Splendour hits the high notes....
THIS year’s Splendour festival had it all - glorious sunshine, a few showers, but most of all, some great music.
Held at Wollaton Park in Nottingham, it was headlined by the Manic Street Preachers who played all their biggest hits including ‘If You Tolerate This Your Children Will be Next’, ‘You Love Us’ and ‘A Design For Life’.
Before that, The Specials drew some adoring fans to the crowd, playing a set of classics along with songs from their latest album ‘Encore’.
One of the most powerful performances of the day was by Rag’N’Bone Man who rattled off his biggest hits - and even asked politely if the crowd minded him singing a new song.
Over on the Confetti Stage, All Saints proved why they are so popular as they got the appreciative crowd singing and dancing to all their hits, from ‘Under the Bridge’ to ‘Pure Shores’, as well as showing they still had the moves - they were my stand-out favourites of the festival.
And Fine Young Cannibals singer Roland Gift gave the crowd exactly what they wanted with a fantastic performance of his group’s back catalogue.
Former X Factor winner Louisa went down well with the crowd getting ready to party as the afternoon slipped into evening.
And Northern Irish band Ash proved just as popular as when they last played the festival 10 years ago with a hit strewn set including the classic ‘Oh Yeah’.
And I do have to mention one performer, Nottingham lad Laurie Illingworth and his band, who kept the crowds mesmerised with his powerful vocals over on the Courtyard Stage with a great set of unique songs - definitely one to watch for the future.
There were also performances on the Fringe Stage and laughs galore at the Funhouse Comedy Stage.
Plus there was the GEM silent disco, a Little Splendours area where there were plenty of activities to keep youngsters entertained, as well as stalls to browse, food and drink to keep the energy levels up, and fairground rides.
All in all, another splendid day out for young and old.
It was delivered by DHP Family, in association with Nottingham City Council. George Akins, DHP Family owner, said: “It’s great to see months of hard work pay off with a day that has gone down so well with a fantastic festival crowd, with a line-up that really ticked all the boxes. We love putting on what has become the most epic summer party in the whole of the East Midlands and can’t wait to start working on next year.”
Plans for Splendour 2020 will be announced later in the year. To hear the latest, sign up to the Splendour newsletter at https://www.splendourfestival.com/
By David Godsall