15 August 2015 (gig)
23 August 2015
Hevy Fest is utterly small and perfectly formed. If you prefer your metal, punk and alternative music without the posturing of mainstream festival convention, it’s the one for you.
Not to mention it’s not got the price tag of the others; an early bird ticket will only set you back £79.
Set snug in the grounds of Port Lympne, Kent (your ticket includes the Safari park FYI) the campsite can be strolled across in about 3 minutes. The arena itself? Maybe a 1.35 minute walk.
This is in no way a bad thing as the bookers have kindly set show times apart by some 15 to 30 mins in a staggered rotation for each of the three stages. This basically means that, of their packed line up, you can comfortably see nearly every band.
Any band clashes? Simply jaunt the 1.35 minutes to the other stage to catch another set.
And the line-up is sublime this year. 8 intimate sessions on the Thursday to kick off, 24 across the Friday and Saturday.
This year saw them building on last year’s strategy of the alternative scene’s throwbacks.
With Coheed and Cambria, The Dillinger Escape Plan and Hacktivist heading up the Friday. Thrice, The Get Up Kids and The Fall of Troy round up the Saturday. There’s very little to be disappointed in.
Most remarkable were Dillinger Escape Plan who practically explode off the stage with their cacophonic energy. Hacktivist, rap metalcore, are so tight and loud they draw one of the biggest daylight crowds. Coheed are so note perfect it’s a struggle for even non-fans to not pay serious attention.
Saturday always feels more catered to the punks and sees emerging talent all day. Vales and Hang the Bastard being the real stand outs. Thrice wrap up the weekend with another on-note, on-beat reminiscence for the 2003 stalwarts.
Hevy Fest surprised us all in 2014 with their first year back from a short hiatus. This year it’s slightly bigger and they have definitely tried to build on the successes and feedback from their veterans. The toilets are still great. The after show entertainment has been extended and now houses a silent disco. Fair quality and price food stalls are ever so slightly more abundant. Upgrade tents and re-entry are all changes that have made it more comfortable.
The whole festival has made a concerted effort to be easy and relaxed, and as a result the people there are easy and relaxed. Boasting a line up I found unparalleled this year along with great execution from the bands and schedulers. Bring on next year!
Photocredit Jessica Keogh
