'Goodbye Battersea Power Station...hellllooo Clapham Common!' This year's sensational ski seasonaire's special, FREEZE FESTIVAL

So this year we hit up London’s Music, Ski and Snow Festival on the Saturday for the promise of DJ Fresh and headline act Madeon. Moving from the grandeur of the backdrop of Battersea Power station to the new site of Clapham Common, we were slightly nervous that it may not live up to expectations. However, Clapham brought a whole new spin to the festival nature of Freeze. 

With the Festival having been open since the Thursday, there was a huge expectation that Clapham would somewhat resemble a mud bath. Unbeknown to us, the organisers had wisely provisioned a decking that made the whole experience somewhat more civilised.

Three’s World Record attempt to place as many Christmas jumper wearing fans in one area, meant that you couldn’t help but enter the festive spirit. Everything was winter and Alpine themed, with an excellent stone baked pizza stand and a crepe shop!

The Alpine Shopping Village was a great source of temptation offering a magnitude of ski stash which could have left you parting with much more cash than you had anticipated. What was more, you could sip your Vin Chaud as you perused the desirable new season’s range. Westfield could take some tips from this kind of shopping. And so, it seems the right point to move on to the Apres Ski. 

If you were able to infiltrate the Sure Igloo, due to the sheer numbers of people trying to enter it an infectious grin would grow across your face! In one corner there was snowboard racing arcade and in the other a dance floor full of Jaegar filled revellers. Scenes reminiscent of some of St Anton’s classic après bars.

The Krazy Kangaroo brought a new meaning to cool with its Retro 80s ski attire hire. Those who didn’t jump on the fancy dress bandwagon looked slightly out of place in this après ski bar. We managed to hit happy hour which allowed us to battle with fate, attempting to roll a pair of dice for a free round – alas the fortunes weren’t on our side on Saturday. Drink in hand, seating areas consisted of a number of old ski chair lifts which you could also buy after the event.

Ibiza Rocks the Snow was our key après-ski hideout resembling Val Thorens’ Folie Douche. The place was absolutely buzzing and the sheer number of people provided welcomed warmth as the chill of the winter eve came in. Toddla T took the stage and produced a set of massive beats which meant that steadily clothes pyramids built up on the floor which acted as a central piece that groups of friends danced around. The place was rammed and the atmosphere was overwhelming. 

We only stole ourselves from the set to get a glimpse of the international ski champions in the snow park. Unlike last year’s big air kicker, this year competitors were championing the rails. It was great to watch these winter athletes, with the sounds of main stage floating across the area. As per, the compares did a great job to get the crowd revved up!

Another source of entertainment was found in Animal’s very own bike park. Crowds gathered round to see a world champion trials bike rider, mountain bike rider, bmx-er and free runner. Wow – what a show! Great to get so close to such impressive riding, with impossible tricks being throw down hit after hit. Time for a drink at the main stage…. 

DJ Fresh and Messy MC left the crowds on tenterhooks for their epic set as they turned up fashionably late. Fans were quick to forgive the two artists as they joined the mainstage as they played tune after tune. The pair played all of their latest tunes with a few cheeky remixes thrown in for good measure. Fantastic set – full of energy!

Then it was the turn of the young French DJ, Madeon. The young DJ proudly flew the flag for French electro and reminded the crowd why people are calling him the next big thing in electro. Top notch set, full of lots of reworked classics. Great end to a great festival!

Review and photos: Amy Kerr & Alastair Walker

Freeze Festival 2013 Official Highlights