Hove Festival: A Hazy Day Two [Festival Fever]

Hove Festival: A Hazy Day Two

Posted on June 25, 2008 4:52 PM
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Hove Fest – Day Two

I can’t help but wonder… will Peter Doherty and his Babyshamblers be as moved by the Norwegian scenery as I have been? Who knows if the UK clan have hit Scandinavia yet; for all I know they’re still pounding British pavement but they’re set to the Ampfiscenen at 1.15am on Thursday night and Beck’s in ‘da Norge hood’ so who knows.

Today’s festivities began with a very long and gob-smacking walk into Arendal. We watched people buying fresh crabs straight off the boat, grappled with the supermarket (have you shopped without understanding what it says on the label) and managed to work out the Hove festival bus route. It’s easy as jumping on and off, so long as you know what number to take.

As we walked back to the apartment to prepare for another festival onslaught, we passed a massive silver truck unloading gear in to a waterfront venue. Along the side of the instrument-filled black boxes the word ‘BECK’ was printed. You guessed it, the pint sized performer did a an intimate gig last night. We missed it, but that’s what you get when you’re at a fest. I wonder if Mr Doherty made it.

One gig we did make however, was The Kooks. Allegedly, the Hove Festival homepage almost broke down from traffic overload when the band was announced on the line-up. Either way, they got a storming response to a cracking set on the main stage last night. Old favourites, new favourites and a lot of banter for the Norwegians. One passer by commented on Luke Pritchard’s mighty fine stage presence. Fine job boys… I almost felt a little bit patriotic (and I’m not even British).

The next hour was a blur… the mix of duty free vodka and apple schnapps we accidentally left in our bag (?!) had to be consumed and where better to do it than in front of a volleyball court adorned with semi naked sporty types. A tough looking official even cleaned up for us. It’s easy to get away with murder when you’re little and you can’t speak the language.

We later risked death (it seemed like it at the intoxicated time) to perch on the steep hill leading down to the AMFI stage for Avenged Sevenfold. The highlight was the brief cover they did of Pantera’s ‘Walk’. It’s moments like these… you need the portaloo.

The tail end of The Wombats’ set saw us through to a beer stop and a fling with The Pigeon Detectives. A bout of troll hunting turned into a search for the beachfront cinema. We didn’t find it… but the ferry and a hangover later came into view. Full marks to the paramedics dealing with the girl we passed who’d misplaced her legs and the power of speech.

It’s time for Wednesday… pray for sun. I'm due to head back for Glastonbury on Thursday but if this continues, I may have to give that the arse.