Beacons 2012

Upon arrival at the site, it’s clear that the Beacons team have planned well by moving to higher ground in the Yorkshire Dales this year. As we enter the gates there is already a heavy excess of mud just waiting to be churned up further. British festivals certainly make for unpredictable conditions.

Once inside, Beacons is perhaps smaller than expected, taking only 10 minutes to come full circle. Other than the three main stages there are other attractions scattered around. The real ale tent is a popular stopping point, while the tranquil healing area and kids corner sit side-by-side. The tearoom / fancy dress shop is a nice touch, as are other quirky additions like a spoon-carving tent and even a theremin styled magic ballroom.

Friday

After some confusion on which entrance to turn up at we finally get things sorted in time for Outfit’s appearance on the Greendales stage. For a tent that is catered toward more dance orientated acts, those that slowly make their way into the tent aren’t disappointed. The Liverpool five-piece confidently stride though a tight set and finish with a roaring rendition of debut single ‘Two Islands’. Theme Park please the crowd over on the Stool Pigeon stage too, as does buzz girl Jessie Ware, who further sweetens eager fans with solid performances of ‘Running’ and ‘110%’. “This one was produced by Julio Bashmore,” she enthuses, obviously unaware of the Bristol native’s impending cancellation.

At the compact Vice / Noisey tent, Manchester girl group PINS show their support for Pussy Riot by donning the now iconic balaclava (all except the lead singer that is). Sam McGarrigle’s Gross Magic secures the biggest head-nodding award of the day by quickly winning the audience over with his grunge-laden sound. As the band launch into ‘Sweetest Touch’ people are almost head butting each other in a swaying mosh pit

As nightfall descends and the illuminated art installations light up around the site’s perimeter, late Holograms replacements PEACE slot in straight after and fizz their way through an excellent set. If there were any doubters in the crowd then the newly signed Birmingham band win them over with ease this time, with standout tracks being ‘Bblood’ and the more recent ‘California Daze’.

Word soon spreads of Bashmore’s pull out, and later on Roots Manuva finds himself with a larger than expected audience at his disposal. He doesn’t disappoint though, running through his breezy collection of UK hip-hop tracks until finally coming to fan favourite ‘Witness The Fitness’ to much sing-along delight.

Saturday

As the first wave of bands are preparing to open on Saturday, finally the sun comes out, and all of a sudden the Beacons site looks an entirely different place.

Cass McCombs’ mellow set was perhaps too sombre for the hungover crowd though, and anyone looking for a spark of energy was left wanting again as Still Corners end their set early due to time restrictions. A little later, Japanadroids fair much, much better though, going down a storm as the audience begin to finally come around after last night’s revelry.

The Noisey tent then takes our priority for an afternoon run of 2012 buzz bands Splashh, King Krule, and Swim Deep, with the former proving the most interesting of the afternoon as they please the filling tent with a lengthy version of recent single ‘Need It’.

A quick dash past the real ale tent ensures we’re at the Stool Pigeon stage to catch the start of Wild Beasts serenading the homecoming crowd. Tom Fleming is another to sport a Pussy Riot style balaclava as the band wined through tracks from last year’s ‘Smother’ LP before launching into a stellar encore of ‘All The Kings Men’ to much applause. The Leeds / Kendal outfit have been gigging for a number of years now, but it must be said; they seem to simply get better and better as time goes on.

Sunday

The sun decides to take a backseat on the final day at Beacons, as it returns to the heavily bogged fields and a plethora of umbrellas. Surprisingly, there are many families that have braved the gloom, and all seem to be making the most of the pleasant, welcoming vibe that is on offer.

Willis Earl Beal brings a much-needed eye opener to an otherwise uninspiring Sunday afternoon. After lunging and gyrating around the stage, the Chicago native ends his mammoth vocal performance by removing his belt and whipping his chair repeatedly. It is certainly a dynamic and very different live show, and one that ultimately works all the same. Dub producer XXXY was pleasing soaked fans back in the Greendales tent, while local lads Hookworms rip through their set at a packed out Vice tent. As the evening progresses Cloud Nothings draw things to a close, continuing the powerfully energetic theme that had been left before them.

SummaryThere were certainly some teething problems at Beacons, no doubt about it. Various cancellations didn’t help things, with Holograms pulling out a few days before the event got underway, Julio Bashmore succumbing to an ear infection, Clock Opera and Weird Dreams (who actually do make it to the festival but miss their slot) all no shows, and rapper US Lunice also cancelling on the day. Elsewhere, the lack of sanitation facilities, cash points and dire walking conditions will all need addressing for next year. But you have to remember that this is a festival in its maiden outing, still ironing the creases and working around newfound problems that unravel around them. The great British summer seemed determined to spoil the weekend as it so often can, but Beacons’ versatility managed to come out on top, securing its place as a festival that will no doubt improve and prosper in years to come.