Live Review: Secret Garden Party 2013

Arriving late on a Friday night, and pitching a tent in the dark, by the majestic glow of an iPhone, it was clear the party had already started by the distinct lack of anyone in the campsite.

As we followed the pounding rhythms into the festival past the Odd Ball Dance Hall, and the Temple of Boom we entered the landscaped grounds of a stately home in Cambridge, we were instantly astounded by the beauty of the festival. As people wafted around, and promenaded over the bridge, crossing the glassy lake where the shipwreck impedes on the natural beauty of the fields, little lanterns danced like fireflies, and you were instantly transported into another world. A world where time stands still, fairies dance with Greek Gods, and of course, the cider flows abundantly.

We journeyed far across the festival to the corner where the Woodburner Tent hid away and the atmosphere transformed into a folk hoe down feel. People crammed into the small tent to watch bands take to the stage. A mixture of bluesy-folk consumed the Woodburner tent and its surrounds. And with a bonfire burning slowly outside, and people sitting on the logs, exchanging calm conversation, lighters and rollies; it felt as if you’d been propelled to a campsite in the depths of Middle America.

On Saturday as people arose in their various forms of sobriety, we headed to the main stage to try and catch Youth Lagoon, however, the band had to drop out due to the death of a close friend, and were replaced by Ska-Pop band ‘They Say Jump’. The band immediately had revellers jumping around and dancing with their syncopated Pop sounds, and brimming with energy, they were definitely an exciting band to watch, ensuring no one felt the hole left by Youth Lagoon’s absence.

One musical gem we did come across whilst scouring the tents for new talent was the incredible band Wyldeck. Headed up by frontwoman Cece Wyldeck, her haunting vocals are full and rounded, giving her a stage presence that was far too big for the Forum Tent. Although the Dark Folk band are playing a few festivals dotted around the country this season, we’re sure they’re going to be a huge favourite next time around. So keep your eyes and ears peeled!

From crazy experimental electro bands trying their luck, to DJs pumping tunes from faux burger vans, odd dance acts at the Odd Ball Dance Hall, and just about every food you can think of on offer, one highlight of Secret Garden Party is the brilliance of never waiting more than 5 minutes in a queue for a drink. The organisers have got it down to a tee, with the amount of staff on hand. However we mustn’t be sidetracked, as there is an epic event that sums Secret Garden Party up in one fell swoop…the burning of the shipwreck. When the enormous wreck caught fire, the sky illuminated with a warm glow that was further set off by the immense display of fireworks. Although the rain poured from the skies, nothing could stop revellers from rushing out from their shelters to ‘Ooo’ and ‘Aaah’ as they marvelled at the display.

Secret Garden Party presented a host of fantastic acts such as MO, Django Django Bastille and Regina Spektor – who closed the four-day celebrations – however it’s the little guys who really make this festival worth going to for the music. With an amazing amount of talent kick-starting their careers at the smaller stages and tents, Secret Garden Party is the perfect festival for any new music junky, as there’s so much to unearth. And the plethora of magical avenues to get lost in at this festival, including all the tents, craft stalls and imaginative landscape, make the festival itself the real star of the show.

All we can say is that we can’t wait for Secret Garden Party 2014.

Read our interview with Big Chocolate