Marc West soaks up the fun – and the sun – at the inaugural Common People Oxford festival

Way back in 2001, (arguably) the greatest band on the planet performed a hometown show to over 20,000 adoring fans. When Radiohead dropped their hit single Creep in South Park it instantly became one of Oxford's finest musical moments and for many nothing could ever eclipse the sheer electricity as we collectively sang along while getting utterly soaked by a sudden downpour.

However, last weekend DJ Rob da Bank - ably assisted by local music maestros Tony “Naked” Nanton and Count Skylarkin' - transplanted his Bestival festival vibes from the Wight Isle to our city of dreaming spires to create what’s been hailed by many as the ultimate party in the park...once more.

The multi-award winning boutique bonanza set sail across the Solent originally for Southampton and this year rolled out the barrel to the 'shire - creating a veritable Wonderland right here in OX4.

East Oxford was bathed in golden sunshine and its 48-hour party people were plastered in plenty of factor 30…and glitter! Town and gown rocked up en masse to shake their tail feathers to the likes of local hero Gaz Coombes, cultural icons Duran Duran and indie rockers Primal Scream – who brought the house down with a storming set to close the weekend in their own inimitable style.

The carefully curated eclectic line-up meant there really was something for everyone – be it an early morning workout with none-other-than Mr Motivator, bellyaches with The Chuckle Brothers or skipping to the non-stop tunes pumping from not one but two Disco Sheds. And, being in our own backyard, it was possible to wake up in your own bed each day fairly fresh faced and ready for yet more Shedonism.

I imagine some are (still) just a bit broken and one or two might be nursing some sunburn… but, I know that each and every one of us made so many new memories at this inaugural Common People. All in all, it was a triumph for the city and a welcome addition to our county's incredibly diverse musical scene.

Here's to next time...let's hope it's not another 15 years!

commonpeople.net