For the eleventh year running Cardigan Bay has played host to the annual Wakestock Festival. Each year North Wales sees an influx of professional wakeboarders and the top musicians gather together in the bay to have a party like no other. This years line up was a mixed bag, with acts such as; Ellie Goulding, Chase and Status and Biffy Clyro.
For the most part of Friday the rain was on and off this didn’t deter the crowds for turning out to see the likes of Yasmin, Dev, Dinosaur Pile up and Neon Trees perform. Lethal Bizzle experienced some minor sound issues and gave the sound engineer some grief, He performed a bunch of hits and if I’m not mistaken a few newer songs. Welsh DJ Huw Stephens was on hand to compare for the day and took great pleasure in introducing Welsh rockers Kids in Glass Houses to the stage, To be fair Kids in Glass Houses have more energy than most to the acts put together and they certainly left the crowd wanting more. The wonderful Ellie Goulding rounded of the evenings music on the main stage with a set complied of her hits. Ellie took time out of wowing the crowd to tell us that this was her first UK Headline slot and judging by the crowd it wont be the last. Over on the East Stage Zane Lowe warmed the crowd up with an eclectic set of rock and dupstep and got everyone in the mood for headliners, Chase and Status. Credit has to go to Chase and Status for drawing the biggest crowd of the day, if not the weekend. Their set was filled with hits and a scattering of new songs, as expected the crowd went wild and partied into the small hours.
Saturday morning was accompanied by chatter of how epic Chase and Status’ set was as well as some massive hangovers for the vast majority of North Wales, what better way to cure a hangover than a day in the sun watching the worlds best professional Wakeboarder’s battle it out in a rail competition. Fortunately the wonderful guys at Lucazade were also on hand to dish out drinks to all the weary heads out there and whilst they were at it, they were also generous enough to dish out a few free tents to some lucky people. Saturday’s music took a slightly more dance and dubstep vibe for the most part. Bands like Nero, Sub Focus and Kelis, Over on the West Stage things were taking a more of a heavier rock/indie vibe with Welsh trio The Joy Formidable ferocious set and headliners, The Wombats, pulled out all the stops and played a huge set consisting of classics and newer material.
Sunday’s wakeboarding moved to Abersoch beach for the big air competition, Thailands, Padiwat Jaemajan took the title after throwing some huge tricks at the beach. Again the crowds were out in force to watch the wakeboarding, and no doubt nurse some sore heads, thankfully more Lucazade was on hand to get the head sorted!, As the day progressed artists such as Innerparty system, Ed Sheeran and Pulled apart by horses took to the stages to a very appreciative crowd. Newly ‘reverted’ three piece The Cribs treated the crowd to some of their back catalogue and prepared the audience for the might of Biffy. What can I say about Biffy Clyro? Well after an outstanding Glastonbury performance and a great support slot for the Foo Fighters at the Milton Keynes Bowl…. We all kind of know what to expect! Needless to say they surpassed many peoples expectations and blew the crowd away!
So there you have it, if you like sun, sea, music and Wales then Wakestock is your festival.
