The Great Escape 2007 - Your festival feedback
The Great Escape Festival 2007 took place in Brighton city centre from 17th-19th May 2007, featuring CSS, Willy Mason, The Maccabees, Angus & Julia Stone, Robots In Disguise and Foals. Find out what people thought of the festival...
Daniela Cosentino
18, Brighton
Best band?
I reckon Air Traffic were the best, they played a good number of songs, and the venue was small enough to get a good view of the band. Also enjoyed The Holloways, but was a bit let down on the number songs they performed.
Festival lowpoint?
There were so many bands I wanted to see but who were performing in different places at the same time. It meant I only got to see a few.
Festival highlight?
While queueing outside the Pavillion Theatre, The Magic Numerbs strolled by, so I couldn't miss the opportunity to take a pic with of one of siblings. He was really friendly, yay! Oh, and the free pink Brighton Rock and lollies!
Going again next year?
If can get back to Brighton from uni, definately!
Jase Norbury
20, Brighton
Best band?
Goose were probably the best band I saw, everyoe was just smiling and jumping around, it was great! Also, Air Traffic's set was immense! I wish they had stayed on for longer.
Festival lowpoint?
My boyfriend not being there after I bought him a ticket! And also some bands being cancelled, like Hadouken!, and when we went to see The Black Ghosts, there was no Black Ghosts! Oh no, we had The Be Be See! Who the fuck are The Be Be See?!
Festival highlight?
Great excuse for drinking loads of beer and staying out late! Yes! And getting a shiny PINK wristband. I also saw a man dressed as a seagull nearly get run over, hilarious!
Going again next year?
Yes! Deffo! But if they make sure everyone plays on time that would be great.
Stephen Bewick
25, Kent
Best band?
Besnard Lakes - both times. The first time as we were up in the balcony above and behind the band which was weird, but that could have been the free Red Stripe we were getting! The second time because I realised the music was really good, so much so that I got the album. Also Willy Mason was as special as I had imagined.
Festival highlight?
Well my friend Will saw this guy called Remko from the Besnard Lakes who we befriended the night before and called out for him to try and get us into the Pavillion Theatre - he didnt notice and the queue had a right laugh! You had to be there.
Going again next year?
Hopefully with a press pass!
David Wilson
21, Brighton
Best band?
Maps were great live. I had only just started to listen to their album a few days before the festival when my flatmate kept pestering me to listen to it. I'm not overly mad on them, but they were good live.
Festival lowpoint?
Missing out on seeing Good Shoes, but the worst has to be waiting for about 2 hours for Bonde De Role to turn up for their gig, and then them cancelling due to "technical difficulties", when I could have been at Concorde 2 watching Crystal Castles and XX Teens!
Festival highlight?
Going to a festival within walking distance of my bed.
Going again next year?
If I get a free ticket or if they iron out all overcrowding issues the problems then yes.
Alan Smith
22, Brighton
Festival highlight?
Seeing The Udderbelly in all it's purple upturned-cow glory.
Festival lowpoint?
Queuing, queuing, queuing! Especially for The Maccabees when after 45 minutes in line, they closed the queue (without warning us in advance) regardless of whether anyone else left the venue.
Best band?
The Airborne Toxic Event, because they were not only good but a band I chanced upon who had no hype and just happened to be great in a dark and poppy way. Also good were (We Are) Performance, Willy Mason, ZZZ, Look See Proof, British Sea Power and Patrick Watson.
Going again next year?
I expect so, hard to resist despite the queues.
Estie Haden
18, Lewes
Best band?
Art Brut were fun cos there was a good mosh pit going and people were really psyched up to see Eddie Argos. I preferred the band on just before them to be honest - I liked their music, and they were nice eye candy too!
Festival lowpoint?
The security seemed pretty tight actually - I got searched for class A drugs at the Beach Club! And my friend wasn't allowed in cos she was drinking in the queue... Festivals are meant to be about less of that sort of policing. Having to leg it around the different venues was annoying too!
Festival highlight?
Initially the sight of the huge purple upsidedown cow was great, and made me feel like i was part of an exciting event. And it was lovely to meet people who had come from all over the country.
Going again next year?
If there are good bands playing then yes. But I think they should probably rename it "gigathon" or something, cos it's hardly a festival!
Simon Cook
19, Worthing
Best band?
Hmm, Goose were sooo good live. Plus The Whip and Neon Plastix.
Festival lowpoint?
Not getting to see all the bands we wanted because of clashes. Damn clashes!
Festival highlight?
Well, not having to queue for anything was good, and being photographed for the BBC, weeee!
Going again next year?
Maybe, depends what the line-up's like!
Alex Wilson
18, Uckfield
Best band?
Gotta say British Sea Power in the Udderbelly was amazing! The main highlight was when an old man carrying a giant drum yelled “follow me” to us and climbed up on stage, only to walk up by himself, trip and fall into his drum. Classic. Also much to my shock Lethal Bizzle was awesome, don’t miss him at this year’s festivals.
Festival lowpoint?
Everyone’s probably already said it, but the queues! They never ended. Brighton is amazing and it needs to have a festival, but have it in one of the great parks, not the clubs, cause no one gets to see who they want.
Festival highlight?
Hanging out with my mates outside the giant cow! Not the most of adventurous things to say, but it was pretty sweet.
