London,

Sundae best with oddball flavour

Marcus Foley, London Lite 30.07.07

Following the mixed bag that was Lovebox, this weekend it was up to an American ice cream company to bring a refreshingly different perspective to the London summer festival scene.

Ben & Jerry's first came to Clapham Common three years ago, ostensibly to raise money for the dilapidated bandstand and hold a music-flavoured summer carnival, and perhaps raise some brand awareness on the way.

With the bandstand now fully restored and the event expanded to two days, the branding overload is still apparent, but with unlimited free ice cream being dished out, this carbon-neutral, family-friendly jamboree seemed to everyone's taste.

In this small space, with only a single stage and side attractions including a helterskelter, coconut shy and, errm, toe wrestling, this was more reminiscent of a particularly corporate village fête than a "proper" festival.

Despite the onus not being totally on the music, the line-up was impressive, if haphazard. Kate Nash's relatively low placing on Saturday's bill reflected the speed at which her career has taken off since Foundations hit number two in the singles chart. Just pipped by Timbaland yesterday for the top spot, that single is in its fifth week just off the summit.

But with the exception of this one minor pop classic, the rest of her set was peppered with contrived lyrics, catchy yet simple hooks and the overwhelming feeling that she has perhaps entered the limelight too early.

MOR merchants The Feeling brought the first day to a close, with lead singer Dan Gillespie Sells spouting affected claims of drunkenness at every available oppor tunity, which smacked of faux bravado. Yet despite this and two complete power failures during Never Be Lonely, they proved to be consummate performers. The crowd were more than happy to pitch in with backing vocals, and a cover of Video Killed The Radio Star was nothing short of inspired.

Sunday brought more sunshine and a dose of indie respectability in the shape of Noisettes, The Hours and The Holloways. The latter pleased the indie kids with some clumsy dual vocals and extraneous fiddle-assisted punk-pop, but their cover of The Clash's Bankrobber will stick in the memory for all the wrong reasons.

In contrast Ordinary Boys, seemingly bereft of credibility after Preston's recent tabloid-baiting antics, were a definite highlight, despite the inclusion of I Luv You in their set, his ode to Chantelle that rivalled the sponsor's wares for its sickly sweetness, but lacked the flavour.

With the weekend rounded off by a massive conga line snaking its way through the crowd while The Proclaimers belted out I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), the overriding sense of fun and carnival atmosphere more than made up for a line-up that seemed to cater to everyone and no one.

Ben & Jerry might still be learning the ropes on the music side, but for those willing to briefly suspend notions of music snobbery, there is little more fun to be had in London's summer festival calendar.

Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.

Other reviews

[ 1 ] [ 2 ]

What's on today   What's on tomorrow

Receive our newsletter