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Kent review: Bastille play Neverworld at Hever

Saturday boasted big acts at Neverworld as Bastille and Sub Focus entertained the rather sparkly crowds.

Having seen some incredible acts on Friday, it was hard to imagine how the day could be topped.

With a slightly different approach to the day before, I decided to check out some of the smaller stages throughout the day and try and find new and fresh acts - the headliners of tomorrow.

Bastille play Neverworld Picture: Kate Darkins
Bastille play Neverworld Picture: Kate Darkins

There were a few surprises along the way. Possibly the most bizarre act all day was Elvana.

Imagine Nirvana fronted by Elvis. In a weird way, it really worked.

Hearing massive 90s grunge hits with the rock and roll tones of Elvis did turn a few heads and get a lot of confused expressions.

By the second song, the crowd was right behind them.

Another surprise was Lucy Spraggan, who you might remember from X-Factor back in 2012.

Mentioning that she’s actually a ‘fake Northerner’ having been born in Canterbury, she instantly connected with the crowd and put on a killer performance.

If music wasn’t your thing then there was also plenty to do.

Neverworld festival at Hever
Neverworld festival at Hever

Glitter and paint were the two big themes of this festival - with a gigantic paint fight at a beach in the middle of a field and bio-degradable glitter on sale round every corner.

Coddywomple Cabaret was some of the craziest burlesque (think balloons) and strange performances I’ve seen in a while, but also some of the best.

I also caught the fantastic Hooray Cabaret doing some stand up, and they are definitely ones to keep an eye on.

But as the night drew on, crowds settled down to watch Tom Grennan.

He’s a relative newcomer to the scene, with a self-confessed potty mouth but tones of an angel.

He’s also one of the most energetic performers of the weekend, playing big hits including Barbed Wire, to lesser known songs, all with incredible vocal precision.

Fans at Neverworld. Picture: Kate Darkins
Fans at Neverworld. Picture: Kate Darkins

Finally, it was time for Bastille.

They have come a long way since the days of Pompeii, opening with Good Grief.

Their tone has slightly shifted in the past few years, but that’s to be expected.

Their performance was such good fun with the crowd lapping up every last note.

It’s a strange festival, and does feel a bit like a mini-Glastonbury, with plenty of off-the-beaten-track ideas and fun and games. There truly is something for everyone.

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