Beth Coldwell looks both forward and backwards with fondness as this year's Neighbourhood Weekender's stages are graced by songs of nostalgia and memories of joy. Take a look at her thoughts on this UK giant.
With summer right around the corner, forecast of bucket hats and daydreams of cloudless blue skies, festival season awaits us. And, kicking off this year's festival season in style and a whole lot of indie-ness, the north-west is blessed once again by the indie god as Victoria Park welcomes Neighbourhood Weekender for another year, where we expect to see all things indie-rock, timeless and upcoming, in a jam-packed two days. Firstly, addressing the elephant in the room, (or field, in this case)- Pulp are back! Announcing several dates in 2023, the 70s rock legends are taking to the stage in Warrington as the Sunday headliners, much to my excitement! Alongside Pulp, dream indie playlist must-have The wombats are set to play as Saturday's headliners alongside Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott. In addition, the band that ignited my love for the genre after being the first band I ever saw live, The Kooks, will headline on Saturday.
Ahhhh! Sea girls! No summer line-up is complete without them- there’s no feeling quite like screaming "All I wanna hear you say" at the top of your lungs. After seeing them at rock city last year, it will be amazing to see them where (in my opinion) their music belongs, in a field in the sunshine in front of a huge crowd, cathartically dancing and singing along.
Scouting for Girls will also be taking the stage with Elvis ain’t dead; a staple of my childhood that is sure to have the crowd moving. Emerging bands like Cassia and The Reytons have grown in popularity over the last few years, and become a staple of the UK's summer music scene, with bands on smaller stages like The Goa Express and Everything Everything, as well as Bonnie Kemplay, who I recently saw supporting The 1975 on their At Their Very Best tour. I am overcome with apprehension and excitement for my first Neighbourhood Weekender experience! It wouldn’t be summer without The Wombats so, I’m expecting good vibes all around, and am hopeful for some good weather to complete what is set to be a fantastic time!
Beth Coldwell
Edited by Roxann Yus
Cover image courtesy of Neighbourhood Weekender Festival via Facebook.
Comments