In spectacular fashion north east Netherlands showed the sunshine and summer showers to greet the dedicated fans waiting outside for this years’ installment of Vicefest, we were invited to come along to see what the fuss was about. This is the 7th year that Vicefest has been around for, named after the Dutch band “The Vices” this was the 3rd successive year of being hosted at The Spot Musik at De Oosterbeen in Groningem.
Dutch based dreampop band “Vixsin” were the selected winners to take part to perform at Vicefest, opening on the Empty Bones stage.
Not only did music feature here but also artwork, books and a small market place in between the various bars and 3 stages hosting events.
British pop singer Chloe Slater performed several of her hit songs to a huge crowd waiting to see her and her band.
Next is Heath, based out of The Hague in the Netherlands they have a rock and roll vibe that is unmistakable, with frontman playing the harmonica you could almost double take him for Steven Tyler from Aerosmith, these guys really got the party going and it was a joy to see attendees watching in awe from the young age of 12 all the way up to elderly fans
Next up – the frontman from The Vices performing a solo acousitic set
Next up all the way from Australia is the much loved Singer Guitarist and cool lounge lizzard Donny Benet who was finally able to make it to Vice Fest and this was the year to do it.
Another sensational band that went down a storm, with people dancing away and clamouring to get to the best view up front Donny was a sensational hit with the fans.
Next up, and band called Y – hailing from Brixton and South London they’re an up and coming band formed with members of Fat White Family, Meatraffle and Pregoblin, founded by Adam and Sophie they brought with them immense energy and a wild vibe, another band with a saxophonist they’re an ecclectic mix of funk, alternative, fusion and experimental rock the band went down incredibly well, with an approx 45 minute set it was all thrills and spills and a missing in action sunglasses lens, solid up tempo drumming and with Adam and Sopie taking turns with vocals. One shouldn’t have favourites but if we’re honest we all do, and this was an exciting band to watch.
On at the same time as Y is the best called Welly, unfortunately time was not on my side to make it out to photograph them having to get some fresh air.
Brass Rave Unit – another incredible act took to the main stage, not just Bass but Brass with Saxophone and Trombonist they kept the energy wild, unfortunately missing the slot to capture them, but their party atmosphere and drum and bass made the main hall shake as through a full on rave was taking place, a brilliant act.
Then to close the show we have British post punk powerhouse Heavy Lungs and they were ready to carry on the carnage of performances set before them, wild energy from Danny and the band.
On at the underground stage is Just For Fun, a two piece electro DJ and Singer
In summary the venue and staff were fantasitc, welcoming and helpful, thr entertainment was fantastic and production staff excellent, a really great festival, check it out next year!! thank you to everyone
