COMMUNITY FESTIVAL 2018: REVIEW

BY AMANDA LAFERRIERE

If there is one thing I have picked up on since I’ve been in London, things are just better here in my opinion. That holds true for the festivals as well -- Community Festival at least. I’ve been to two music festivals back in America, and while they were amazing and I wouldn’t trade the experiences for the world, Community Festival was an experience like no other. Everyone was so incredibly considerate of one another, the security guards were giving out free water to people in the crowd, and it felt like someone was apologizing for squishing someone else in the pit every 5 seconds. I know the main lure of music festivals is obviously the music, however, the food has a draw of its own. Community Festival had everything from Thai street food to mac ‘n’ cheese stands. The festival also featured an abundance of vegan/vegetarian options (They make it so easy to be vegan in London).

Now for what you’re all actually here for: the music. I walked into the festival to the beginning of the Marmozets’ set. Receiving accolades and recognition from Kerrang!, Q, Noisey, and Radio 1, the Marmozets have made made a significant name for themselves in the British rock scene since their debut album in 2014. After seeing their set this past weekend, I understand all of the buzz. They played older songs along with some newer ones from their recent release of “Knowing What You Know Now”.

I made my way to the second of two stages to catch a bit of Ten Tonnes’ set. The intimate setting coupled with his melodic vibes was a treat for sure. I was introduced to Sundara Karma by a friend of mine a little while back and I’ve loved them ever since. They are the perfect festival band. Even so, I was very surprised when the crowd began moshing at during “She Said”.

I took a lunch break and enjoyed Rat Boy’s set from a nice grassy patch in the back of the crowd. It was great seeing his one-man-band music performed on such a large stage to such a receptive group.

THE VACCINES - Photo credit: James Bridle

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB - Photo credit: James Bridle

Next on my agenda for the day was Pale Waves. I stumbled upon them the same way a good portion of others did; their association with The 1975. Opening with what is arguably their most popular single, "Television Romance", Pale Waves had people moving and grooving from the get-go. I worked through the crowd to get back to the main stage after a few more songs to get a good spot for one of my personal favorites, The Vaccines. I’ve been listening to The Vaccines and Two Door Cinema Club for years now and had just accepted that I would never see them because neither of them ever come to America. If I had known all I had to do was go to Europe for a study abroad trip to see them, I would have done so forever ago. The whole crowd was swaying and singing and chanting along to almost all of their songs. While The Vaccines certainly gave an unforgettable performance, I do not think I’ve had a concert experience quite like seeing Two Door Cinema Club. It was obviously special for me as I have been a fan of theirs for so long, but I could tell how special it was to a majority of the crowd as well. Some highlights of the set include the goosebump inducing synchronicity of the crowd’s “Undercover Martyn” claps and the absolute madness that ensued following the opening notes of “What You Know”.

While all of the artists performing were amazing, my favorite part of the festival was when they began playing England’s “Football’s Coming Home” song. Every person at that festival was immediately on their feet dancing and singing. If you’re not familiar with World Cup culture, England is currently in the final four and there is a good chance they may win this year. This song brought everyone at Community Festival together with one common thing: pride for their country and its football team. It truly gave out a sense of “community” and made the experience truly unlike any other for me.