Electric Gardens 2007

United Kingdom | 07 August 2007

From a distance you would be forgiven for thinking that this weekend is no different. However, when you get nearer you realise that these are no ramblers; their jeans are too skinny, their footwear’s unsuitable and there’s not a Kendal mint cake in sight. No, in fact these are enthusiasts of a different kind, returning once again to the village of Hernhill for Kent’s very own Electric Gardens.

Last year the boutique festival made its debut along with many others on a calendar devoid of Glastonbury. Unlike some festivals in 2006, Electric Gardens enjoyed relative success with a cracking line up and a gorgeous setting. On arrival at the gates it appears that news of last year's success has got around as the site seems much busier, with a real buzzing atmosphere.

A wander around the site reveals that many of last years teething problems have been addressed. There are more food outlets offering a greater choice, yet, if the signage is to be believed, still sourcing its goods from local organic producers. Last year's confusing wristband system has also been simplified and entry into the site has also been improved. A continental style terrace bar is a welcome addition to the arena, offering a shady place to sit back and enjoy a live DJ whilst supping on a cold beer or cocktail.

Another addition is the Club Class Dance Stage, however the sweltering temperatures ensure that our visit to the tent is brief. Indeed it would be a crime to stay inside on the hottest weekend of the year to date, so we head over to the main stage to sit under a tree and watch Reverend and the Makers. The Sheffield band defies the summer heat and deliver a far too energetic, yet brilliant, set. The Holloways continue this trend over on the second stage to a packed out sweaty tent.

I could do with a sit down, but there’s no time for that because electro-wizard Calvin Harris is starting his much talked about live set back on the main stage. He doesn’t disappoint and as the cool evening is now upon us the crowd is much more lively, jiggling around to the Scotsman’s retro funk sounds. Any band would find it hard to follow an act like that, but luckily the headline act is not just any band. Supergrass play us into the night with hit after hit and could there be any better song to welcome the sunset than 'Sun Hits the Sky'.  The indie veterans also treat us to a great sing-along encore with 'Caught By The Fuzz', which leaves the crowd in high spirits. Unfortunately, last year's licensing issues haven’t been resolved and it’s a disappointing 10.30pm finish giving hyped revellers nothing to do but hope the night air has sufficiently chilled the beers back at their tents. 

The next morning dawns and promises another glorious day. We wander down to a convenient local pub in the village offering a more than reasonable full English whilst we wait for the main arena to open. On returning to the site we find festivities in full swing with Hot Club De Paris getting us off to a flying start and seriously risking heat stroke. Its all we can do but find a shady spot and let today’s bands do the hard work.

It has to be said that Sunday’s line-up isn’t as inspiring and there's is a distinct lack of variety on the main stage, which is dominated by skinny jean-clad clone bands. The antidote is found up at the second stage in the form of Mr Hudson and the Library, who's cross-genre fusion is exactly what the doctor ordered. Their steel drum and piano are a welcome relief from the furiously strummed guitars over at the main stage.

After watching some decent unsigned acts on the tiny Myspace Stage, we saunter back to the main stage for Sunday night’s headline act. Straight away you can see a subtle difference in the air; the jeans have suddenly got a lot baggier and a definite bowl can be detected in the crowd swaggering down to the stage. This can surely mean only one thing, The Happy Mondays have returned and it’s expected to be a large one. Before you know it Shaun and Bez are showing us exactly how it’s done, giving us all the classics we know and love, like 'Kinky Afro' and 'Loose Fit'. The highlight of the set has to be when Bez gets down on his hands and knees and begs Shaun for his favourite song, then rewards us with his freakiest dancing yet to the unmistakeable opening bars of 'Step on'. Classic.

Electric Garden’s sophomore year has been an undeniable success, which is sure to attract better and better line ups with every passing year. You can’t fault the enthusiasm of the organisers, which in my opinion can only result in the festival becoming a welcome and much needed main stay in the south-east, which is notably lacking in festivals outside of the capital. With its beautiful countryside setting and buoyant atmosphere Electric Gardens is well worth a visit, accessible to all age and jean sizes.