The beautiful people come out for Common People... and Westy was at the festy!

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 whilst 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 Isle of Wight 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 originally set sail across the Solent bound for Southampton and then rolled out the barrel to the ‘shire for the first time last year – creating a veritable metropolitan wonderland right here in OX4.

And, this year’s sequel set the festival season off in style by welcoming a record sell-out crowd ready to share the love.

Cowleyfornia was bathed in golden sunshine and it’s 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 lads Foals on the wheels of steel, ‘dutty’ don Sean Paul tearing up the Common Stage and god-like DJ Pete Tong’s unforgettable performance of Ibiza Classics alongside The Heritage Orchestra, closing the wild weekender with a hands-in-the-air euphoric finale.

The carefully curated eclectic line-up meant there really was something for everyone – be it an early morning workout with Oxford Dancin’, a trip down memory lane with an Elvis fronted Nirvana tribute act or non-stop hopping to the back-to-back tunes pumping from Pig’s Big Record Club and the inimitable Disco Shed. 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, there’s no doubt that each and every one of us made so many new memories once again in South Park. Here’s to next time!

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