1234 Shoreditch is an excellent value for money festival packed with emerging talent

Shoreditch 1234 - the 'cool' people's festival returned after putting on an impressive free show back in 2007. Only now they have a proper capacity, less going on (no laser quest shock horror!!) and charge £15 for the pleasure. Of course, that is reasonable. However judging by the sheer numbers in the VIP area (as many, if not more than in the general site), it seems that the event is pretty much free anyway – it seems everyone here wishes to be a VIP. Anyway, the ticket price and VIP guest pass also offered you the choice of twelve different after-parties, showcasing the best in new-wave and punk DJs that London's East side has to offer – value for money however you look at it!

Arriving at the park was a bit chaotic. A long 40 minute queue was then followed by entering something reminiscent of an 18 year olds '80s fancy dress party. Not only did I feel a bit old, I also felt like I was from a different era. I guess that at 27, maybe I was. A walk into the VIP area and it was like walking into a Mayfair club... people there keen to be seen, but instead of supping champers, they were drinking Red Stripe... of and of course outside... in a field... you get my meaning. Yep, this was London all right, but very much the little rebel East End to its grown up and oh so sophisticated West End.

Anyway, it was off to discover some music. The schedule was packed full of unknowns and so it was to be a day of discovery.

First up was An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump. Named after an 18th century oil painting, they play punchy, gothic rock. The all female 3-piece are strong live and seem to love what they do. The crowd seem transfixed with them... I'm slightly scared. But all in all a good start to the festival.

Banjo or Freakout are up next and their heavy guitar noise, but excellent lyrics are a sure fire winner. Their wall of noise blasts out of the speakers and their presence on stage is so full of energy that you are slightly surprised that the tent isn't moving with the music. Its great fun and is well appreciated by the crowd.

Over on the main (inflatable) stage, Hatcham Social were about to deliver a great set full of new romanticism and everything that was good about the '80s. A Smiths-esque sound, they have a very accessible back catalogue that comes across really well in a live setting. Strong influences also include the Jesus and Mary Chain as well as children's literature books which clearly come across in some of the lyrics. It's wonderfully inventive and wildly original and is the real highlight of the day.

Following that, Polly Scattergood took to the stage. Critically acclaimed Polly has a real edge to her when she sings. Whilst interacting with the crowd she seems extremely timid albeit very polite, but when the music begins, she joins in at a canter and really makes sure her voice is the strongest instrument. Looking indestructible mid-song, she wows the audience with mind blowing passion and bellowing that Florence Welch would be proud of. The music and lyrics are dark and frequently reminiscent of Beth Gibbons from Portishead. There's something very pure about Polly Scattergood and with this excellent show, she is proving slowly that she has a really big future ahead of her.

The Warlocks follow Polly and are easily the loudest band of the day. With 19 members behind them, the band seems to be constantly changing but the 7-piece on stage on Sunday are as tight as possible and deliver a stunning Californian wall of sound. The songs are psychedelic, sometimes long, span many genres but somehow seem to fit perfectly together. Fantastic stuff.

Later on came headliners, The Rakes. They give a sturdy performance to the crowd that have stayed to watch but with all that's gone on before them, it is hard to top much of it. New, spikier songs come flying out from the band as well as better known singles from first album Capture/Release. Its all very enjoyable and the crowd seem to be having a great time, but I can't help but yearn for a bit more of what I’ve seen earlier in the day.

And so it came time to check out some of the after parties. Work would be a struggle on Monday but for now I was living for the weekend, high on what was an excellent festival well worth the £15 price. Must remember some skinny jeans next time!

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