words Colette Earley
Not only was this the Bristol festival’s 10-year anniversary, but it was also its much-anticipated post-pandemic return. The event took place over the Jubilee Weekend in the South-West city, with an exciting line-up drawing a huge crowd. Despite the, slightly… erratic weather, the festival returned with a bang. Here’s what happened at Love Saves The Day 2022…
The festival had a new home
This year, Love Saves had a brand-new home of the prestigious Ashton Court, enabling the event organisers to put on the biggest event possible, across 10 high-production stages. Revellers made their way via the aptly named ‘Love Bus’ running from the city centre, before a short hike through the rolling green fields to get to the entry gate and start their experience, with the stunning yellow estate building as their backdrop.
It was the festival’s largest line-up to date
The new vast location meant that even more acts than normal graced the stages, with names such as Folamour, Young T and Bugsey, Ray BLK, DJ EZ, Chase & Status, Andy C, Casis Dead, Gorgon City and so many more on the line-up.
Female DJs ruled Thursday afternoon
From London DJ Moxie remixing Madonna on the Centre stage to Jayda G hyping up the crowd on the Love Saves stage, the funky vibes, mixed with the late-afternoon sun that blessed the festival’s first day, saw crowds dancing into the evening, prepped and ready for the sundowner acts.
The Thursday night clash was made easier
Glorious Thursday came to a dramatic conclusion when festival goers had to choose between three huge headliners – Bicep, Kurupt Fm and The Blessed Madonna. Making the decision slightly earlier, TBD cancelled last minute, leaving the crowd to split between Bicep’s moving set and the West London boys entertaining-as-always show. Neither disappointed.
The heavens well and truly opened on Friday
In stark contrast to the magnificent sun of Thursday, torrential rain hit the festival on Friday. We’re not talking drizzle here… it was full on rainforest-worthy downpour. Unfortunately, for a few hours it did affect the vibe of the festival somewhat – people were using bin lids to protect themselves from getting absolutely drenched. But once it cleared up revellers headed out from under their shelter, ready to dance in the mud to Easy Life.
The finale was worth sticking around for
Although many dropped their drinks and ran when the initial downpour seemed unlikely to stop, those that stuck it out reaped their reward when the skies cleared and the dancing recommenced. Heading to the Centre stage, Andy C didn’t disappoint, playing D’n’B bangers that made everyone forget why they were wearing ponchos an hour ago, proving that, come rain or shine, love really does save the day.
