Heading down to Victoria Park in East London for Field Day proved to be a great start to this summer's festival season. The event also provided the perfect opportunity to see headliners Aphex Twin at their only UK festival performance this year on the Barn Stage, alongside other favourites including: Arab Strap, Run The Jewels, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard and Slowdive.
Aphex Twin were the talk of the day amongst dwellers, with Warp Records setting up a merchandise stall selling limited edition mini albums.
After last year's disappointing rained out 10th anniversary event, things were certainly looking positive for a scorcher of a day with record number of crowds attending the East London shindig.
Slimming down this year's affair to just one day to focus the efforts of world class talent accordingly seemed like a good move compared to the two day event the festival was in previous years.
Heading to the Shacklewell Arms tent for a 45-minute Flamingods set, things were kicking off in the packed out tent. Crowds threw themselves without care at the front of the stage.
After the recent release of their 'Kewali' EP, psych rockers Flamingods didn't disappoint with their live set and even brought out special guests in the form of Dan Leavers and Elliot Arndt.
Halfway through the excellent musical affair lead singer Kamal decided to throw himself into the audience for some crowd-surfing action, whilst the sea of faces joined in and cheered him on.
Over on the Eat Your Own Ears stage, Rae Morris slowed the pace and calmed things down a notch with her mellow, dance-inspired set, which was just the ticket to sit down with and enjoy a cold beer and a slice of organic pizza from one of the many award-winning food stalls on offer.
Next up were King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, currently touring the UK, who certainly pulled a large crowd in the evening at the Shacklewell Arms tent. Filling the area to capacity in no time, the band engaged with the audience from the off, whilst shouting: "Rattlesnake, Rattlesnake, Rattlesnake!"
Slowdive played plenty of their back catalogue during their set and it easy to notice that Nick Chaplin wore a Kite Base t-shirt during the performance too. Certainly one to remember, the band only recently reformed for a successful fourth album and have a stack of festivals to play this summer.
Aphex Twin's closing set was mind-blowing. The huge Barn stage was filled to the brim with revelling, dancing crowds in a way that Field Day has never seen before, whilst their mesmerising lazer show played out for all to witness.
One disappointment to mention was that they didn't play more of the older 90s classics that the older generation in the audience longed to hear.
2017 produced an undoubtedly memorable Field Day, although the evening also saw the tragic events of the London Bridge attack, which left many stranded in fear.
Field Day might be one of the smaller major festivals on the UK scene but they know how to put on an unforgettable event and provide value for money, which is something that will ensure their longevity in years to come.
Take a look at the rest of the pictures from the day below.
Words and photos Michael Hundertmark
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