Wild Life is a great success, long may it continue to roar

When Rudimental, and Disclosure announced they wanted to host a weekend festival at Brighton it was met with mixed reactions. Most of Brighton's hip, young things were for a place they could let their hair down, be themselves and generally have a good time. Some of the locals were concerned regarding the noise, the sudden influx of people and the tone of the area being lowered.

The first thing that strikes you when you walk in is that the Police are a huge presence. The festival organizers want you to know that anything illegal will not be tolerated.

As you enter you notice that everything is brightly coloured like a carnival. All the vendors are all immaculately presented and it has a feeling of a mini Glastonbury. It actually presents itself as a much more established festival, older beyond its years.  

The young festival goers are dressed in their best outfits, some in brightly coloured costumes each inch of fabric careful considered. The fact they have taken so much care only adds to the genuine atmosphere of the event. It all does feel rather fun.

The acts are split over four stages: Main stage,WHP Presents,Wildlife Bigtop and Treatment v Bedlam. There is truly something for every dance fan. Rudimental hand-picked the Saturday artists and ditto for Disclosure on Sunday. For some of the acts on Sunday it is a very special occasion: for Years And Years it's their largest ever gig and for Jimmy Napes it was his first performance as a solo artist, the latter being responsible for co-writing some of current times largest hits and is one of the most sought after song-writers.

But the last headline set of the weekend belongs to Disclosure. Howard and Guy Lawrence AKA Disclosure hit the stage with a magnificent high tech stage show. They debut with 'White noise' their 2013 hit from their album 'Settle'. They earlier announced the follow up album 'Caracal' will be released late September.

We are duly treated to several new tracks from the new album with guest artists Lion Babe, Gregory Porter, Nao, and Kwabs giving live performances. It all promises great things and nicely wets your appetite for the new offerings.

The crowd are enjoying every moment and you understand why Disclosure are one of the hottest dance acts in the world right now, their debut album selling 1.6 million worldwide. Playing live instruments along with their set, the sound is also ground-breaking. I think these lads will go from strength to strength. They finish their set with 'Latch' which they dedicate to their collaborator and great friend Sam Smith.

Wild Life Festival has been a great success. With rumours of it being expanded for 2016 long may it continue to roar!!

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