As the Summer festival season is creeping ever closer I thought I’d share my experience of last year’s End Of The Road festival. End Of The Road started out as a small eco-friendly festival which began in 2006, in the idyllic surroundings of Larmer Tree Gardens, North Dorset.
Now, I haven’t been to proper music festival in years, I’m talking V festival 2007, so I was wondering how much things had changed from the experience I’d had at V Festival and Leeds Festival as a young pup.
Needless to say I was very impressed! End Of The Road festival was such a surprise and an absolute pleasure to attend. We made it down on the Thursday night, literally just in time to watch The Shins, getting into the festival and campsite was a breeze and we managed to get a decent camping spot just 5 mins walk from the main festival village. Having just caught the headline band of the Thursday night we sampled some local ales and cider and got our heads down after a few more tent beers.
On Friday morning we explored the grounds……
It really was quite magical. A beautifully put together festival village with all sorts of things to keep you entertained. Local food, local beer, performance areas, cinema, croquet, circus activities, stand-up comedy. Such a relaxed vibe and really family friendly. We then settled at the Garden Stage and caught up with some bands.
Eleanor Friedberger
Whitney
And sampled some drinks from the Beavertown bar.
We then headed to the main stage where Savages were about half way through their set and were absolutely outstanding. Friday headliners Animal Collective soon followed, I’ll have to admit it all starting getting a little hazy from there!
Saturday started in a relaxed way…
Enjoying more sweet sounds on the Garden Stage from Sam Beam and Jesca Hoop. We also saw The Big Moon do an evening show in the Big Top, I’d highly recommend seeing them live if you get the chance.
On the final day we were looking forward to seeing Broken Social Scene, but there were loads of other brilliant acts on that Sunday including Kath Bloom and Thee Oh Sees.
Kath Bloom
Thee Oh Sees
Broken Social Scene
An excellent time was had by all. But unfortunately there is no rest for the wicked and we begrudgingly took the space tunnel back to Manchester. If you’re looking for a relaxed festival whos focus is on great songwriters, positive vibes and beautiful surroundings take a stroll down to the End Of The Road.
The Manchester Tart 