I will start with the bad - having been last year and this, the number of blankets seemed massively up (from already fairly high levels, although admittedly we went from bringing a child last year to a rare child-free weekend this year which might have highlighted it more).
I get it, its how a big chunk of the festival demographic want to experience live music. But as a late 30's man thats too old for the rail now (both back and bladder reasons) it seemed have chairs and blankets from about 15 rows out for almost every set this weekend. I'm not going to tell people how they can or cant enjoy music, but surely just an exclusion zone would work? Last year when we brought our 8 year old we somehow mangaged to muddle through when she was tired by either parking up at the back, grabbing a seat in the chairs or (heaven forbid) letting her go back to the tent for a bit whether there was something on we wanted to see or not.
Other than that, it was hard to pick fault with the lineup for me personally in the end. If you hate that kind of music you probably wouldnt have bought a ticket, but I think it is pretty hard to argue that the bulk of the lineup are very good at what they do.
I loved The Vaccines, Kasabian, NY Brass Band, The Darkness and Nile Rogers (as I thought I would). Surprises were Caty Baser, Blusher, Boy Blue and how many good songs Keane have in the holster. Some really good comedy sets too, especially Jake Lambert and Mark Simmons on the Sat morning.
Disappointment was, unfortunately, Duran Duran. A very wonky setlist with a lull in the middle (for someone less familiar with their work) and no "View to a Kill"? Come on now.
Special shout out to Masseoke, which post Kasabian was up there with the most post main event fun that I have had at a festival.
Special, special shout out to The Lottery Winners, which might be the most main event fun that I have had at a festival. My word they could be onto something special there.
