Ben & Jerry's Sundae On The Common 2011
It seemed like we'd been waiting for months, and then out of nowhere, the double scoop of Ben and Jerry's Sundae on the Common was upon us.
Yes, the bands, the unlimited free ice cream, the Pimm's bus, the fairtrade pants, the Community Mosaic, the Vauxhall City Farm, as well as face painting and fairground rides.
And if that wasn't even enough, the sun shone too.
Kicking off the musical line-up on Saturday 23 was Brighton rock five-piece Munich, eliciting adverbs such as “epic” and “anthemic”. Check out their EP 'Where Are You Now' to listen to swirling guitars and thumping drums.
Next up, Misdirectors, with their blend of light, fun, indie pop. Slicing power chords with female vocals, catch them at The Garage, Islington, on August 25.
During the sound checks, I headed over to the Acoustic Stage, and caught The Rainband, hailing from Manchester, a fascinating mix of John Squire and Richard Ashcroft.
Back on the main stage, Rise Kagona, playing solo after his international success with the Bhundu Boys, is an Zimbabwean guitarist and vocalist, brought energetic melodies to the afternoon.
Another musician striking out on their own after international success was Steve Cradock, perhaps best known as being Paul Weller's guitarist. Hit songs such as 'The Apple' and 'On and On' sent shivers up the spine.
A bit of a risky choice for a family festival, the Fun Lovin' Criminals dropped as many f-bombs as they did bluesy rhythms and hip hop beats. Fantastic fun to stave off the inevitable mid-afternoon dairy coma.
Keeping the day rocking was Ash, successfully taking every adult in the audience back a decade, sounding every bit as tight as I thought they did when I was a teenager.
Going even further back in time, Ocean Colour Scene headlined, still riding the waves of success in the mid to late 90s.
Sunday 24 came in a haze of sunshine, kicking off with Starlings, a Sheffield synth-pop group who are on the up and up. Next, Sound of Rum, mixing poetry with hip hop with jazz. Kate Tempest was uncompromising in her optimism and attitude, plus extra points for mentioning William Blake, proving she's more than just “nice trainers”. A bit of a wild card, but a very welcome one.
Whilst Little Comets were on the main stage, I was chasing around a couple of girls holding baskets of ice cream sandwiches, back in UK stores this summer. I love ice cream sandwiches, and where better to eat them than in front of Rachel Sermanni, with her beautiful voice and acoustic guitar?
Also standing out on the Acoustic Stage was Nigel Burch and the Flea Pit Orchestra, one of the few bands there to really get people dancing.
You know that theme tune from Gavin and Stacy? Stephen Fretwell wrote that. Well-established on the singer-songwriter scene, I couldn't help but think he looked a little lost on such a big stage alone, and that he'd have been better suited to the back room of a smoky pub.
Coming over from the States, The Duke & The King mix folk, jazz and soul, providing a welcome energy boost before the deservedly-venerated Gary Numan.
Gary Numan has influenced musicians spanning genres and decades with his goth-synth-rock-electronica. Whatever you want to call it, we loved it.
The closing act was arguably the most contemporary act, Maximo Park, bursting with energy and showmanship. Perfect for burning off the last of the sugar rush before trying to get some sleep.
We'll see you again next year!
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