More festivals than ever have un-earthed throughout the UK this year, perhaps capitalizing on Glastonbury’s Jay-Z-blamed, ticket selling mishap and seeking the crowds. Last years Wakestock, Abersoch didn’t run as smoothly as anticipated, called off due to weather conditions (typical Gatecrasher ‘08 style) with fears of a repeat performance this time round. Fortunately for us, this wasn’t to be the case as the rain held off. Well, a little at least.
Room Thirteen ventured to the Northern hills of Wales for the first time, to Europe’s largest Wakeboarding festival situated in Abersoch’s beautiful countryside and mountainous surroundings. As Wakestock virgins, what to be expected could not have been forseen; a mixture of dance and Emo-rock acts heading the bill, an eclectic array of genres and prospects.
A relatively small camping crowd, approximating at around 6,000 and an estimated 20-25,000 overall capacity; this festival is perfect for the first time goer, bringing a relaxed and chilled atmosphere along for the ride.
Friday saw live music and DJ sets from unsigned local talent, stage sharing with current festival whores Pendulem, Groove Armada and dance rock-rappers Hadouken! Not far from their cars or camping (Glasto style trekking is not applicable), sweaty and inebriated ticket holders embraced the gentle attitude. Even the rain could not deter the masses, light showers generally followed by rays of sun light; keeping mud levels to a minimum.
Saturday followed on where Friday left off, again featuring much loved and unsigned material. You Me At Six, Elliot Minor, The Blackout and homegrown Funeral For A Friend entertained the XFM stage crowd; mosh pits and emo trends galore. If not to your taste, the Open Air Stage brought the weekends highlights; Happy Mondays, Calvin Harris (featuring Dizzee) and the ever improving Mark Ronson.
Sunday featured local lady Duffy, the Hoosiers, Futureheads and up and coming act the Dykeenies. The Streets topped the bill with each act going down a storm, bringing new and old fans together for rocking performances. The Streets embraced the crowds tired enthusiasm, spicing up their act with a blend of rap and rock.
If you don’t fancy the trek next year round (which trust me took everybody 7 hours to get to), yet however the festival sounds like your cup of tea, Blenheim Palace (Oxford) consisted of the same line up, just a different location and a week earlier. Wakestock really was a success; Room Thirteen definitely plan to tackle the dreaded A491 once more.
For a more in depth look at what Wakestock has to offer, via the new adition to the family in Oxfordshire,
go here.