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Lounge on the Farm and Sound Island rock the county

Torrential downpours are predicted. File image
Torrential downpours are predicted. File image

A torrential downpour did not dampen spirits at Lounge on the Farm, as Jessie Ware headlined the festival on Saturday.

The odd clap of thunder could be heard as revellers huddled into the covered stages at Merton Farm, Canterbury.

In the Hoedown tent, DJ Jesse James savoured the unexpectedly large crowd but there must have left a sour taste for Camden four-piece Tribes, who saw their crowd wither into nothing as the rain fell.

Rows and rows of tents
Rows and rows of tents
Lounge on the Farm is being 'rested' for a year
Lounge on the Farm is being 'rested' for a year

Organisers will have breathed a sigh of relief that the heavy shower cleared for their headline act.

Ware’s vocals were as polished as ever and she made much effort to sing the praises of her pre-fame band – old school garage duo Man Like Me.

They performed in the slot before her and also had to endure a rain-affected crowd.

The weather had been glorious, with Faversham band Broken Hands one of the most impressive to perform in the afternoon sun.

The heat was much like that of Friday, which ended in Seasick Steve closing in front of a packed crowd.

As Soul II Soul prepare to close the festival today, there is little sign that criticisms over a lower-key line up has had any affect on festival-goers’ enjoyment.

Max Lamdin, 15, of Ashford Road, Thanington, said: “It’s more like a social gathering than people being here for the music.

“Even though the line up is not as good this time, the atmosphere is still amazing.”

Taking it easy
Taking it easy
The crowds getting into the spirit of things
The crowds getting into the spirit of things

Georgina Gothard, 23, of Vine Close, Ramsgate, said: “I like Lounge because it is a lot smaller.

“Last year there were a lot of good bands on and you can get a lot closer and see them. When it is a big festival you are quite far away.

“A lot of it is family orientated as well. It’s just chilled out.”

Ryan Tully-Fleming, 20, of Connaught Road, Folkestone, added: “There’s a pure love for everyone. You get people from everywhere talking to each other.

“It is a small festival which is the beauty of it. More local people come here. It is like when Glastonbury started.”

Emily Clarke, 18, of St Thomas Hill, Canterbury, said: “Lounge on the Farm is local and not too expensive.

“Because it’s local your friends can come with you and it is not too far to travel.”

To read reporter Chris Price's blog about Lounge on the Farm visit:

http://blogs.kentonline.co.uk/post/Lounge-on-the-Farm-shows-its-not-about-Dylan-Prince-and-the-Eagles.aspx

Rita Ora
Rita Ora

The wet weather didn't stop play at yesterday's Sound Island festival either - especially for Rita Ora.

The singer-songwriter promised fans she would get wet with them at the start of her set.

True to her word, the 22-year-old left the stage at Quex Park, Birchington, to party with festivalgoers at the front in lashing rain.

She performed several of her most famous songs including How We Do, RIP and her first number one hit, which was a collaboration with DJ Fresh, Hot Right Now.

As a special treat she also did a version of N.E.R.D's She Wants To Move.

The Sound Island Festival 2013 at Quex Park, Birchington
The Sound Island Festival 2013 at Quex Park, Birchington

The Albanian-born star, who is dating Calvin Harris, thanked the crowds for their support in the stormy conditions and said she remembered doing the same once for a band she really liked.

Another performer who was very humble was former X Factor winner James Arthur, who performed earlier in the afternoon.

As well as a rockier version of his hit single, Impossible, and some new tracks to look out for, he also did a Lauryn Hill cover and Ready or Not by her band, Fugees.

Rain had stopped by the time headline act, Plan B, took to the stage, but some fans - soaking wet and cold - had decided to leave.

Plan B
Plan B

The English rapper, singer-songwriter and actor, was introduced by an impressive beatbox act before opening with I Am The Narrator.

The artist, real name Ben Drew, quickly followed up with Prayin' from his second album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks.

Gemma Constable, who went as a treat for her daughter Tate Cunningham's 5th birthday, said: "It was a great festival, but such a shame about the weather.

"Rita Ora stole the show with a great set, Tate loved it when she was drumming on some drums wheeled out on trollies.

"She [Tate] refused to leave the audience to seek shelter under cover as she was having so much fun dancing.

"Instead she opted to wear two waterproof coats - one of them mine - and the customary festival wellies.

"It was a shame we couldn't see more of Plan B's set, but what we did see was great live performances."

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