03/07/2023
In the middle of a blistering heat wave, this year’s British Summertime Festival delivered sunny, feel-good music to 65,000 (fairly sunburnt) fans. With huge headline acts, 3 stages, activities and a vast array of food and drink, we were in for a treat!
We joined the festival on Saturday, which kicked off with a bang as two of the biggest names in pop – Gwen Stefani and Pink - took to the stage.
Arriving mid-afternoon, we were able to take in the sights, sounds and smells before the main event. There was a vast array of talent on offer across the other stages, including the likes of Sam Tomkins on the Rainbow Stage who we’d not seen before live, and were truly converted. The Birdcage Stage also hosted some amazing up and coming artists.
Alongside the music, there were plenty of bars and food outlets to try out. Many people opting for the House of Peroni which was packed in the summer sunshine. Many of these bar outlets were kitted out with places to chill and relax, alongside some with interactive activities - getting our juices flowing before heading over to the Great Oak Stage.
@loumorris
Gwen kicked off her performance with two No Doubt classics ‘Sunday Morning’ and ‘Hey Baby’, followed by ‘Wind it up’ and ‘What You Waiting For?’. Impressive background dancers kept the crowd moving during Gwen’s costume changes. And Eve’s surprise appearance for ‘Rich Girl’ was brilliant.
Pink’s setlist was a perfect blend of her greatest hits (‘Get the Party Started’, ‘Who Knew’, ‘Just like a Pill’) and new material (‘When I get there’, and ‘Just Like Fire’), ensuring that both long time fans and newcomers were equally entertained.
Her ability to work a crowd, and capture people’s imagination, is impressive. A natural storyteller – her performances were peppered with anecdotes spanning everything from family life to politics.
A lovely moment came when Pink’s daughter – Willow – joined her on stage for beautiful uplifting song ‘Cover me in Sunshine’
@bethanmiller
But the cherry on top of the cake was her impressive acrobatics to ‘Turbulance’. My jaw dropped to the floor as she swirled upside down effortlessly on a trapeze Cirque du Soleil style, showcasing her abs of steel.
All in all – this millennial loved singing her lungs out to two of the best women in pop. 10/10. Both offered performances packed with ballads, bangers and nostalgic early noughties hits taking this 30-something back to teenage fandom.