REVIEW: Festival N°6, Portmeirion, Wales
WANDERING around the stunning village in Portmeirion, this truly was a festival setting like no other.
Dreamy Italian-inspired architecture combined with stunning views and an eclectic line-up of music, comedy and art — plus a little bit of everything in between.
As it was September and we were in Wales, cue rain and more rain and even more rain....
But, the sign of a great festival is if you enjoy yourself despite the downpours and the mud — and we certainly did.
Scroll through the gallery above to see more fantastic photos courtesy of Fanatic/Festival No.6
Headliners Mogwai played the main stage on Friday night and, although a little progressive for my musical tastes, they seemed to mesmerise the Festival No 6 crowd.
I had been looking forward to seeing Welsh songstress Charlotte Church (pictured below) belting out some pop tunes in her 'late night dungeon' but, unfortunately, many had the same idea and there was no room in the Grand Pavillion tent she was playing.
Over we went to the House of Rum and whiled away an hour or two drinking and dancing to the sounds of the upbeat and funky DJs, Drunk at Vogue.
An unlikely highlight of the weekend (and these types of unexpected discoveries are exactly what I adore about festivals) was The Moomins Live Rescore.
The 45 minute screening of the 1983 version of animated adventure, The Moomins and the Comet, was accompanied by live music performed by original composer Graeme Miller. Every inch as surreal and wonderful as Festival No 6 itself.
Bloc Party brought their clean and sharp-sounding brand of indie rock to the main stage on Saturday night. Kele, every inch the frontman, delivered tracks such as Banquet and Helicopter with punch and panache.
A massive heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for our sixth year celebration. You were spectacular! Be seeing you... pic.twitter.com/G3XGdnUG93
— Festival No.6 (@festivalnumber6) September 11, 2017
Another highlight for me was Jarvis Cocker and Friends in Castell Gardens, located in the serene grounds of Castell Deudraeth.
The Pulp frontman had us dancing along to French pop and playing an impromptu game of musical statues, what better way to spend a Saturday night?
Brythoniaid Choir, one of Wales' leading male voice choirs, delivered a spine-tingling performance in the Central Piazza, right in the heart of Portmeirion village.
Beatles fans were in for a huge treat as the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Bootleg Beatles brought the sounds of the Fab Four to the festival on Sunday afternoon.
Away from the music and there were so many fun activities to try, from learning Welsh or how to dance Northern Soul to Disco Barre — a ballet barre exercise workout to disco music.
What could be more perfect after all that than slipping into a boiling hot tub in the festival spa, squelchy mud and cold bones a distant memory...
But, like most things at Festival No 6 — and in life — it did not come cheap.
The spa and hot tub fix cost £35 for two hours and you're looking at £5.50 a pint of lager.
There was plenty of food on offer ranging in price and quality, £7 for a margherita pizza, £12.50 for a chicken, lamb and halloumi kebab, £3 for a brew at some stalls and £4 for an ice cream.
I'd highly recommend attending Festival No 6 next year but get saving, and pack your waterproofs.
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