Highlights From London’s Citadel Festival

Citadel Festival debuted this year, as a post-Lovebox day out in London’s east end Victoria Park.
Sunday festivals may usually be a dark time for many festival goers, the tent is has sunk as low as your enthusiasm, and the blisters from your wellingtons are the only thing stopping you from standing up and leaving. A One-day festival on a Sunday afternoon however, is a very different thing, and Citadel nailed it.

The sun beat down on Victoria park with yesterdays footprints and outlines fresh in the dirt, people wandered around the fields smiling , carrying cans of tepid beer, burgers, Indian and Caribbean inspired street food, and cocktails from ‘Tequila Town’. The atmosphere was upbeat, almost electric. With DJ’s playing various open discos, crowds dancing beneath, bands playing small stages in front of intimate crowds at the bandstand, people performing yoga, watching the skateboarding competition, or entering the hilariously commentated sports day. Wherever you turned, there was something to see, hear, do, taste, drink, experience.

 
At the bandstand there were some small but eclectic and talented acts including Theo Bard, Perhaps Contraption, and Rum Buffalo offering a different vibe to the majority of headline acts. The comedy tent was a revelation. With some big name comedians performing some hilarious acts and bits of stand-up.

We caught Joe Dommett (Skins, Impractical Jokers, Drunk History) discussing his flat-mate’s sexual exploits, and saw him introduce some newer talents including Harriet Kemsley, and Mo Gilligan amongst others. Mo Gilligan performed a very funny set including the help of an appropriate soundtrack – He is definitely one to watch for the future.

 
 
On the main stage were some massive acts, featuring up and coming Leon Bridges, a fantastic voice for you, your Mum and even your Nan. Leon was phenomenal with several people up and kicking up the dust as they danced along to his soulful sound, like scenes from the 70’s. We caught some of the cool Anna Calvi, another great act, playing into the blaring sun, sunglasses on and lipstick shining, she bought the crowd in with her big voice, ready for the final acts of the evening. Kurt Vile, Bombay Bicycle Club, and of course, Ben Howard.

 
Whilst Bombay Bicycle club were clearly enjoying their time back on the big stage, the show and the day really belonged to the closing performance. Anyone who’s not convinced of Ben Howard, see him live. As a sceptic of his latest album and the introduction of electric guitar, I was blown away by his performance as he enchanted thousands of music lovers, in front of the dimly lit skyline. The perfect close to a perfect Sunday.

 
Considering this was the first time Citadel has been run, it was a well-organised and highly successful event. It was a great Sunday vibe, with plenty on offer for everyone. It’s difficult to do so, but if Citadel is improved upon for running next year, there’s a sell-out festival for sure.

By Jonathan Harris