’re capable of headlining even the biggest stage. They were a fantastic way to end a great day!

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