Sun shone for Big Chill (From Ledbury Reporter)

Sun shone for Big Chill

3:48pm Monday 10th August 2009

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GLORIOUS summer sunshine made this year’s Big Chill Festival, in Eastnor, one to remember.

Thousands of revellers donned shorts and sunglasses as they enjoyed performances from, among others, Basement Jaxx, Orbital and David Byrne.

The four-day event got off to an unorthodox start with more than 4,000 members of the public dressing up as zombies to smash a world record.

They were led by ‘King of the Zombies’ Noel Fielding - one half of bizarre sitcom stars the Mighty Boosh - and filmed as part of Warp Films’ I Spit on Your Rave.

Basement Jaxx wowed the crowds on Friday night with a storming set packed with hits from the past decade. They were joined on-stage by singers, dancers and musicians who gave the performance a high-energy feel.

Orbital, who reformed recently after splitting up in 2005, were as on-form as ever, with a visual-audio treat which took revellers well into the Saturday night.

But the festival’s draw was not just confined to the main stage. Smaller acts and DJs thrived in venues such as the Roundhouse, the dance tent and the Rizla Arena.

Acts such as Calexico and Friendly Fires ensured the indie contingent was kept happy and provided the perfect accompaniment to the weekend’s weather.

A ‘drive-in’ cinema gave people the opportunity to enjoy classic films while sitting in the back of clapped-out, and spray-painted, old cars.

* See this week's Ledbury Reporter for pictures

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