Festival Review: The Big Chill 2009

The site had grown for 2009 with The Funky Bison bar, Sailor Jims Rum bar and Mr Scruff’s very own tent adding to the list of places churning out non stop good music.

 

The ‘derelict drive in’ and film4 tent showing back to back movies, comedy sets from the likes of Noel Fielding and the Rankin live tent all proved popular by the festival goers. While the beautiful weather added to a relaxed atmosphere in the days and performers and DJ’s upped the ante to create a great party atmosphere in the evening.

 

The main stage seemed bigger and better this year with Basement Jaxx, Orbital, David Bryne, Norman Jay and Hexstatic all treading it’s boards.

Basement Jaxx gave an energetic performance on Friday night kicking off the festival in true style with hits including Romeo, Where’s Your Head At? and new single Raindrops. David Bryne went down well, though his backing dancers nearly stole the show with their unique 80’s moves!

 

As usual Norman Jay’s annual Sunday set drew in the crowds and nicely bridged the gap between lazy afternoon chill out and a party warm up to set you up for the last evening’s proceedings.

 

One of the festivals highlights came on Sunday evening from king of audio visual sets Hexstatic who provided their usual ingenious mash up of sounds and sights! The London duo took their set to another level with live breakdancers, capeiro performers and a steel band on stage to accompany their classic Salvador mix.

 

Beat boxer Schlomo also made an electrifying performance battling the DJ’s with renditions of Dizzee Rascal’s Bonkers and Michael Jackson hits. And as if that wasn’t enough they also had a clip of Bert and Ernie singing M.O.P’s Ante up – what more could you ask for!

 

The 2009 Big Chill was a huge success having provided great music, good food, beautiful surroundings and blazing sunshine….you can’t get much better than that!

 

By Katrina Hession