like a phoenix rising out of V festival ashes, RiZE has officially risen.

This is the first year of RiZE festival, the replacement of V festival. The performance days have now moved from the traditional Saturday-Sunday to Friday-Saturday. This is quite evident as the Saturday is greeted with many more attendees than the previous day. It feels like RiZE are trying to move away from the fairground feel of V festival to a classier affair. There are notably less food stalls than its predecessor but these will probably improve as time goes on/the festival becomes more established.

Friday 17^th August

Earlier in the day the stages were graced by the likes of Craig David,Circa Waves and Manic Street Preachers.

James Bay

This marks the return of V festival favourite James Bay. His new material has a rockier feel and feels very polished. He puts on a storming performance and now he has a larger back catalogue to draw from its even better.

Liam Gallagher

A somewhat unusual booking for Rize, based on V fest’s recent history but one I was looking forward to experiencing. Liam still has the swagger and attitude of his Oasis days and it is great to watch. He’s recent solo material is very strong and receives a glorious reception. By the time we reach end tracks (Oasis classic’s) the audience are eating of his hand and it’s one big sing along.

Saturday 18^th August

We were also treated to (amongst others) Tom Walker, Rita Ora and Bastille.

Years and Years

Years and Years have made an epic comeback with their new Album Palo Santo. The sound is more gown up and mature but strong never less.  The performance is very S and M and Fifty shades, male dancers in chains and straps with lead singer Olly in full command. The crowd are clearly enjoying themselves and it is a camp enjoyable experience. Stand out tracks include the pop classic ‘Shine’ and ‘Sanctify’.

Stereophonics

Stereophonics have been performing since 1992. It is quite an achievement to still be selling out arenas etc after all this time.  From the moment the band grace the stage the atmosphere is electric. The punters are almost singing word for word back and enjoying every minute. When ‘Maybe tomorrow’ is sung there is a very beautiful moment. Stereophonics have proved time and time again that they are still big hitters.

All in all, a successful launch for the first RiZE festival. Like a phoenix rising out of V festival ashes, RiZE has officially risen.  

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