Thom Yorke was a first-day highlight

The Big Chill

Eastnor Deer Park

words and pictures by James Watkins

By James Watkins

Around 25,000 people descended on one of the region’s most beautiful parks to chill-ax to music from an all-star cast. The Big Chill Festival lives up to its name by encouraging fans to take it easy while enjoying music from big name acts. Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, Massive Attack, Lily Allen and MIA were among the stars who thrilled fans from across the UK. Yorke’s set was the stand out moment of Day One as he played an unaccompanied solo set of new songs, with a handful of Radiohead favourites.

Among the highlights of his Radiohead tunes were Planet Telex, from The Bends, and an amazing rendition of Let Down, from OK Computer, which drew rapturous applause. His stand out performance capped an eventful first day, during which crowds were buzzing as they were looking forward to a weekend-long party. Massive Attack were also in imperious form, delighting the audience with magical trip hop and electronica.

However, those star acts were usurped in the public’s affections by the scintillating Kelis, Paloma Faith and Plan B.

Lily Allen showed her diva-ish tendencies by banning photographers from the photo-pit but wowed fans with the best headline act of the weekend.

Kelis was a thrilling addition and delighted thousands of followers with her dance beat session of hits. Broken Bells were worth a mention as they got the crowd dancing on the Sunday, but M.I.A caused a stage riot when they invited people on the stage – causing a mass invasion.

Fans also enjoyed late night Lazyland DJ sets from some of the world’s finest djs, a Words In Motion tent added a literary edge to proceedings while an art trail featured the impressive work of Spencer Tunick and more besides. There were ample opportunities for people to tune out in an enchanted garden, while cult films were also shown on the vast Eastnor Deer Park showground. On the main stages, the music came thick and fast with Hope Sandoval, Magnetic Man and Mystery Jets all impressing. The Big Chill was the UK’s first boutique festival and continues to set the standard that others follow.