By IW Observer.co.uk
Wet Leg’s performance at the Isle of Wight Festival on Sunday afternoon drew a crowd so big that the Big Top had to be closed around 10 minutes before they started playing.
Those unable to get in to watch them play probably outnumbered those who had arrived early enough to bag a place, despite the Big Top being a long trek from the main stage where UB40 were playing.
The local band, fronted by Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers, saw their first album shoot straight to number one in the UK and Australia and number four in the USA, with success in many other countries around the world. Rhian and Hester are joined by three other young Islanders, Ellis Durand (bass), Henry Holmes (drums/percussion) and Joshua Mobaraki (guitar/synthesizer).
It was obvious the band was excited to be playing to their home crowd, saying they were looking forward to sleeping in their own beds and leading a spirited rendition of Happy Birthday to Rhian’s stepdad, Roger, celebrating his 70th birthday. Today (Friday) they are playing at Glastonbury, then more dates in the UK and Europe before heading off to Australia in July followed by the USA and Canada.
The festival itself was a glorious riot of music and entertainment for all ages. Even the weather turning unseasonably cold on Saturday didn’t quell the crowd’s enthusiasm for enjoying themselves.
Next year’s IW Festival dates have been announced as June 15-18 and Early Bird Tickets are available at isleofwightfestival.com.
Have a look at our photos on page 12 and see if our photographers snapped you in your festival finery on our on-line gallery at bit.ly/IWO-IWFestival.
Isle of Wight Observer