WORDS AND IMAGES BY DESH KAPUR
‘NEIGHBOURHOOD DELIVERS, AGAIN AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN’
SATURDAY
Yay its Neighbourhood Festival Weekender again, and if I’ve said it once then I have said it loads of times but I am going to say it again, I love this festival, from top to bottom its brilliant, and the organization of the whole event, the bands from the big headliners to the newer bands on the other stages, some playing a festival for the first time, the food and so much more there is something for everyone, and the people come in their thousands to watch it.
It’s only 40 minutes from my house to Victoria Park, Warrington, the sun was out, I put my cameras in my car, popped on my bucket hat and shades, I must for any indie festival, jumped in the car and I was off.
It was a big lineup this year, well it’s a big lineup every year, to be honest, but this Year Kasabian, The Courteeners, Wet Leg, The Snuts, The Reytons, James Bay, DMA’S, The Lathums, Razorlight and so so much more.
After arriving on Saturday afternoon at about 12sh, we quickly grabbed our photo and review passes and wandered into Victoria Park the place was already buzzing with happy festivalgoers, painted faces, silver flares, bucket hats, lightweight parkas and Ray-Ban sunglasses. Gin bars, street food, wood-fired pizza, beer and fairground rides add to the atmosphere. The bands were split over 3 stages, and thankfully the distance between the 3 was not too far, meaning with some exceptional timing, you could get to see most of the bands you wanted to – perfect!! Add to that the sun was bloody shining; it was going to be a good, good time
Saturday started for me with the big top and Scotland’s latest vibing busker Dylan John Thomas, and he produced a great set of acoustic indie pop, reminiscent of Gerry Cinnamon but with a little more folk-tinged edge, very nice, see you at a show very soon.
Next up was Isle of Wight’s latest indie heroes Wet Leg on the main stage, armed with a number 1 UK album, lyrically sharp, clever indie pop and to be honest they were amazing, maybe my favourite band of the weekend, it’s just refreshingly unique brilliant songwriting
It was time for Scouting for Girls next, in the big top, and the big top was packed, people spilling out onto the grass areas outside the tent, which blew me away, I realize that back in the late naughties they were a big band with top ten singles and a number 1 album, but they have been fairly quiet for a good few years, to be honest, it seemed the band were as blown away as I was, they played a cracking set, reminding everyone why they loved them in the first place and still love them now
Managed to shoot to the main stage for Lathums, thanks to a buggy ride around the back (thanks Kara) and then it was back to the big top for my two favourite bands at the moment The Reytons and The Snuts and I wasn’t disappointed, these bands rock, they play their take of Indie rock and they know how to put on a show and hold the whole the crowd in the palm of their collective hands if you haven’t checked out either of these band, then what wrong with you man, two they are two of the best bands about and they deserve all the accolades and success that they are getting,
I was finishing day one back at the main stage with Australia’s best export since INXS, The DMA’S and Manchester legends The Courteeners and like the two bands I had previously, they just deliver, the sweetest indie The DMA’S played tracks across their 3 albums to a massive audience, songs like ‘Silver” and ‘Criminals’ were the perfect fit for a festival as the sun starts to dip, so good, and then The Courteeners to bring it all to an end, outstanding set from tthe Middleton lads and starting their set with songs from the album ST Jude was a masterstroke, brilliant first day,
FOLLOW THE COURTEENERS
FOLLOW THE DMA’S
FOLLOW THE REYTONS
FOLLOW THE SNUTS
FOLLOW SCOUTING FOR GIRLS
FOLLOW THE LATHUMS
FOLLOW WET LEG
FOLLOW DYLAN JOHN THOMAS
My life is a soundtrack, i track my life through music, photography is my passion, my escape, my expression. Without both i have pieces missing, thankfully i’m blessed and get to combine both.
Born in Manchester, lived in Australia for 22 years where i was heavily involved in the Australian Music Industry, firstly in bands (Singer) and then managing bands (all original), I moved back to the UK, Wales specifically 10 years ago
