Now in its eighth year, Love Saves the Day manages to bring together young and old, whether locals or from afar – clad in the brightest, most elasticated and daring outfits, which is a far cry from the usual glittered cheek usually on offer at most festivals. And this year didn’t disappoint!
Across six different stages, with a mix of genres on offer, some of the best acts on Saturday were to be found on smaller stages away from the main stage. Although, the main stage did boast Maribou State and Shy FX, as well as an ever quirky performance by Jimothy Lacoste.
Lil Simz on Paradiso stage opened her set by rapping through a megaphone, backed up by her incredible jazz band behind her. This was definitely a first for me, and it set the tone for the rest of her performance. If you’ve not heard any of her songs before, I suggest you start with ‘Selfish’ or ‘Venom’. And I can vouch that she’s just as fantastic live! Paradiso stage also showed off the likes of Slowthai and Ross from Friends, who are all over the English festival scene this summer.
Love Saves the Day manages to bring together young and old, whether locals or from afar – clad in the brightest, most elasticated and daring outfits.
The noisiest – and probably craziest – stages of the day had to be Centre stage, and Lonely Hearts Club. Squeezed in between hundreds of people during SubFocus really proved that there is no better way to enjoy live music than letting go (and getting sweaty) in a crowd! Lonely Hearts Club kept the tech and house fans happy, with CamelPhat and Solardo being my own personal favourites of the day at this stage.
Perhaps the most surprising act of Saturday Love Saves the Day was Lily Allen, who I’ve neglected for the past few years. Being the final act of the night, her performance was a mixed bag of familiar tunes and songs I’d never listened to before. However, nothing could beat the buzz of the crowd as she performed ‘Smile’ – a true nostalgic classic!
Saturday certainly didn’t disappoint, and set up committed festival heads for the following day. Paired with perfect weather on the Saturday, the sold out festival was certainly worth the year long hype. Until next May!