I thought about swimming to Bestival this year. It’s only about a four mile swim to the Isle of Wight through freezing choppy water. I didn’t want to do it for the glory or the sense of achievement, oh no. I wanted to do it so I wouldn’t have to carry all my stuff. It’s hard enough to pack for a weekend away without the added hernia of a tent and eleventy million packs of wet wipes.
Camping is another story. I have a friend who point blank refuses to camp. Her reason being, she thinks sharing a tent for days is akin to sharing a bath and stewing in each others’ filth. Don’t get her started on festival sex. If you didn’t get Girl Guide training and camping is so not your thing, there are loads of one dayers in London where you can get your festival fix and rock out your festival wardrobe. All you need is an Oyster Card. And to live in London.
Get Loaded in the Park (June 12th, Clapham Common)
This festival had a year off last year but is back with Razorlight headlining. They have a job on their hands to get this festival on par with the others. At the moment it’s looking a bit meh, more of a glorified Razorlight gig than a festival to remember.
Hard Rock Calling (June 25-26th, Hyde Park)
Not as youthful and trendy as the others. Mostly for people who used to cane it at festivals but can’t anymore because they have kids, 4x4s and Ocado accounts. You will see Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, your Mum.
Wireless, (July 1st-3rd, Hyde Park)
The Friday will probably be full of teenagers spending the money they made babysitting for people at ‘Hard Rock Calling’ the weekend before as The Black Eyed Peas, Chipmunk and Tinie Tempah are on the bill. Saturday has The Chemical Brothers, Chase & Status, Aphex Twin and Chromeo to name a few. Sunday sees Pulp and Grace Jones end the weekend.
Somerset House Summer Series, (July 7th -17th)
This beautiful civilised court yard setting means no need for wellies. I predict tones of box fresh white plimsolls. Not really a festival as such, but a different artist every night. Pick your favorites from Blondie, Ellie Goulding, Prof Green and more.
Love Box (July 15th -17th, Victoria Park)
On its 8th year now, Lovebox has it ALL going on, amazing food and festival extras; something for everyone music wise. Friday has The Wombats, Example and Beardyman. Saturday has Snoop Dogg performing Doggy Style, Katy B and Lykke Li. Sunday has Scissor Sisters, Blondie and Kelis.
High Voltage (July 23rd – 24th, Victoria Park)
Proper rocky, Judas Priest are headlining. Expect great real ale and tattoos aplenty. If it’s your scene these guys don’t mess around, a really well organised festival that stays true to its roots.
Greenwich Summer Sessions (26th -31st July)
The Divine Comedy, Mark Ronson and Status Quo will be there. A real VIP vibe. A good chance to practice throwing cash at this part of town as a dry run to the Olympics.
www.greenwichsummersessions.co.uk
Field Day (August 6th, Victoria Park)
On it’s 5th year with Eat your own Ears. They have given this a real vintage vibe with tombolas and helta skeltas. With stages dotted around everywhere the line goes on and on.
SW4 (August 27th – 28th Clapham Common)
As soon as they declare the new holiday year I book the Tuesday after this bank holiday weekend off. It begins with SW4 Electronic Dance Festival and ends with Notting Hill Carnival and my liver hating me. Pendulum, Underworld, Magnetic Man, Annie Mac, Pete Tong and loads of DJs.
Phew. With this little lot, there’s not even time to go to Bestival…
Comments