Wild Fields Festival 2020
A festival? During a world-wide pandemic? Some might say that the organisers of Wild Fields (who were behind Wild Paths, the city-based festival which took over Norwich in 2019) would be mad to even attempt it. But as we wandered up from the car park at around lunchtime last Saturday, the sound of live music (namely Gabby Rivers, who took first slot) and the smell of food vendors washed over us. It was like being transported into the 2020 we all wished could have happened.
How the whole situation worked was thus – your group was given a pod, with a bench table, which you were only allowed to leave for food, drink or to go to the toilet. These pods were evenly spaced away from each other, and big enough to dance in, so even when more lively music was playing you had enough space to get your groove on.
I won’t bore you with a rundown of every single act, but there were definitely a few which I’d cite as worth keeping an eye out for once our wonderful Norwich venues are allowed to open up their doors and we can all get back to the gigs we love so much.
Hailing from Colchester, Anorak Patch were a group of punky youths with the music to match. Their sound settled in a comfortable “inspired by Blur” sort of place, but for such a young band, they’ve got a sound of their own coming through as well. Pinups brought a slightly more laid-back brand of alternative rock, which was complimented perfectly by that early evening festival feeling as the sun set over the Showground. Indoor Pets have a lead singer who looks like he could play Spiderman, and yet also delivered the strongest, verging on screamy, vocals of the day. Backed up by better than generic alt-pop they got us bopping despite the chill in the air as night set in.
All in all, it was a credit to the fine mpeople of Wild Paths, as well as all the brilliant local food vendors and bands both from our fine city and further afield. While maybe not quite replacing the festivals we all wish we were at, it felt like a blessing just to be stood in a field, holding a pint in one hand and a burger in the other, all to the sounds of real live music. A cracking middle finger to the virus that seems so intent on keeping us indoors, all while staying safe.
