Bristol’s biggest festival rolls around once again, the behemoth that is Love Saves the Day settling itself for the second time in the lush bowl of Ashton Court Estate over the late May Bank Holiday weekend. Boasting yet another power-packed line-up and an adjusted stage setup following last year’s tempest, this edition promises to be as fun as ever. Here’s our pick of who’s playing over the weekend.
Saturday
Team Love have gone big on the headliners for Saturday, with perennial electronic pioneer Four Tet taking over the controls for some lush aural soundscapes, D&B legend Andy C and rising star Nia Archives showcasing her new EP Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against Tha Wall. Best of all will be Fatboy Slim, whose back catalogue speaks for itself, the big tune master returning to Love Saves the Day after his last headline slot six years ago.
Elsewhere, we can’t wait to see party-starter par excellence Artwork, whose blend of chunky disco and geezer chat can enliven even the chuggiest crowd. His annual Arts House parties alongside DJ Harvey have become legendary, as have his mysterious Artist Unknown edits.
Scottish rockers Texas may seem like an odd booking for a mostly electronic festival, with Sharleen Spiteri and the rest touring their new Greatest Hits album, but we reckon once they launch into You Can Say What You Want, they’ll have the crowd well and truly on their side.
Finally, noughties superstar Kelis should provide the perfect fusion of pop and dance, with some hugs hits to back her up – at any moment she can launch into Milkshake, Trick Me, Millionaire and many more. Her set is one not to be missed.
Sunday
Meanwhile on Sunday, bucket hatted disco shiller Folamour returns from a great set last year to get the crowd moving with a selection of chunky house roller and diva vocals aplenty. Fans of OG wave dubstep (weren’t we all) are well provided for, with sets from Mala and Pinch sure to provide chest rattling sub to spare.
Part of the joy of LSTD is the line-up demonstrating that local DJs are more than a match for any international talent and with that in mind Peverelist (Bristol techno/dub stalwart), Ghost Phone (deconstructed RnB club jams) and Ellie Stokes (90s+industrial flecked weird house) are not to be missed.
Finally, fresh from manning the most entertaining twitter account in British dance music, Scratchclart‘s sets have evolved from grime to incorporating cutting edge amapiano and gqom: recommended!
The last remaining tickets for Love Saves the Day are available here.