There is currently talk of setting up a Bristol festival office. As well as providing valuable back office staff, it would also hopefully prevent a repeat of this weekend, which brilliant as it is would surely be better with the half dozen large-scale events spread over different days.
Mayfest cannot be moved – its name gives the game away. But there will be some Dot to Dot fans who would have enjoyed going to Love Saves the Day, and some Vegfest punters who might have been looking forward to Upfest.
At least Upfest is on until Monday. The first day on Saturday saw crowds packed along North Street (would it be too much to ask to get the road closed next year?) and further afield, including Bar BS3, the Try Again and Redpoint Climbing Centre.
Here’s Cheo and friend painting in the Dean Lane skate park:
As stag and hen do’s in various states of dress and fancy dress were out in force in the city centre, neon-clad punters could be spotted heading to Love Saves The Day in Castle Park.
Saturday was certainly a day for the dance-heads, with today’s Love Saves Sunday promising a more chilled vibe with the likes of Chic and Soul II Soul.
Vegfest Saturday night headliners Happy Mondays were joined by The Farm and 808 State, but this festival had started on Friday night with Caravan Palace lead singer Zoe Colotis proclaiming after only one song in her distinctive French accent: “This is the worst gig ever. ” The wind and rain caused a few initial technical problems, which soon were forgotten during a seamless and upbeat set.
Spread out across different venues was Dot to Dot, with Tom Odell probably the best known name playing early evening at the Academy as this year’s festival welcomed the likes of BrewDog, The Birdcage and The Lanes to its roster.
Those who had decided to head to the Eat Drink Bristol Fashion tipis were treated to a hot air balloon taking off from the middle of Queen Square.
In less savoury scenes, EDL members barricaded themselves into the St George’s Hall pub in Redfield following a march. Some innocent punters were trapped inside, with one, Lesmoor Kelly, posting updates on Facebook as riot police gathered outside.
