Underage 2011

If we're being honest, the festival gets a bad rap. Firstly, you have to be underage (13-17) which causes great embarrassment to the teens who are connoisseurs of getting into to bars and clubs without ID and those who are generally ashamed to be associated with the age group responsible for teen nights at Liquid nightclubs all over the country. Secondly, (due to the first point) drinking is prohibited. For most, that would render the concept of the event-lacking the possibility of getting smashed-absolutely pointless. The festival does however have its benefits as dignity goes of the window, far removed from the unwillingness to participate (BORING CROWDS) seen at every other festival. Kids wanna have fun.

Devlin, Cocknbullkid,Yasmin, and Janelle Monae were a few of the artists at Underage and none of them disappointed. Florrie! was an unexpected highlight. Due to the state of the pop, it's always surprising when you come across an act who actually sounds excited to perform and does it with attitude and does the genre proud while keeping it original. Ms Dynamite got the tiny Music Space stage overflowing and the sound of 'What You Talking About' sent the tent into hysteria. Maverick Sabre's performance of 'Wonderwall' which resulted in a tear-jerking spectator singalong proved young people know their Oasis from their Enrique.

To end on a high, the almighty Bombay Bicycle Club descended on the main stage. From the pit you could see the smiles on the bands faces, conscious of the spectators singing every word. Sadly I missed a good half of the set, but from the first 20 minutes I could tell what I was going to miss out on what would have been a legendary set.


I'll be uploading some of my own photos when I have the time.