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Preview: The Downs 2018
The Downs Festival returns to its usual spot on September 1 for the third year with an exciting line up of artists, a programme of talks, great food and drink and a dedicated family area.
Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Paul Weller headline, along with a line up that mixes rock, reggae and electronic music including The Heavy, Khruangbin, Nadine Shah and Dream Wife.
As a relatively new festival to Bristol’s crowded scene, event organiser Tom Paine of Team Love is still working on carving out a niche. “Year one was all about Massive Attack”, he says. “The weather was atrocious during the day, which did work to slightly dampen the atmosphere in the daytime – pun intended.
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“However, when the band took to the stage, the atmosphere was electric, and with the weather throwing everything it had at us, it only served to further enhance the whole experience of the show. It was certainly one that people who were there will never forget.
“Last year we had glorious weather, which really helped create the relaxed and positive atmosphere that we had been hoping for. People got to enjoy the full day, relax on the grass, see some great music, hear some great talkers, eat great food and sip refreshing drinks. That rounded package was much more what we were always hoping to achieve.”
Massive Attack opened the first Downs Festival in 2015
The full package is something the organisers have worked hard on this year.
From the vegan and gluten-free options offered at the onsite food stalls, to plentiful bars (the queues from 2016’s app malfunction are a distant memory) and offering free tickets for children under the age of five, keeping punters happy is at the forefront of the organisers’ minds.
“It’s such a huge investment to get the show up and running”, Tom says. “Around 80 per cent of the money generated by ticket sales goes back into the Bristol economy, working with local staff and local businesses.
“We are very proud of that, and of being small independent companies, working in a very competitive industry, creating brilliant music events that people seem to enjoy coming to!”
The Downs Festival takes place on September 1. For tickets and information, visit www.thedownsbristol.com
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