Lovebox 2009

Pop legends Duran Duran joined eclectic songstress Florence And The Machine and American hip hop team NERD at Lovebox last weekend.

If you don’t fancy donning your wellies, upping sticks for the weekend and carrying your house on your back in the form of your two-man tent, then Lovebox might just be the festival for you. Located in Victoria Park, London, Lovebox has the feel of a big weekend festival, without the camping. It’s easy to find, just follow the people heading in the direction of the park for music galore and much, much more.

If you’re on the lookout for celebrities, Lovebox probably isn’t for you. We spotted Nikki Graham from Big Brother, Jack Tweedy, and someone I thought was Jennifer Aniston but turned out to be a really lucky girl with gorgeous Aniston style hair. You can imagine my disappointment, I’m sure.

So instead, revel in the music.

We caught Florence And The Machine, who performed an awesome set. Florence sung and danced with boundless energy, keeping security on their toes as she interacted with the crowd at the front of the stage, all but crowd surfing as they chased after her. It began raining during the set, which rather than dampening spirits created an incredible atmosphere, as Florence’s eerie voice reached across the field.

Next up was the act that I had been most excited about all day, NERD. With the gorgeous Pharrell Williams taking centre stage I knew that things were going to be hotting up, regardless of the rain. The supergroup got the crowd going crazy as they pulled fans up on stage and played a tribute to Michael Jackson, utterly amazing.

And then the moment that we had all been waiting for, pop legends Duran Duran played to a crowd of thousands, reliving their glory days and enjoying every minute of it. They even managed a fantastic Bond medley with Mark Ronson.

And if you’re looking for an escape from the crowds at the stages, there’s so much more to do. This year there were rides, an All Star lanes bowling alley and Heavenly Healing, where you can get a massage to calm you down after too much moshing.

We’ll definitely be heading back next year, there was just so much going on that two days wasn’t enough.