Haven

There may not be any tents, but this weekend's Mardi Gras festival in east London promises more camping than any other festival taking place this year. With a whole host of top DJs, pop acts like Atomic Kitten and Westlife, there's a good variety of music to be had too. What you lot will be there for though, is the excellent alternative line-up on the Popstarz stage. Suede headlining with their first outdoor show since V99, as well as performances by hotly tipped Yeah Yeah Yeah's, the most omnipresent band around, The Cooper Temple Clause, and of course,  Johnny Marr's finest young apprentices Haven.

The biggest gay extravaganza in Europe promises to be the pinkest Saturday of the summer, is this a definite image change for Haven?

Nah, it's something we got asked to do. Getting the opportunity to play in front of that many people is not something we'd turn down. It's got a fantastic line up this year, and playing with Suede and the Coopers is sure to be great.

What's been your best festival experience?

Glasto was pretty special this year. We've all been going there for years, we all grew up on festival sites across the world so to actually be part of Glasto is a brilliant experience.

How did you find the vibe this year? Muted or well suited?

A lot of people reckoned it felt safer, and I definitely noticed less people. The fence kept out all the scallies, but it's not really Glasto without all the Scousers is it?

It's better to wake up without strangers in your tent though, surely... So what were the best bands you saw this weekend?

The White Stripes. I really enjoyed The Vines as well, and The Charlatans just had the best atmosphere. Those were probably my fave three.

What would be your ultimate festival bill?

It would be headlined by Hendrix, I suppose all the greats more than anything. I'd always hoped to see The Grateful Dead but I guess that's not gonna happen now.

You've been on the road for a while now, how has touring made you better?

Getting the album finished and taking stuff from studio onto the road allowed us to get to know each other a lot better. Touring certainly brings the band closer. Either that or it drives you apart! We seem to know what everyone else is thinking now, which is good.

Have there been any fights?

Odd altercation, but nothing bad.

How about with other bands?

I think its down to your own attitude. We've never seen music as a competition or a race, that's not something we do. We've toured with New Order, Badly Drawn Boy and done quiet a few fests and never found anything other than a friendly attitude.