Having laid the foundations and developed a reputation for putting on some of the finest parties in the North East of the UK, Shindig returned to Spiller Wharf in Newcastle for the 23rd anniversary and what a glorious return it was. Shindig XXIII also marked a promising start of the UK festival season, which, if it continues as it has begun, has many treats in store. Two days of really good music, reasonably priced food and drinks, and a vibrancy and energy that makes it a great festival. If only the weather had been good, Shindig would have been impeccable.
Saturday:
One of the best things about Shindig was the line-up, which was cleverly curated and divided into three stages for different taste. While Maya Jane Coles was playing some underground house at the West Stage, Duke Dumont won over the crowd on the East Stage playing some of his well-known songs.
Although Centre Stage wasn’t big on names, but it was always packed with the quality acts including Ian Blevin, Denny, Detroit Swindle, Denny, Ralph Lawson and One20 DJs. Dutch duo Detroit Swindle completely stole the show for us on the Day 1 playing some really groovy tunes. The Martinez Brothers closed the West Stage playing some tech house. The brothers were thoroughly enjoying themselves at Shindig and that excitement got the crowd buzzing.
Annie Mac closed the East Stage playing some familiar tunes and accompanied by a barrage of LED visual effects. Hannah Wants seemed to be quite popular at Shindig where the crowd could not get enough of her bass heavy music. German duo Andhim bought some of their super-house to the UK. Despite the depressing weather, the music didn’t let anyone down. Later the party moved to W34 and Cosmic Ballroom in the night where Dense and Pika, Derrick Carter and Adam Beyer entertained the crowd.
Sunday:
It was pissing down until noon and the festival area was logged with water. Here is the 23 year of experience shows up when the organizer pumped all the water from the site when for one moment it seemed like the festival would have to be cancelled.
Again the line-up at the West Stage was something else. Deetron truly got the party started, followed by Kerry Chandler, Dusky, Heidi and Green Velvet. DubFire, Maceo Plex and Richie Hawtin brought the best of tech House to the East Stage. Central Stage was again jam-packed with sets from the likes of Subb-an, Gerd Janson, Krankbrother and PBR Streetgang.
Gorgon City and Richie Hawtin closed the XXIII edition of Shindig’s BYDAY. The party moved to W34 and theCut by night where Dixon, Robert Diez and DJ Tennis were responsible for sorting out the crowd for the last night of Shindig. Unfortunately, we had to sneak away at this point.
Photography: Sarah May
