BOARDMASTERS 2021: VOCAL GIRLS ROUNDUP

After two years of ‘waiting in the wings’, Boardmasters was under an immense amount of pressure to deliver, but the long awaited weekend surpassed all expectations, providing that togetherness and connection we have so longed for of late. If the Cornish air, beach setting and pasties on tap weren’t enough, then the stupendous line-up will have secured your good time, resulting in arguably the best weekend of 2021. 

Arriving, wrestling with a tent and nearly losing face, the day thankfully boomeranged with the festival magic making up for the bruised shoulders and walking hell, synonymous with a camping festival. Perhaps it is the juxtaposition of the depths of darkness and end of wit that one goes to, to achieve the arrival at the festival which makes the joy of the weekend so high? Whatever it is, the festival air worked its magic and within 10 seconds of darting into the arena, all was forgiven. 

Guzzling our drinks and diving into the swarms, seemingly ever late for everything we had wanted to see, we flew through the crowd, catching soundwaves of each stage and the muffle of the happy festivallers as we ran. We were greeted at our destination with a sparkling sea and lilac-golden sky, soundtracked by the ethereal Billie Marten. The View stage fulfilled its promise, soothing every cell in our weary bodies. Listening to ‘Blue Sea, Red Sea’, it was hard not drift inward, feeling that glowy stomach pinch that so often presents itself in moments like these. 

With Boardmasters boasting more than your average festival glory; notably beaches, cliff views and surfing competitions, it’s hard not to become completely immersed in the bliss of this Cornish festival. The perks of being on the seafront however, proved near detrimental for the festival with an on the spot storm cancellation in 2019 and a consecutive postponement due to the pandemic. It would be realistic to suggest that the weekend sea breeze was provided by the sighs of relief that came from the in-house team of organisers Vision Nine, including VOCAL GIRLS’ very own Events Manager, Emily Hornbuckle. 

Emily said: “It was a surreal feeling all through the build, and it wasn’t until we finally saw the gates open and everyone arrive that it felt real. When the live music started on Friday it really sunk in, it was such an emotional day seeing all our hard work pay off with everyone enjoying the music and having a great time. It reminded me why I love working in events and can't wait for next year already.” 

After 22-year-old Marten wrapped up her set with an ever-modest wave goodbye, we darted across to the main stage to catch the end of Sam Fender. Singing back ‘Saturday’ in unison with the crowd, it’s easy to forget that we were withheld this collaborative bliss for so long. Holding hands with friends and singing in the evening sun really is the peak of joy, and if you are yet to experience this, I urge you to make it happen; in my quarter of a century, I have yet to find anything that compares. 

Next, it was the ever-reliable yet untamable Foals with their first set back, post plague. Playing a new funky tune yet to be released amongst the classics we all know and love, Yannis was soon into the crowd, immersing himself in the action. 

Having missed VG’s own event headliner Olivia Dean, due to traffic woes, it was only right to catch her first ever DJ set. The celebratory elevation of ‘being back’ was infectious from Olivia and friends, who swarmed the booth and took turns on the decks. With a tracklist full of funk, disco and garage, it was impossible not to bask in the joy, and this felt like a mutual moment for everyone in the tent. It was the perfect end to the first day of music, and cemented the good feeling that had begun on entry to the arena.

With Saturday promising festival Giants like Gorillaz, a buzz filled the salty air as we erected our slightly dishevelled selves with coffee and beer and headed into the arena. A notably young crowd, we felt a little less bouncy than our teenage counterparts, but it wasn’t long before the festival fizz took over our bodies. Irish indie band Inhaler kicked off the day nicely, serenading a particularly enjoyable burrito that would ensure a well lined stomach. 

Other highlights included Nottingham band, Do Nothing, and a particular mention goes to Cornwall’s own Eliza Shaddad who successfully goosebumped every inch of her audience's bodies. Ashamedly, I had not heard much of her music prior to the festival, but with her piercing yet soft vocal and humbling chatter, she was a sure ‘stand out’. Her flooring performance reminded me how wonderful it can be to discover someone from a live gig - again something that has been denied of late.

Loyle Carner had the early evening slot, totally fitting with his laid back, luxury sound. During his set, one audience member braved it up on stage, boasting he could sing Jorja Smith’s part to ‘Loose Ends’. It was impossible not to share his elation as he smashed his ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity. Gorillaz closed the day with a dense crowd, bringing on both the reunited Slaves, and slowthai to share their glory. 

Sunday promised a wealth of female and non-binary talent, and despite the double tent sleep, we were up and into the ‘Land of Saints’ stage by noon, ready and waiting to see the promising Katie J Pearson. Her set warmed up nicely, showing a quiet confidence with her Stevie Nicks esque pipes. 

Next it was The Mysterines’ time to shine - and they shone! The performance glorified a band who felt accomplished and confident way beyond their experience, solidifying VG podcast guest Lia's place on stage. Goat Girl were straight after, but missing guitarist Hollie, due to a broken wrist. After a complex soundcheck, they found their feet and were back to their usual swampy and spikey selves. 

A quick dart over to The View stage and it was Zola Courtney’s turn to lull us into the afternoon with a special acoustic slot. Her warm vocal provided the perfect Sunday soother, leading into a couple of hours of rare downtime exploring all the festival had to offer. 

Then came Arlo Parks, who’s mid-pandemic shoot to fame drew an enormous crowd. Pouring out all sides of the tent, revellers waited to watch the songs they’d listened to alone in their room at last performed live. Boardmasters was Parks’ first ever festival back, and the warmth and glow of her excitement rippled through. Convincing her fans to follow their own dreams, Arlo performed with confidence and humility, hopefully securing a huge and exciting future. 

A silhouette in ‘Blue Lights’ brought headliner Jorja Smith to the stage for the final gift of the weekend. Jorja’s stardom was undeniably obvious, and it was impossible to take your eyes off of her as she owned the space. She had filled those main stage shoes she so long deserved, and was unable to remove a smile from her face the entire show. 

Under a dark sky, Boardmasters finally drew to a close and we poured out of the arena one more time. Amongst swarms of tired bodies walking back to the campsite, it was hard not to become sentimental. Leaving the high glory of a festival, comes with it a crashing low of reality - but what is it that keeps us romanticising and coming back time and time again? As Annie Mac said in her final words on Radio 1: “Life goes by really really fast... it thunders by” and perhaps it is precisely that which makes the weekends with thousands of others in tents so very special. Even with the uncertainty of life that we have been so painfully reminded of in the last 18-months, it is still hard to practice the notion of ‘now’, and ultimately festivals feel so wonderfully fundamental in their ability to draw you into the very moment you are in.

Image Credits: Megan Graye