Countdown to Sundown
Don’t let the sun(go)down on you- top off your summer at the biggest weekend of the year
From 1st -3 rd September this year, the backdrop of Norfolk showground will be transformed from its usual scenes of country shows and antique fairs when it plays host to one of the most highly anticipated weekends of the year. I am, of course, talking about Sundown Festival, which is returning for its seventh year as the UK’s urban representative within the small festival scene (though, important to note, its belonging to the small festival family certainly doesn’t stop it attracting some of the biggest names in the business). Held in late September, the festival acts as a fond farewell to the warmer months, allowing revellers to celebrate the sun going down on summer before winter hibernation sets in, and ensuring it goes out with the bang it deserves. With a line up fit for a festival twice its size and a hell of a lot more going on across the weekend, there really is only one question left to ask: what are you waiting for?
Who’s playing?
Year after year, the organisers at Sundown manage to pull together an incomparable line up despite the festival’s smaller (but ever-growing) status, and this year is no exception. With five stages and multiple new headliners, this festival just seems to get better and better, now attracting an audience of around 40,000 people (including you, right?).
While the festival officially opens on Saturday 2nd September, Friday evening sees in the weekend with exclusive opening-night parties solely for Sundown campers. The best of this selection will be appearing on the Castle Stage, which will welcome artists like English rapper Giggs (Look what the cat dragged in) and garage duo, Artful Dodger (R U Ready?). Brand new area Mystree is also worth a visit, 2 with two stages playing a mixture of genres across the weekend, light installations and projections as well as its very own bar shrouded within a mystical forest: it doesn’t get more festive than that. Take a walk on the wild side into the Mystree forest for an epic set from DJ Sam Divine, whose performances at Sundown are always one of the highlights of the weekend, but this year sees a slight change as she brings her own imprint D-Vine Sounds to the Mystree Stage (whose ethos by the way is simply “Good music + Good people = Good Times”, so we couldn’t be more on board).
With the welcoming parties from the night before still ringing in everyone’s ears, Saturday is when the festival really takes off, with internationally renowned artists and musicians taking to the stages. The main stage will be home to the weekend’s major headliners, each of whom promise an unforgettable performance. The guy who taught us what to do When the Bassline Drops will be taking to the main stage on Saturday (Craig David, obv), alongside Wiley, British grime MC AJ Tracey, and man of the moment Rag’n’Bone Man. Over on the castle stage, it’s all about house with sets from British DJ Hannah Wants whose smash hit with Chris Lorenzo “Rhymes” has to be experienced live to be fully appreciated, as well as house trio Disciples, whose recent tune “On my Mind” has probably been on your mind since its release in February.
While Sunday is traditionally the day of rest, there’s no chance of that at Sundown, with Sunday’s line up being just as impressive as the days before. Be blown away as drum and bass legends Pendulum take to the stage, followed by electro-rock band You Me At Six (No one does it better, right?), everyone’s favourite guy John Newman, 2015 X Factor winner Louisa Johnson and dance music magician (musician just doesn’t cut it for him) Jonas Blue. What did I tell you? The line-up for Sundown is simply explosive.
Take centre stage
With all of the amazing talent on offer at Sundown, organisers believe it’s only fair to give you partygoers a fair chance of shooting to stardom. First up is Abbey Road Studios’ Song Shack, which gives you and your (band) mates a chance record your very own single. Who knows, do well and maybe you’ll return to Sundown next year as a headliner. Or, if you’re more Kanye than Kylie (Minogue, of course), stop off at the X-Mobile Studio “X in the Booth” presented by XLP’s X-Mobile Recording Studio (you got all that? Xceptional!) where upcoming rappers can spit bars to their heart’s content alongside industry professionals.
As if all this wasn’t enough, Sundown is all about giving unmissable opportunities to those who have a passion for music (and can hold a note or two), which is why their aptly named Platform Stage, supported by Original Penguin, is “all about discovery”, and aims to scout the best up and coming artists, acts and DJs. Auditions and competitions to find this year’s performers will be coming soon so keep your eyes peeled: it’s your time to shine!
Get Busy
As with any festival, there are loads of amazing things going on across the weekend to keep you entertained if you (or more importantly, your eardrums) need a bit of respite. Why not make like Alice in Wonderland and stop off at the Tropical Tea Party, which- tucked away towards the south of the sitefeatures a sheltered tent area with teacup seating booths, tropical décor and DJs playing through its very own sound system. What bliss! 3 If Sundown sounds like the place for you (and let’s face it, it totally is!) then be quick! Early bird tickets have now sold out and 95% of General Release tickets have been snapped up as well. Join the club and get yours here http://www.sundownfestival.co. uk/tickets/ See you at Sundown!
Elise Harvey