Sundown Festival

Sundown is our region’s celebration of everything dance, drum and bass, garage, showcasing the talents of world class djs. Being a 90s indie chic at heart, when I got the invitation to go along I was somewhat sceptical as to whether I would enjoy this but enjoy it I most certainly did! I have to say the media pass helped as I escaped the awful portaloo situation and had a lovely outside lounge area and bar to retreat to – thank you to the Zeitgeust team for this!

The crowds were strong and the air was full of happy vibes. I met some amazing people having the time of their life. Some were dressed to impress in sequinned hot pants and Ibiza style bikini tops but everyone, and I mean everyone, had the obligatory festival bumbag.

The music didn’t disappoint. Some of the top names in today’s chart were there. Friday saw Charlie Sloth, Emily Nash and Andy C perform, Saturday saw local lad Sigala, garage legend Todd Edwards, A. J. Tracey, Franky Wah and Ewan McVicar. Sunday ended on a high with Jax Jones, Sean Paul and the Bad Boy Chiller Crew.

One act that caught my attention was Koven. She had the castle tent jumping! Part of a duo, Katie Boyle pumped out some awesome beats and performed strong vocals. She didn’t stop dancing. I was exhausted watching her! Todd Edwards was also a highlight for me although I think the much younger than me audience wandered off to the Mystree stage set in the trees to see Ewan McVicar. Then I don’t think anyone could fail to be impressed by A. J. Tracey headline the main stage. I cannot tell you how much better this music is live than on the radio. You can feel every bass beat thump in your chest. Coupled with the lasers and the electric atmosphere, it was a night to remember.

But it was’t over! The afterparty was just beginning. Back to the castle tent and a pair of light-up headphones were given to me. Entering the tent, donning the headphones, I had stepped into a Silent Noize event! There were DJs (Dereham’s own Hansel and Gretel) mashing up massive club tunes but in total silence! However, everyone was raving, hearing it through their green headphones. An epic way to finish the night.

Unfortunately, the shuttle buses had finished and the taxi’s were all booked so it was a 5 mile walk at 2am for me until a very kind taxi driver came and rescued us having spotted us dragging ourselves up Dereham Road.

I’m loving exploring Sundown inspired music. It was a great way to end the summer and I look forward to going back next year for more. You can hear my Sundown music show tonight on South Norfolk Radio at 7pm or catch it again on Mixcloud. I will be back next Friday at 7pm for the start of my new show LFL Funked Up, playing a great mix of jungle, funk and groove to get your weekend started. Plus don’t forget my alternative music show, The Lust For Life Show,  every Thursday at midday.