The number of music festivals continues to present a potentially bewilderingly large range of opportunities to travel to far-flung locations, forget your day to day existence, pitch a tent and enjoy live music in all its splendour. But what happens if youre one of those people that are immune to such heady attractions, preferring to eschew weekend-in-a-field musical joy in favour of something more restrained and urban? The answer is that you choose from one of the single day festivals or one of the many multi-day, city-based events that co-exist alongside the traditional outdoors music festival.
In terms of the one day variety any preview must begin with Field Day. Each year seems to bring a wonderfully eclectic, reliably genre-defying selection of artists and bands to Victoria Park in east London. 2012 upholds this tradition in style, boasting big-hitting names of alternative music (Franz Ferdinand, Beirut & Liars), populist crowd-pleasers (Metronomy & The Vaccines), cutting-edge contemporary female sounds (Grimes & Julia Holter), the return of semi-forgotten favourites (Tortoise & Mazzy Star), the overlapping worlds of dubstep/electronica (SBTRKT, Rustie, Zomby & Gold Panda) and a customary nod to world music (AfroCubism). And that really is only scratching the surface. Recent years also witnessed an improvement in co-ordination/organisation/facilities at the festival. What further reason do you need to attend?
Field Day takes place on 2nd June at Victoria Park, London. Tickets and further information are available from Field Day.
The following day sees the return of the more family-friendly The Apple Cart to Victoria Park for its second year of music, comedy, art, cabaret and magic. From a musical perspective following Field Day can be a tough act but the organisers have done a commendable job. The line up covers diverse musical ground featuring performances from Adam Ant, Billy Bragg, Penguin Caf, Lianne La Havas, Scritti Politti, Josh T. Pearson and Marques Tolliver amongst others. Theres also a selection of names from the worlds of comedy, cabaret and magic, as well as a wide range of activities for children. If you want to experience a more relaxed music festival at a slightly slower pace The Apple Cart may be the one for you.
The Apple Cart takes place on 3rd June at Victoria Park, London. Tickets and further information are available from The Apple Cart.
Another one-day festival with a difference is the Underage Festival. If youre not between the ages of 13-17 however you wont be able to enter Victoria Park on Saturday 5th August as admission is strictly for those that fall into this age group. The line up includes the likes of Janelle Monae, Miles Kane, Bombay Bicycle Club, Cocknbullkid and Dutch Uncles – all served up with a huge slice of unadulterated, teenage fun.
The Underage Festival takes place on 5th August at Victoria Park, London. Tickets and further information are available here.
The nice people at Eastern Electrics have also announced details of another special one day London event. Jamie Jones, Joy Orbison and Julio Bashmore are all confirmed to appear with more to follow soon.
Eastern Electrics takes place on 4th August at Clapham Common in London. Tickets and further information are available here.
Outside of London there is the new Love Saves The Day festival that takes place in Castle Park in Bristol on 3rd June. The line up features the likes of Joy Orbison, Pearson Sound, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and a collection of top DJs. Find out more here.
