Review: Escape into the Park
So Escape into the Park has been and gone for another year, with around 13,800 people reported as attending and some great weather despite early showers, the local residents can relax again (for a bit).
This is only my third visit to the festival and even though its crawling with Townies and there are only ever a handful of acts on the line-up that interest me, I enjoy myself more & more each time. There’s something about the mix of live music, sunshine, alcohol & a carnival atmosphere that transcends musical genres and social groups.
Of course the atmosphere probably had something to with the drugs, despite a heavier police presence there still must have been thousands of people using controlled substances. Imagine all those people on nothing but alcohol, I shudder to think what violence might have ensued. Despite some reports that the police searches were invasive and humiliating, in general their presence seemed relaxed and friendly.
The only disappointment for me, was the headline set from Calvin Harris. After a later than scheduled start, the sound seemed quiet and Harris was complaining about his monitor not working. 
Despite the singles (”Acceptable in the 80s”, “The Girls”) going down very well, Harris had to dodge a couple of cans from the audience, and the sound problems seemed to haunt him throughout the set. I can only guess that the technicians weren’t really up to properly sound checking multiple instruments, after all the festival isn’t used to bands. Perhaps this was the reason too for the slightly poor reception from the crowd, booking Calvin Harris was a bold and welcome addition to headline the festival, it would be a shame if it was deemed unsuccessful.
And last but not least, why did the festival finish at 11pm? It cut Calvin Harris’s already late starting set down to around half an hour. Perhaps I’m missing something here, but wasn’t the license advertised as being from midday until midnight? I’ll be round God’s Kitchen for my £3 refund tomorrow. 
June 21st, 2007 at 8:55 am
It got brought back to 11 because of all the fuss of Brynmill residents mate, whinging load of old tarts the lot of them (you and me included)
Although I’m suprised that they would reduce the headliners set, you’d think that those acts performing before hand would have had their sets reduced by 10 mins each or something in order to accomodate Calvin Harris. Unless they only had the capacity for a 30mins set??? Some new acts these days do release singles before they have completed albums.
I think that live band dance music could be the future, I think it adds some magic to a fading scene - well some areas of it anyway.
Shame I missed out, I always have a good day out when I go. Glad you enjoyed it.
June 27th, 2007 at 6:18 pm
it was like entering palestine trying to get in, hundreds of mean looking coppers with plastic gloves on peppering the entrance with sniffer dogs everywhere - i am surprised so many drugs did get in, i saw loads of people necking pills after a shifty glance at the extensive police presence in the middle of the field. and you’re right, if everyone at the event was pissed there would be riots going on, instead, i found the atmosphere, even with all the random chavs walking around, was great, everyone was chilled or buzzing.
i though calvin harris was a bit shit to be honest, but then like you mentioned that was down to technical problems, as well as following an immense set by morillo. ive never been to a proper outdoor festival before, and with the sun coming out thankfully and the atmosphere and the quality of the acts (shame armin pulled out) it was possibly the best weekend of my life. it was certainly worth it. glad you enjoyed it too mate, and go next year dan pope
July 18th, 2007 at 7:43 pm
this review is awsome. all the photo’s are cool too, especially the last one. i found it quite funny reading it cos i was there with you especially the “despite the police searches being invasive and humiliating” (Martin right?) haha