Review: Love Saves The Day 2018, Eastville Park

The 7th ever Love Saves The Day took place at Eastville Park, promising to be bigger and better than ever. I set off alongside swarms of sequin clad festival goers to see if the organisers came through.

Despite the potential thunderstorms threatening the entire weekend, thousands of people made the trek and the place was heaving by the afternoon.

The early birds would have got to see the delights of Bristol’s own Frau DJs at the cocktails and dreams stage (yes I had a cocktail for lunch) who eased in the party with some guilt free 90s RnB.

Next Elderbrook took the 2pm slot on the main stage with a stunning set of live electro and challenging vocals.

Enjoying a liquid lunch!

Crack Magazine hosted the Paradiso Stage, which offered up some heavy grime in the form of Octavian, a welcome alternative to the tropical pop next door.

Octavian taking on the Crack stage

The Blast DJ’s kicked off at the entrance on the very impressive looking lonely hearts stage with some epic call and response, which even the queues joined in on at one point.

Bringing a more than healthy dose to the day on the Shambarber Stage were Waifs and Strays, and all eyes were on the incredible Dominique Fleek and Carmen Monoxide, whose moves and make up had me reaching for my contour kit. I have never felt so under-dressed.

But of course, we were all waiting for the return of Fatboy Slim (Norman Cook) and his onstage antics. Despite the noise level laws, he proved he still has it in every way. His set of old school dance and nods to 90s rave (complete with ecstasy visuals on the big screen) were peppered with his own classics. I saw total strangers turn to each other and embrace when Right Here Right Now filtered through. He was completely present with the crowd at every mix and it was truly an honour to see him live after having grown up with his music.

The legendary Norman Cook

Sunday held a much calmer vibe and the main stage played host to Nightmares On Wax. Robin Taylor Firth came out before the set and blessed the stage with a burning bouquet of sage, saying “welcome to our living room, come and bring just love with you”. The stage was set out with sofas, armchairs and side tables.

Calming vibes and a space filled with love was exactly what was needed after such a heavy night before. They played out most of their new album, Shape The Future, which was a storybook of acceptance, love and peace and very relevant to today’s current political climate.

We checked out the games area and were accosted by a pair dressed as laundry ladies in full character, demanding we pick a ball and play bingo. We didn’t get entry to the secret ball pit concealed behind fake washing machines (but with the Saturday hangover still firmly in place that was probably not a bad thing), so we sidled up to check out the dazzling garms from local brand That Thing.

Quite honestly if I had my bank card on me, I probably would be giving David Attenborough a panic attack with all of the shiny sequin delights I could have purchased.

My absolute must see of the festival were Duchess DJs, Frankie and Meg whose matching outfits and dance moves were a sell on their own. I always love seeing women in music, but the fact these two had near to 500 people in the palm of their hand after one song is proof that females can truly do it for themselves. Go and check them out if you can.

Hi Contrast took the centre stage by storm as the sun went down. The centre stage was a beacon for all drum and bass fans of which there were thousands. Next up, Andy C was fronted by MC Tonn Piper, who maintained the love vibes on the awesome backdrop of the multicoloured mountain.

The festival was closed with an awe-inspiring set from Sampha. A total contrast to the previous headliner and a perfect way to round off a weekend filled with positivity and inclusion. I was a complete virgin to his music and his vocals alone had me welling up in minutes.

Sampha: Photo: Ginny Hatfield

The festival really encapsulates what Bristol is all about. The diverse wealth of music and people really came together in one place, but more importantly, strangers were kind to each other. I encountered so many wonderful individuals helping each other other out. Lone goers were being welcomed with open arms to different groups and people came together over a mutual adoration for music.

I am not surprised the festival sells out every year. Love didn’t just save the day, it made it.