 |
| Credit: Ben Gibson |
Like the first day of school walking through the gates, racked with anxiety, wondering if you're going to make any friends, it can be just as difficult to put on a new festival and make a name for it - especially in North London in 2017.
Luckily, the capital's newest and most exciting festival, Community, had a reputable team (Festival Republic) behind it and an equally strong line-up to match. Its secret power though wasn't any of the above, it was the apt sense of community from those who performed which they brought to the event.
The first act we managed to catch on the main stage was Brighton's Fickle Friends. A formidable 80s-inspired pop five-piece, their set was doused in a sense of occasion. Playing the main stage at such a big festival marked a serious step-up for the group who have consistently impressed on smaller stages to date. Teasing the crowd with material from their eagerly-awaited debut album, that saw them flitting between the UK and LA to record it last summer, their recent single 'Glue' was amongst the new cuts aired on the afternoon.
 |
| Credit: Ben Gibson |
A handful of fans were already seen to be wearing the band's merch, although with the storming set they played it won't be long before more fans are decked out in the same threads. Previous releases 'Brooklyn', 'Hello Hello' and long-time fan favourite 'Swim' saw the crowd bounce gloriously from the off. Lead singer Natti also had a thrilling way of interacting with the crowd and that, along with their epically catchy tunes, will ensure they're remembered as a highlight of the first ever Community Festival.
 |
| Credit: Ben Gibson |
Over on the N4 stage were fellow seaside-dwellers, Wild Front. The four-piece appeared to possess a confident, charming stage manner and drew in a decent-sized crowd of varying ages. Combining elements of rock, pop and fun into one impressive fusion, the band tore through a number of their hits including, 'Scrape', 'Rico' and new release 'Physics'. The high point in a set full of highs came in the form of 'Her', a bubbling number that really wormed its way under the skin.
 |
| Credit: Wild Front |
Elsewhere, Hertfordshire's The Hunna took to the main stage shortly afterwards and opened with the bone-shakingly exciting 'You And Me'. Perfectly capable of holding their own on such a large stage, the four-piece had the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands as they took us on a rip-roaring voyage of tracks from their debut album.
 |
| Credit: Sarah Bennett |
Anteros bobbed around on the N4 stage with more spirit and enthusiasm than ever before, whilst the crowd swelled with each bitter dream-pop track they played. Particular highlights included sassy indie-pop numbers 'Breakfast' and 'On The Moon' and 'Cherry Drop'. Lead singer, Laura Hayden was a spectacular performer to witness too.
 |
| Credit: Sarah Bennett |
Later on Liverpool's Clean Cut Kid made an appearance on the very same stage and were met with nothing short of adoration. Having recently released their debut album, 'Felt', the four-piece were all smiles throughout their set and presented the kind of feel-good vibe that makes you want to become best friends with them all.
 |
| Credit: Sarah Bennett |
Fellow Liverpool group The Wombats stepped up to the main stage as the sun began to die down for the evening. Their set was filled with plenty of nostalgic numbers for the packed crowd to sing-along to throughout. Easily one of the most enjoyable performances of the day, the group rattled through their back catalogue including 'Moving to New York', 'Techno Fan' and 'Let's Dance to Joy Division'.
 |
| Credit: Ben Gibson |
The hugely popular Catfish and the Bottlemen from Llandudno wrapped up the event in style with an impressive and memorable headline slot. Visible behind the band themselves was the notable alligator from the cover of their second album, 'The Ride'. Beginning with 'Homesick', screams and cheers were audible from the sea of faces before them and never once took a pause. Clearly a large majority of the crowd had come out purely for the headliners, which was a smart move from the organisers in booking them. Other hits including 'Kathleen', 'Twice', 'Tyrants' and more were rapturously received by an audience whose eyes remained transfixed on the band until the very end.
 |
| Credit: Ben Gibson |
Community Festival was a much-needed one-day celebration of music that proved to be a huge success. Whether it becomes an annual summer festival staple or not, there's no doubt that new festivals can pop up and do well, even in 2017.
Words Lauren Wade
0 comments: