Bluedot Festival 2018

I don't usually review events, but with this being my first Bluedot Festival at Jodrell Bank in Cheshire, I have to say this is one of best festivals I've ever been to.

I can only imagine that they got together a load of scientists, musicologists, professors and mathematicians to work out what would be the perfect festival for families; something that brought together arts, music, workshops, screenings, interactive activities, stalls, and excellent food. Then, they passed all this information on to some good old fashioned boffins to create a brilliantly unique and very entertaining festival. .

I came to Bluedot to photograph bands, but also couldn't help being drawn into many talks and panels on the field. Jodrell Bank is home to the famous Lovell Telescope, and I wish I'd had more time to see everything this place had on offer. I would definitely return as a visitor before next year's festival.

Friday's headliners, The Flaming Lips put on a spectacular performance with explosions of confetti and giant balloons, finishing with a giant inflatable pink robot and Wayne Coyne riding on the back of a unicorn. On Saturday, the Lovell Stage featured Nadine Shan who's album, 'Holiday Destination' has just been shortlisted for the 2018 Hyundai Mercury Prize! Let's hope this gives her the credit she well and truly deserves. Next came Gary Numan, back on form with his new album 'Splinter'. He is the complete opposite to how you remember him at the beginning of his career; throwing himself around the stage to heavy industrial sounds with a couple classic hits thrown in.

I became a big fan of Saturday's headliners Future Island, a band I previously knew nothing about. They were a unique surprise to discover at the end of the night.

Most of my time at Bluedot was spent covering bands on the smaller Orbit, Nebula and The Roots stages. Here, I found many great bands, but the highlights for me were International Teachers of Pop, Barbeos, HEHM, Hello Cosmos, Hookworms, Lamb, Pear City and the brilliant Acid Mother Temple.

The festival came to a perfect end on Sunday night with the greatness of The Chemical Brothers! Enough said.

Bluedot will be back next year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing from the18th to 21st July. It's going to be out of this world and one I won't be missing.

Review & Photos - Brent Jones