Homelands kicks off festival season

United Kingdom | | 30 May 2005

Beck and Roots Manuva were just two of the many highlights of Saturday's Homelands one-dayer, as the first major festival of the summer escaped rain free!

A capacity crowd of 30,000 people flocked to the Matterly Bowl, near Winchester, on Saturday for Homelands 2005.

Roots Manuva provided the stand out set in the Live Arena - that was before Beck took to the stage straight afterwards and blew the crowd away with several greatest hits, including 'Loser', plus tracks off his latest album 'Guero' - finishing with new single 'E-Pro'.

Babyshambles and The Bravery played early afternoon sets, before Audio Bullies and Mylo brought a more familiar sound to the dance festival.

Headliners The Streets failed to really ignite, with Mike Skinnner having trouble with his voice and almost refusing to go on stage.

Elsewhere, afternoon sets by Norman Jay, 2 Many DJs and Rob Da Bank proved fitting soundtracks to the sunny day, while the Movement drum 'n' bass tent was packed out from dusk until dawn, with LTJ Bukem putting on one of the sets of the night.

David Guetta single-handedly packed out The Strongbow Rooms, filling the venue before DJ Koolof and Kris Bones carried the party on.

And The Human League dazzled Arena 4 with a nostalgic show, finishing on a greatest hits medly that ended on 'Don't You Want Me Baby'.

Homelands organiser Darren Hughes' decision to incoroprate more rock acts seemed to pay off, as the event sold out - with reports of the £56.50 tickets changing hands for up to £800!

See Virtual Festivals later this week for a full round-up and pictures of Homelands 2005.