This year was no different – The challenge was the closure of the Suspension Bridge, the quickest route to the venue. Would the great Bristol public take the long slog over the Swing Bridge, or even manage to get on board one of the many buses provided by the festival. The buses became a little frustrating early in the afternoon with long city centre queues – but there were plenty, and those who were patient were eventually rewarded. Queues into the car parks were also jam-packed. But, is any of this a surprise? In some ways, it’s a testament to the popularity of the event that everybody is still willing to put up with all of this to get their fix of music/dance/performing arts (delete where applicable). Once on site the talk was will the event be as popular this year – will they get the same 150,000 loyal punters as last year.  | | Bling, Bling ... |
As if Him upstairs wanted to put a final nail in the coffin, a large rain shower floated over the city at lunchtime too – it even saw the C&G semi-final at the County Ground rain delayed for some time. But still people flooded through the entrance … albeit a little soggy. Perhaps the rain put people off a little, because the crowds didn’t really start to pick up until teatime. But what a crowd it was. The main stage swung from the colourful cover delights of Doreen Doreen to the electro Community Festival stalwarts, Chikinki. The second stage even had a pop at the main, with Teenage Girls claiming Doreen Doreen was “pointless middle-class rubbish”. Nothing like a few harsh words against bands who do Bohemian Rhapsody covers, eh? The Blackout Tent had dance music for the deaf, including some meaty beats and people signing the lyrics. Performing Arts had comedy, including a Cornish guy who was attempting to outdo Jethro for obscenities. And, of course, the festival would not be complete without the obligatory guy who’s had way too much scrumpy.  | | Hey, look ... it's Billy Idol! |
The St John Ambulance were, as always, on him like a shot. Took five people to get him in the back of the ambulance, you know! Quickly changing subject: To the main stage acts. Headliners for Saturday were Chikinki and Goldie Lookin’ Chain. Bristol’s electro stars Chkinki owe their very existence to the festival, having all met while volunteering there. On the back of their latest CD, they cracked out some excellent tunes. Latest single Ether Radio was included, along with plenty of new stuff. After them came Goldie Lookin’ Chain – Newport’s finest, apparently. Now, I’ll freely admit that rap isn’t my cup of tea. But, Welsh rap? If it wasn’t serious, it could have been a comedy sketch on Channel 4. There was even more ‘bling’ on that stage than in the average Premiership changing room.  | | This lot didn't like Doreen Doreen much! |
The positive side, though, was that most of the crowd seemed to enjoy it. I’d be interested to hear what you all thought. There’s a form at the bottom of this page for you to give a slightly more informed opinion than my own! The other honourable mention must go to Leonard. A fine set on the second stage, including a massively intense performance from their lead singer. Unhonourable mention must go to the walk home. It’s about time someone gave Brunel a clip around the ear for not designing the bridge with the festival in mind. Surely in the 1830s he must have seen 150,000 Bristolians enjoying live music at Ashton Court? Maybe someone should build a new bridge, because my feet are killing me.
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