This past weekend, Club Decode spent an adventerous weekend at Electric Fields held on the grounds of Dumfries and Galloway’s Drumlainrig Castle.
Pitching our tent on Friday morning to have it packed away again by Sunday, the festival is short but sweet. The campsite is small, friendly and comfortable. Fairy lights decorate the campsite’s skyline, guiding you from one part to the other. Festival goers include families, groups of school friends and indie music lovers, making for a relaxed stress free vibe. With sunshine beaming, the arena opened early afternoon with local act Tiderays opening the festival’s main stage. As the arena started to busy, the promising ONR took to the stage. They drew the attention of many Electric Fields guests with an infectious disco vibe.
Between sets there was so much to enjoy. An endless variety of food vans lined the edges of the festivals, catering for all. Bars and amusements were scattered about alongside a charming vintage clothing stand where you could rumage for your new favourite coat. Late afternoon, we took a trip to the redeemer stage to catch Glasgow quartet Rascalton. With by far the rowdiest and most involved crowd of the day, the band performed a loud and boisterous set. A highlight of our Friday.
Throughout the day it was clear crowds were eagerly awaiting headliners Frightened Rabbit. Intoxicating the crowd with their upbeat but sometimes dark sound, lead singer Scott Hutchison announced he was going to get soppy before going back to being an “egotistical prick.” Airing how proud himself and the band were to headline a festival, the crowd warmed to them even more. A humble and welcoming performance. Our night was drawn to a close by Kate Tempest as she headlined the Tenement TV stage. Her political and spoken word music had many gasping in awe. Barely stopping for a breath, she performed her album Let Them Eat Chaos front to back. A tale of seven people and their thoughts at 4.18am, it was something different and eye opening for everyone.
Saturday at the festival remained just as sunny. The positive vibes continued from the outset as the laid back electric fields continued. 13 Crowes and the wonderful Sacred Paws opened the main stage respectively. Our first set of the day was Declan Welsh and The Decadent West on the Tenement TV Stage. With their usual fiery and political performance, the band joined by The Van T’s Hannah Van Thompson, captivated a packed tent. There is absolutely no doubt the band won over a fair few new fans with that set.
Festival goers continued to enjoy the sunshine as they eagerly awaited home grown talent Fatherson. Opening with their song Forest, fans quickly swarmed to the stage. There was an never ending excitement throughout the set as the crowd waited for favourites such as Open Book and Always. In awe of lead singer Ross’ vocals, the sun drenched performance was soaked up by the fans. Definitely a stand out performance from the festival.
Many armed with pineapples, Glass Animals shortly took to the stage after the Scottish trio. The band performed their indie anthems with a giant gold pineapple in the background. A popular band among those of uni age at the festival. No doubt the most energetic set of the day. Closing the festival was none other than Dizzie Rascal. Armed with blinding lights and strobes as well as the hits, it was nothing but enjoyment for everyone.High energy performance the brought this fantastic, wonderful weekend to an end.
Overall, Electric Fields is the perfect festival experience. The festival has something for everyone, every genre and every kind of entertainment. The festival is more than value for money and a fabulous carefree weekend is a guarantee. Roll on Electric Fields 2018.
Comments