Summer Sundae Weekender 2008

United Kingdom | | 12 August 2008

The advantage Summer Sundae has is its indoor venue. Even if it chucks it down you can always head inside and stay reasonably precipitation free (while still participating), or at least air off your wet trousers under the hand dryer.
 
However, arriving on Friday afternoon, the sun is cracking the pavement. Suddenly the dark jeans seem a faux-par as my legs cook slowly in the heat. But their new logo (a sundae) inspires a quick trip to an ice cream outlet. The reviving effects of ice cream work their magic whilst our ears are assaulted by Fight Like Apes. If apes fight like these guys sing, then they are loud, rocking and frenetic. With our senses being furiously assaulted from all angles we head over to the Rising Stage for refuge.
 
The animal theme is continuing on the Rising Stage. Despite the tent begin stiflingly hot a large crowd is gathering to welcome Noah And The Whale. By the time the band hit the stage the tent is packed, while the stage is almost as crowded as seven of them come out armed to the teeth with instruments and folky smiles. Brass pounds away on the likes of ‘5 Years Time’ and they manage to look effortlessly cool even in the sauna.

Over on the main stage the atmosphere has also become more relaxed. King Creosote plays to the gathering masses, who are enjoying the relaxed, family friendly atmosphere of Leicester’s lovely festival. In fact prams seem to outnumber musicians in Victoria Park the whole weekend.

The Coral come on as the evening is beginning to cool the temperature down. They are playing an acoustic set and still manage to be really loud, something Steve Lamaq makes comment on. They seem to enjoy the atmosphere as much as the audience, and more animated and chatty then I've seen them onstage before. You can’t help but dance to Coal classics ‘Pass It On’ and ‘Dreaming Of You’, but there are also some new tracks to digest. In fact the last song of their set is so new they haven’t even named it yet.

Tea time at the festival brings the first disappointment of the weekend. Much to Leicester’s shame the pie-shop has no pies. With much shaking of heads and mutterings under breath, disgruntled pie-punters are forced to settle for a slice of pizza instead. The mood of discontent leads many of us to pay a visit to the Howling Bells, their loud animated set giving us the chance to vent spleens.

Supergrass finishe the Friday lineup with the air of well seasoned pros. Having a back catalogues as vast as theirs, they could probably play for a solid week. Luckily for the world weary, they stick to a slightly shorter set, playing a perfect mix of old and new tracks. ‘Bad Blood’, ‘Rebel In You’ and ‘Richard III’ go down with the audience nearly as well as Gaz’s new facial hair.

Having feigned rest Saturday dawns and brings with it the English festival curse… rain. But it appears Leicester is a hardy place and no one is put off by an air of moistness. There is relief to be had on the indoor stage. Tired Irie bring their electro-indie and massive afro’s to those who want to stay dry. And during the afternoon those sheltering inside are treated to Henry Rollins spoken word set, which basically amounts to a stand-up set. The Rising Stage hosts the up-and-comers again and Rod Thomas is the highlight of the day, with his charming and personable figure mixing well with his haunting songs. 

The main stage plays host to a super-group, made up with members from various pre-existing bands. They are joined onstage by a gruffalo or it may be a moose, the audience is undecided. Later the electro vibe seeps over from the indoor stage to the main stage as Roisin Murphy proves that it is possible to have a costume change for each song. The revolving wardrobe does not distract too much from the funk power coming out of the amps. Macy Gray goes all retro as she comes out dressed like a 60s icon, all false eye lashes and bright swirly dresses. The 60s soul funk vibe is the perfect end to a day, as is the shifting of the rain.

Sunday is brighter weather wise. Feeling in the mood for a laugh we check out the comedy tent. Greg Davies is perhaps the tallest comedian on stage today, or most other days. Luckily he’s as funny as he is tall, although given the content of his humour I think some people may be regretting bringing their small children.

Jose Gonzalez is a much more family friendly act.  Keen to keep the peace, anyone being too hostile is dealt with swiftly by security. One guy very much the worse for wear is dragged past us, letting loose possibly the funniest thing I've heard all weekend. ‘I didn’t throw a bottle of water. I swear, on my life I've drunk nothing but beer all day’. We were convinced that was probably true.

Whilst this young tear-away is trying to avoid a criminal record, Kathryn Williams and Neill MacColl are playing to yet another packed tent. The Musicians tent always plays inbetween main stage sets allowing festival goers to see bands round the clock. Therefore there's always a good vibe in here as it's where the proper muse’s hang out. The laid back folk goes down well with a late afternoon cider.

In order to keep the energy level up, particularly for those who have stuck out all three days while camping, the late Sunday afternoon slot has a bit of a zing. Cold War Kids start the reinvigoration with a raucous set of catchy riff including ‘Hospital Beds’ and ‘Hang Me Up To Dry’. Then Reverend and the Makers take the baton, and not so much run with it as shove it in your face and demand an explanation. Clearly loving reaching his audience directly, Jon McClure has plenty to say onstage and even more off stage. Following his set, he exits into the audience and proceeds to play a few acoustic numbers sat on a bin under a nearby tree.

Joan As Policewoman follows on the Indoor stage and provides a much more civilized performance. But far from civilized are the weekend rounders-uppers. Simian Mobile Disco may look like uber-geeks who escaped from cyber-land for a day trip, but they certainly know who to twizzle their knobs. The audience gets as lairy as they’ve been all weekend, by now wearing day-glo paint all over themselves and throwing beer and whatever else comes to hand over everyone else.
 
Mostly this is a family festival. The line up reflects an understanding of how family tastes will vary, so there’s something for every generation. The kids area is a treat, with shows, activities and arts and craft available most of the day. The only downside is that once the adults discovered the face painting in the kiddie’s zone, Pirate Pete got annoyed and chucked us all out. Ageism I say. Summer Sundae is possible the most delightful weekend you could spend in Leicester. Get a pie stall with some pies, and an adult’s face-painting tent and I think I may move there permanently.

by Claire Elshaw