After the success of last years’ Festival, Playgroup 2011 was undoubtedly a priority date on the XYZ music calendar. The Brighton-based organisers promised 100% audience participation and a heavy dash of the absurd for this years’ event. And we’re pleased to say that with its friendly atmosphere and plethora of interactive and musical delights to feast upon, there was simply no end to the fun.
The woodland animal theme ensured plenty of fancy dress shenanigans amongst punters and performers alike. Lizard ladies danced into the night with outlandish owls, and feisty foxes canoodled with boisterous badgers in what was undoubtedly one of the most inclusive and magical festival experiences out there.
The food was simple but tasty, with none of the awful overpriced burger vans that plague so many larger festivals each year. ‘Grannies Gaff’ offered a wealth of comfort food and sweet treats, whilst the ‘Lizard Stage and Kitchen’ served up some seriously delicious Stonebaked pizzas and refreshing herbal teas to counter-act those inevitable hangovers.
On the musical front, one of the absolute highlights had to be ‘Quantic & his Combo Barbaro’ whose headline performance on the main stage was nothing short of inspirational. Other acts on the bill who really impressed were Brighton Funk brothers ‘Mean Poppa Lean’, local loop-station prodigy ‘Amity’ and forty-strong percussion ensemble ‘Carnival Collective’ who blew everyone away with their infectious party atmosphere.
We as a city should be proud to have such an open-minded and exciting creative promotions company as Playgroup on our very doorstep. We’re already looking forward to Playgroup Festival 2012!
playgroupfestival.com
