The balmy morning should have been all the warning we needed, to know that the rain would appear today and appear in glorious form it did…

There is a marked change in the festival audience on day two, very young girls in very tiny bikinis – completely unprepared for the inclement weather to come.

The early afternoon kicked off with a performance by Inhaler, the rising Irish band effortlessly bridged the gap between nostalgia and modernity. With their infectious guitar riffs and frontman Elijah Hewson’s distinctive vocals, they had the crowd swaying and singing along to their indie anthems, leaving us eager to hear more from this promising quartet. We loved, “My Honest Face”.

Next up were The Coronas, who captivated the audience with their heartfelt melodies and contagious energy. The Irish outfit commanded the stage with their charm, delivering a set brimming with catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics. The crowd was swept away by their euphoric tunes, creating a unified sense of joy that permeated the air. Our Favourite track was, “Heroes for Ghosts”.

Next we ran over to the River Stage to catch for the enchanting sounds of Lauran Hibberd. With her impeccable songwriting skills and powerful vocals, Hibberd showcased her ability to capture both vulnerability and strength in her music. Her songs, filled with sharp observations and relatable stories, resonated deeply with the crowd, forging an emotional connection that lingered long after her final note. We relived our emo days bopping to, “Bang, Bang, Bang”

As darkness settled in and with the rain finally clearing, the anticipation for Kasabian reached its peak. The British rock favourites unleashed an explosive set that ignited the festival grounds. Their signature blend of electrifying guitar, pulsating beats, and Serg Pizzorno commanding stage presence transported us into a state of pure joy. Admittedly we weren’t sure how we would feel with Serg on vocals but the band played a tight set that entertained the masses. The crowd came alive, belting out every word to anthems like “Fire” and “Club Foot,” transforming the field into a sea of unified energy.

Bringing the night to a crescendo, LF Soundsystem took the stage, engulfing the crowd in a sonic feast of electronic wizardry. Their masterful fusion of house, disco, and funk elements had the entire audience entranced and dancing with unbridled enthusiasm. As they delivered their iconic hits like “Always Feel Afraid” and “Hungry,” LF Soundsystem effortlessly proved why they remain unrivaled in their ability to captivate and energize.

Words: Angela & Eva Canavan

Photos: Angela Canavan