It’s always a good omen when Festival Season kicks off with a cracker of a weekend – both musically and weather-wise. While usually it seems that God hates festivals, it turns out that he absolutely hearts Vantastival!
Now in its second year, this wee beaut of a fest is set in the idyllic surroundings of the Dunany estate in north Co. Louth, and with just three stages, it’s the perfect size for the more, shall we say ‘laidback’ music fan.
Friday night kicked off with some homegrown talent in the form of DC Tempest, Windings and a DJ set from Donal Dineen, all getting punters ready for the high standard of choons coming their way over the next two days.
As the sun rose on Saturday (and rise it did – this weekend was a scorcher), the Main Stage opened its doors, ready for another host of Irish and international talent. Curtain Thieves were first up, with TKO and metal-tastic, underpants-flashing I’d Fight Gandhi hot on their heels. Over in the Music Maker tent, multi-talented Waterford man Casanova Wave was making the perfect music to chill out in the sun to... definitely one to watch.
Back to the Main Stage, where synth rock outfit Sounds Of System Breakdown put on a typically brilliant and energetic show (and showing their flair for the dramatic, bid adieu to a band member mid-performance, sniff!). As the sun set, Cast Of Cheers took to the stage, and, might I say, completely made it their bitch. Cork act The Frank And Walters followed, with the ever-theatrical Duke Special finishing off the night. On the other stage, meanwhile, Identity Parade, The Fallen Drakes and ska act Pressure Drop did their thing, while the Paddy Mirage tent played host to Preachers Son, Cry Monster Cry and headliners We Cut Corners. Phew!
Several beers, and not-so-several hours’ kip later, and Sunday was upon us! As fragile bodies lay strewn on the grass in the still glorious sunshine, the Main Stage welcomed Dubliners The Kapitals, Bipolar Empire and Miracle Bell, while MM saw Yukina, reggae act The Barley Mob and Machine Gun Baby take to its stage. Highlights came from the excellent Hot Sprockets, who channeled a classic, ‘durty’ rock ‘n’ roll sound, with a side of bluegrass/rockabilly, and Wallis Bird, whose gorgeous voice was matched only by her ability to make mince-meat of her guitar strings! Alabama 3 then made their way onstage for an enjoyable acoustic set, though the crowd, if given the choice, might have opted out of being preached to in what felt to me like a patronising way by Rob Spragg. Whipping Boy was the final act on the Main Stage; over in MM, Dubliners The Riptide Movement put on a absolutely rocking set, while Jamie Lawson and Sweet Jane played Paddy Mirage. All in all – vantastic!