DIEHARD Glastonbury surivors are already counting the days to next year, T in the Park goers can still hear the sound systems ringing in their ears and the more adventurous among us have even boarded planes destined for the Benicassim Festival in Spain. But if the idea of tent hooks, rucksacks and damp sleeping bags is enough to send you cowering in the shower, then look no further than East End London this weekend as Lovebox – a must for anybody who dares call themselves a seasonsed festivalistas – lands in Victoria Park.
As ever, the line-up is an ecclectic mix of rock, pop, indie and dance, with this year’s bands of the moment, Florence and the Machine, Friendly Fires and Ladyhawke, rubbing shoulders with industry legends including Saturday’s headliners Duran Duran and iconic punk rockers New York Dolls.
Hip hop collective N*E*R*D, Manchester’s epic rock trio Doves, acclaimed modern folk quartet Noah and the Whale, renowned Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo Y Gabriela and Kanye West’s latest prodigy Mr Hudson will also grace the main stage during the weekend, which, in traditional style, will be closed by festival organisers Groove Armada on Sunday.
And should curiosity draw you away from the main arena (which, with 40 acres to explore, it surely will), a futher six stages play host to the best new acts, intimate gigs and the dance line-up; cocktails will be served at the boutique bowling lanes; London’s largest purpose built tree house will offer a bird’s eye view of the festival, and a barn-dancing tent awaits you in the alternative Fringe Field.
Lovebox arrives in Victoria Park, Hackney, from Saturday, July 18 to Sunday, July 19. Tickets: 0844 847 2436, www.lovebox.net and www.ticketmaster.co.uk (£42.50 per day ticket/£75 per weekend ticket)
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