Shakedown Festival

Returning to Stanmer Park for the third year running Shakedown Festival, one of the best festivals to hit the south coast, brought a huge line-up across three stages. Catering to a range of musical tastes, from the energetic drum and bass of the Supercharged Arena, to the dance anthems of Audio Arena and the huge chart toppers featured on Shakedown’s main stage. Opening the festival were winners of the DJ and band competitions run by the organisers, DJ Outbreak and Youth Club.

In the Supercharged Arena RAM records boss Andy C showed why he is considered one of the world’s best DJs with a flawless set, following on from a great set featuring exclusive first plays from Wilkinson. The night ended with big names Nero and Subfocus, on form as ever, dropping their easily recognised chart hits.

On the main stage, DJ Fresh in his last “Live” show this year played anthem after anthem including his hits ‘Gold Dust’ and ‘Hot Right Now’ with astonishing vocals from Fleur and a full live band.

Labrinth impressed the crowd with his skills as a guitarist (breaking a string in his enthusiasm!) showing a broader range of talent to back his strong vocal performance. He constantly teased the crowd with the opening of ‘Earthquake’, before finally delivering the song much to the audiences delight.

Playing on their home turf, Brighton boys Rizzle Kicks took to the stage with a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm playing songs from their new album Roaring 20s to a great audience response.

Stanmer Park, 28 September (day one of two day festival)
Rating:
Victoria Emma Thompson