The original rudeboy gets Lakefest skanking to a 2-Tone beat

Lakefest 2014

Friday 8th to Sunday 10th August 2014
Croft Farm Waterpark, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, GL20 7EE, England MAP
£90 for the weekend

Daily capacity: 4,000

I returned to Lakefest with fond memories of last year's maiden experience of the festival held at Croft Farm Water Park, just outside of Tewkesbury. Unable to make the First day, I arrived mid afternoon on a beautifully sunny Saturday afternoon. Only to find out I regrettably had already missed blistering sets from both Snap!, and Buzzcocks. I now had time to spare before the next act on the main stage, and so I decided to reacquaint myself with the lake. I took to the lake on the red dragon pedalo, taking it out into the middle of the lake to get a closer look at some of the festival goers being thrown off inflatable donuts at high speed.

After returning to dry land I made my way the 200 metres or so to the main stage to watch an inspired folk set of pink covers deployed with style by Ade Edmondson and The Bad Shepherds. The crowd really warmed to their folk takes covering the Sex Pistols and The Clash amongst others. For me the next act turned out to be the best show put on all weekend, and winning that honour is Neville Staple, The original rudeboy brought a great mix of new music and hits from his days in The Specials to Lakefest. Smashing out renditions of 'Ghost Town' and 'A Message To You Rudy'. Not only the best of the weekend but certainly a contender for my favourite set of the summer!

With more time to spare between acts we sought out some food, and found a delightful little olive bar, local charity cake stall and a beautiful noodle shop. We also managed to snap up some birthday presents in a tiny handmade jewellery stall, all which were locally sourced, not a hint of mass production in sight!

Lightning Seeds were the following act, with Ian Broudie showing what made them a force to be reckoned with back in the 90's, a joyous sing along to' Life Of Riley', and even more enjoyably no mention of three lions. Rounding the night off with typical indie swagger were Shed Seven. They had a huge number of loyal shed heads in the crowd, and they were delighted when during the opening number, 'It's Getting Better' lead singer Rick Witter jumped into the crowd and handed over the singing duties to the ecstatic crowd. This was an hour packed to the brim with a barrage of their greatest hits, culminating in a barn storming rendition of 'Chasing Rainbows', a perfect end to a glorious day.

With torrential rain over night and throughout the morning, at lunch time we made the short trip into Tewkesbury, after finding provision for a nice big roast dinner to warm the soul, we were ready for a nice relaxing afternoon in the big top tent.

We returned in time to catch Doctor and the Medics, a band whom I had only ever associated with one cheesy 80's hit. But credit where it is due they put in a very good shift, including covers of such greats as Led Zeppelin. It was a really easy listening and enjoyable hour to relax with a nice pint.

With the festival having an early finish of 8 pm on the Sunday, making it ideal if you're working Monday, we were on to the penultimate act of the weekend, The Roving Crows. The delivered a beautiful, Irish infused blend of folk and rock, it was a beautiful soundtrack for a Sunday afternoon, leaving us just with the headliners for the day to go.

Fun Lovin' Criminals: Lakefest 2014

A band I felt Lakefest had pulled of a real coup securing on the bill, Fun Lovin' Criminals. Arriving on stage to a rapturous reception, with possibly the smoothest front man in the music industry Huey Morgan, at the helm the FLC ship is always in capable hands. Their opening salvo of 'You Gotta Be Crazy' gets the crowd into dancing mode. Throughout the whole set the Criminals never took their foot off the pedal, closely following with 'Smoke'em', and the crowd lapped up the show and it seemed the hour was almost gone in the blink of an eye. Ending with huge applause handed out for Huey's daughter and wife, before the biggest round of applause which reserved for their signature track 'Scooby Snacks'.

I would recommend anybody coming to Lakefest next year if you want a nice slow paced relaxing festival, and don't forget your swimwear as there is lots of fun to be had on the lake.

review by: Jamie Licence