REVIEW: LEOPALLOOZA FESTIVAL 2011
Tucked away in The Wydes of North Cornwall, last weekend hosted one of the UK’s cutest festivals. Leopallooza is only in its 6th year but is growing each year gathering over 4,000 fans this year into the usually sheep inhabited field for its two day event. ‘The Greatest House Party … In a Field’ was brought together by a team of hardworking volunteers all working completely free, with any profits reinvested into the next year. This attitude encompasses the feel of the festival – a festival made by friends for friends. Leopallooza boasts a relaxed DIY sense whilst still bringing in big talented names.
Saturday kicked off at midday bringing a huge range of genres to appeal for everyone. Reggae enthusiasts enjoyed Cornwall’s biggest reggae act, Backbeat Soundsystem and The Skints from London – who’s Marcia Richards has to be one of the most multi talented musicians, combining rapping, soulful vocals, trumpet, keyboard, melodica, flute and guitar into the band’s 30 minute set. The Crowds saw a the entire length of the audience link together to jig along to their bouncing tunes, and Man Like Me for many made Leopallooza its most spectacular yet by stealing the show. Going late into the Saturday night Alternative band Wolf Gang and kiwi rockers The Datsuns kept the music loud and pumping. For those who preferred club life, the new Rampant Rabbit dome replicated an Ibiza rave excellent for those wanting to burn off some steam. Families and those a little stiller, a car burnout provided excellent heating for ‘pallooza goers feeling the night chill.
The Sunday soother brought the tempo down to chill out and recover from the previous night’s madness. Smoothies, tea, coffee and cake accompanied the acoustic melodies brought to the festival goers with Norwegian artist Jarle Bernhoft surprising many with his rhythmical guitar tapping, and Company B getting even the most reluctant jiving in the damp air. However it was James Vincent McMorrow who stole Sunday’s show. A drummer down, James himself stepped in to play the drums whilst holding his amazing vocals to close the weekend.
But we mustn’t forget about some of the quirky delights that also featured at Leopalllooza, such as much of the balloon fashion that was spotted in the forms of dresses and wings. Box Bot, the cardboard robot kids fell in love with, face painting and the conspicuous hanging bra that adorned the stage’s antlers.
Team ‘Pallooza, particularly to the founders Lee Ellis and Sam Dunnett, should be proud of their enormous efforts and can expect even more of us next year.
Words: Charlotte Gay
Photo: Hannah Wheeler (Daisyrock Photography).
