THE biggest house party… in a field — a description most fitting for Leopallooza XIII.
What began as a small party for a bunch of music-loving friends in 2006 has now become a multi-award winning family festival, attended by some of the biggest names in music and enjoyed by the thousands that flock there each year.
This year marked the 13th Leopallooza and the festival’s most successful to date — and probably the driest too!
With high flying artists such as Friendly Fires, The Vaccines and Feeder headlining, people turned out in all manor of sparkling outfits to enjoy the premier music on offer.
Festival goers couldn’t have asked for any better weather over the weekend, as soaring temperatures graced the fields of The Wyldes, the atmosphere became electric.
As Friday came so did the smiles, good weather, and good vibes. The Post was lucky enough to be invited to experience what the festival had to offer and it certainly lived up to any expectation.
The Main Stage was at the forefront of it all, crowds gathered in their masses to listen to some sterling performances from some of the world’s biggest artists, a highlight being Friendly Fires’ ‘Jump In The Pool’ — a much sort after concept in truth.
It wasn’t just the main stage that culminated a hive of excellent music, as once again the Treeline DJ tent was packed, as it was every night, with house, dance and techno ringing out from some of the newest talent from the likes of Benji B, Danny Byrd and Ed Solo.
The rebranded ‘Temple of Boom’ (the newly named Hong Kong Ping Pong Club) was again a hit, and was clearly enjoyed by the packed crowd inside. With some high-tempo performances from the likes of Waggles, Tuxedo Junction and X-Ray Ted, there was certainly plenty to enjoy across the weekend.
The BBC’s Introducing Stage welcomed the newest up-coming music from the area, including the likes of Bude’s own Bonetired, who definitely impressed those lucky enough to hear them on Sunday. Others included King Creature and Pattern Pusher — certainly all ones to look out for in the future.
Last year, Leopallooza introduced The Funny Side tent, adding even more variety to the heave of entertainment on offer. This year laughter could be heard ringing out across the campsite, with some highlight performances from TV presenter and comedian, Joel Dommett and multi-award winning comedian, Jenny Collier.
As the dust finally settled on the Monday morning, from what had been a euphoric weekend, the crowds disembarked from their temporary homes with more than satisfied faces — albeit many with weary heads — and made their way out from The Wyldes, eager to return again next year.
Founders, Lee Ellis, Sam Dunnett, Matt Daniel and Cai Waggett had never envisaged how big their ‘one-off event’ would become back in 2006, having just 250 ‘friends of friends’ turning up to listen to some live music.
Now, with a capacity of 10,000, there is certainly no limit to what the festival could achieve.
Credit to the organisers, as they have worked tirelessly to ensure the festival sticks to its routes year-on-year, maintaining low ticket prices, ensuring Leopallooza’s independence, keeping bar prices sensible — as well as draught local, and onsite camping free.
The atmosphere is something to be enjoyed by everyone, a real family festival that can also appease the most weathered festival goers. There really is something for everyone, no matter who you are, whether it’s your first or your fiftieth festival, you are always made welcome.