Features / big jeff
Review: Blissfields 2015
With the recent corporate behemoth that is Glastonbury already faded from the memories of the ‘I’ve-been-there’ festival punters, it remains up to the smaller independent festivals to be the true staple of what music and arts events in the UK are – relaxed events with positive communal vibes where attitudes are left at the door. If you can throw in reasonable prices, safe environments, impeccable staffing and great artists on show then you’re onto a winner.
Blissfields is definitely a winner. Now in its 15th year, beginning on a farm in Hampshire as a small event for family and friends, it has evolved into one of the most hotly-anticipated boutique festivals of the year, continuing to draw in loyal punters, folk wanting a more intimate festival experience, and attracting bigger and bigger acts as each year passes.
What impresses instantly is how much is achieved with such a small and compact set-up, seemingly effortless in covering all the usual festival attractions from the music on offer to theatre, arts and craft events to unique cinema experiences – the diversity is impressive. It also succeeds as a festival where families can relax and enjoy proceedings, and where the hedonists come out at night and party until sunrise.
is needed now More than ever
In addition to the well-known acts, there’s emphasis to bring artists currently under the radar, both new and established. Across the three sun-drenched days the Play From your F*cking Heart theatre troupe offer an intelligent, gonzo look at self-help; the intimate ‘Larch’ stage, curated by Beans on Toast (himself opening the main stage on Saturday, with his brilliant observational lo-fi tales) is a delight both day and night. No sign of the ode to Big Jeff though…
The subtle folk of Lori Campbell and the late night drunken revelry of Houdini Dax are particular highlights. On the ‘Now & Den’ stage, newcomers Spring King impress with their spiky punk; Kassassin Street have tunes – they just need to tone down the star reaching and spend more time on the dark side.
The main stage is constantly hectic with a great set from Ghostpoet. Grandmaster Flash is a revelation, attracting the biggest crowd of the weekend. And the ever-brilliant John Grant plays an emotional set infused with a techno segment mid-way to rapturous response – selecting more stark songs from his debut solo album The Queen of Denmark as well as funked up numbers from his recent Pale Green Ghosts offering. Meanwhile, The Horrors’ strobe induced psych, as the lightning reigns, takes you somewhere else entirely.
A gem of a festival upping its game each year. Bliss in a field indeed!
Photo: Erika Estevao
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