Features / best of bristol
Best of Bristol 2018: Festivals
With a bumper summer of sunshine, it was bound to be a great year for festivals. Here are some of the events our reviewers enjoyed most during 2018..
Photograph by Lucas Sinclair
This was Boomtown’s tenth outing, and it was testament to the production team that in such a short time it has grown into one of the UK’s biggest festivals without compromising on atmosphere or unparalleled production values. This year’s line-up featured a UK festival exclusive by Gorillaz, for which every inch of the Lion’s Den was filled with revellers.
The third annual one-day festival saw debates, discussions and comedy mixed with two main music stages and a brilliant kids’ area. Headliners Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher both played nostalgic sets and got into the local spirit. “Alright my lovers?” Gallagher said to the crowd before the first Oasis song of the night.
Set deep in the Brecon Beacons, this was a festival to remind people of all ages what a joy it is to be alive by immersing themselves in music, nature, friendship and a touch of hedonism. This year the sun gods brought glorious weather to a line-up that included Bristol’s own Big Jeff.
Little ones found plenty to enjoy at this compact festival with an astounding view of Chew Valley Lake, from meeting farm animals to dancing in front of the main stage. ‘Get on my land!’ proclaimed signs at this fun-loving weekend where tweed is the outfit of choice.
This year was somewhat different from previous events as the festival was stripped-back due to the closure of Colston Hall. However, six venues hosted music during the day that included an ambitious set from local post-punk boys LICE and a blinding crescendo from shoegaze pioneers Slowdive that caused strangers to hug each other, while in the evening there were legendary names such as Helena Hauf, DJ Stingray and Bristol heavyweights Giant Swan.
Read more: Best of Bristol 2018: Dance
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
