Wild Life continues to roar

Wild Life 2017

Friday 9th to Saturday 10th June 2017
Brighton City Airport, Cecil Pashley Way, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5FF, England MAP
£105 both days, or £59 for either day

Daily capacity: 35,000

Wild Life at Shoreham, Brighton is now in its third year. In its debut year 2015 the event won the coveted ‘best new festival’ at the UK festival awards therefore it has a high standard to live up to.

For the first year the festival was running Friday and Saturday rather than the Saturday and Sunday of previous years. This was in response to residents’ complaints of noise on the Sunday night and interestingly the stronger line up seemed to be on the Friday night, an observation which translated into ticket sales.

stefflondon

On Friday, on the (main) Wildlife stage we were treated to Stefflon Don. Her female empowering rap lyrics are certainly not for the faint hearted but the crowd absolutely adore her. The punters reciting every word back to her, she goes down a storm.

During the day we are treated to Zara Larsson (a faultless vocal performance and electrifying dance routines,) a steadfast performance from the legendary Chaka Khan and a competent set from Clean Bandit who bring back Lawson for their latest biggest hit ‘Symphony’. George Ezra also graces the stage and ceased the opportunity to debut some new material which sadly was a little wasted on the younger festival goers whom just wanted to hear ‘Budapest’. The whole evening was rounded off with a set from Jess Glynne whom the crowd are very responsive to.

ragnbone

Saturday brings Liv Dawson to the main stage. She puts in a subdued, classy set which would have been more suited to a Hyde Park calling audience. Rag n Bone Man puts in an amazing, perfect vocal masterclass which is well received by his homecoming crowd. Later in the day Damian Marley graced the stage paying homage to his late father, Stormzy played a blazing set to a very appreciative crowd and the main stage finished with Dizzee Rascal headlining. Dizzee completed a very electrifying set to a very responsive, greatful crowd.

Wildlife has treated its young festival goers yet again to one fun, music filled weekend. Long may it continue to roar.

review by: Jason Richardson

photos by: Jason Richardson