The big one: Secret Garden Party

United Kingdom | | 22 July 2008

What is it?

The revolutionary festival, a unity of artists, performers, a healthy dose of tomorrow's music and the occasional oddball.

When and where?

Staged over 4 days, 24-27 July, at a secret location near Huntingdon, early birds can gain entry at midday on the 24th. £125 buys you 4 days camping, parking and ‘mischief’. For younger festival goers (14-17) tickets are priced at £100 each although they must be accompanied by an adult of 21yrs or more. 

Five to watch

Sons and Daughers – (The Great Stage) – Tipped off many times in recent years as ‘the next big band’, these late developers are finally making the break they deserve. This gem of British talent have been busy inflicting their thought provoking lyrics – ‘Monogamy to you it seems is just black and blue’ - on the unsuspecting European masses of late. When they emerged in 2005 they were one of a kind, and still are but if you really want a comparison base think punked up Shadow Puppets, Shirley Mansons’ take on Johnny Cash and a hint of new age Blondie.

Noah and the Whale – (Where the Wild Things Are) – Most likely to win the fame race before the festival, Noah and the Whale are reminiscent of The Mouldy Peaches who have recently regained popularity following ‘Juno’ only with a classic track waiting in the wings. Firmly in line with the Folky feel of this fest ‘5 Years Time’ is potentially the anthem for the Secret Garden Party.

Saint Etienne – (The Great Stage) – If ever there’s a chance to forgive St Etienne for selling out to Lloyds TSB (oh yes you know the one) and find it in us to love ‘The Jouney Continues’ in its own right, this is it. Show some support and reassure this ultra trendy dance trio that our affections have not been lost in the recent indie boom.

The Whip – (Dance Rocks) – Get your glow sticks out for Manchester’s finest in electro, who will no doubt be promoting their latest single ‘Blackout’ and are sure to be hammering out ‘Trash’, still undoubtedly their best to date.

Envy and Other Sins – (Where the Wild Things Are) – Guaranteed to make you smile, this is the band that you want to stumble upon when you’ve spent your last pennies on a piece of chicken that’s too dry to swallow, you’ve not seen a familiar face for several hours and the clouds are threateningly dark and low. This is the music nurse that will have you bouncing on your feet against all your stubborn intentions to hate everything and everyone, with all the drama of the Doors having a Billy Joel moment.

One to miss

Alphabeat – (The Great Stage) – Unless, of course you want ‘Fascination’ ringing through your ears, drowning out every other band for the remainder of the weekend. Plastic pop from Copenhagen on a mission to infect the world with Stepford Wives smiles and 50s dance moves, need I say more?

Playing a rare festival date

Elle S’applle - they’ve cancelled a sting of festival dates this summer, Oh wait, they’ve also cancelled Secret Garden. You’ll have to venture into their hometown Liverpool to see what they have to offer. Having said that it’d have been asking a lot to seek them out at the fest, so that may be out of the question.

Worst clash

Ratatat vs Sunny Days Set Fire (Where the Wild Things Are) – Two promising bands still in need of a little shaping to conquer their genres one after the other, so what’s wrong with that? When the bands in question are best suited to a midnight movie that you watch because nothing else is on and a daytime TV programme that you also watch when nothing else is on respectively you may find yourself wondering exactly why it was you wanted to come in the first place. Upgrade the bands to Chikinki and Starsailor next year Secret Garden and all will be forgiven.

Be at Secret Garden Party if you like...

To be the first to spot new talent, to get involved and to party! With a selection of artists who are under strict instruction to showcase interactive work, nostalgic games of peek behind the curtain and dance offs, there’s something for every side of your personality. For the craftsmen out there you may want to start practicing your rafting skills now – the first raft built, pimped and sailed (complete with anthem) will win a secret prize. Are you getting the theme here?

Avoid if you like...

Established chart toppers. Although Secret Garden party has played host to the likes of KT Tunstall, Hard-Fi and Lilly Allen they were all yet to find fame at the time.

Festival tactics

If you don’t get involved you could end up feeling like an outsider. Arm yourself with fancy dress, the louder the better – but try to keep it eco-friendly!

Fashionista or folky?

Strictly a folky affair for tree huggers, arty types and anyone willing to get stuck in! This is spiritualist heaven, with talks, workshops, access to superfoods, relaxation and healing in their many techniques. ‘The Space Between’ is the perfect way to unwind after the bands. If you can find the time to fit it in, that is.

Alcohol of choice

Alcohol is to be bought onsite, although what alcohol exactly has not been confirmed. The Garden party have pledged to assert what control they have over prices to keep them as reasonable as possible.

Take your mum score

9/10, although you may want to split ways on the odd occasion. More to the point, does your mum like to pagoda?

Secret Garden Party  takes place in London from 24th-27th July.

by Anja Kimberley