Common People 2018

Bestival’s mini festival, Common People, returned this year with even more expectation than previously. Over the two days we were set to see big acts such as pop superstar Lily Allen and The Jackson’s; the weekend was bound to be a hit. The two-day event was held simultaneously in Southampton and Oxford with lineups running reversed on each day for each city (the same as previous years). inSYNC travelled to Southampton to see Rob da Bank’s family friendly festival for the forth year in a row.

Saturday’s main stage saw acts Sparks, an American pop and rock band perform, as well as 90s pop and R&B legends All Saints who took to the stage with some of their biggest hits throwing in a cover of Red Hot Chili Peppers for good measure. As the sun went down we basked in the musical greatness of English rock band James who performed their greatest hits ‘Sit Down’, which was originally released in 1990 amd ‘Laid’. To finish off a wonderful day Lily Allen, iconic English pop singer and songwriter performed a selection of her songs from her new album ‘No Shame’, which was released earlier this month along with some of her greatest hits from yesteryear. This really got the crowd going wild.

Although the main stage was by far the best area, the festival’s carnival sound system stage saw legendary garage duo Artful Dodger take a different approach to some classic songs. The infamous Uncommon stage had some amazing smaller acts which took everyone by surprise. A nice touch giving punters an alternative to the big name artists on offer.

Sunday’s festival kept with the family friendly theme and a lineup to suit all ages and tastes. The Sunday was themed more around a funk and disco vibe. Headlined by the iconic Jacksons, the group played a through a set list of classics to get the whole crowd up dancing and singing. The Jackson’s have been around for years but have not lost their funk and dance moves that has kept them so popular and well known to this day. This was a great choice of headliner from Rob Da Bank for Common People as they entertained all generations in the large audience.

A similar vibe and audience was attracted by Bony M, another classic 70’s group; a Euro-Caribbean disco performance. Once again, a perfectly suitable choice of performers to suit the Sunday theme. The crowd could not keep still for ‘Rasputin’, a track that has remained so relevant for decades. Also catering to all audiences, there were various DJs performing throughout the festival. A highlight would be bassline up comer Holy Goof. His set was energetic and helping bring in a completely new crowd to the Common People party.

The Bestival team has definitely nailed the day Festival formula catering to everyone with music that you could enjoy at any age. Families with their young children enjoyed the children’s area that was popular. Great food appealed to all too and there was enough bar areas to match the demand. A very important aspect at large events. You could tell this was a Bestival event with the ongoing décor and theme, not to mention the fun atmosphere. If you’re looking for a weekend that everyone can enjoy, Common People would appeal to the majority. A nice way to ease into the new festival season. Common People was a great weekend event and we’re looking forward to next year already. See you in 2019!

GUEST WRITTEN BY MAISIE DURRANT