The only way was Essex...and the Essex boys and girls did not disappoint! The fake tan, push-up bras and man bags were all out in full force. However, there was also a surprisingly fun, friendly and family-orientated feel to the weekend; perfect for us, as first-time festival goers!

First port of call was to purchase several strips of bar tokens to last us the weekend! This meant we had less cash to worry about, and also meant that there were no queues for the bar! For those after water, there were 2 options: 1) crowd surf to the front for free water being handed out by the security team; or 2) find your way to one of the drinking fountains, where you were surprised to see there was absolutely no queue. And when it was time to find your campsite, there were plenty of friendly stewards to point you in the right direction!

Wrist bands on, bar tokens stowed and lanyard in hand; our first stop was The Stranglers, in the hope that they would play some of Dad’s car tunes! And true to form they did, ‘Golden Brown’ and ‘Peaches’ were the favourites amongst the younger audience. Lead singer, Baz Warne claimed ‘We are the oldest bastards you will see this weekend!’. But with their relaxed, yet engaging attitude, they showed the younger acts how to get a festival started.

After a spot of lunch, we were back to the main stage for both a vocal and physical workout. Worthy of a headline position, the Kaiser Chiefs reeled off hit after hit, with families and groups gathering to jump and sing along with every word. Lead singer, Ricky Wilson provided all round entertainment, energetically running, jumping and interacting with the audience; all while belting out the band’s most legendary tunes, including ‘Ruby’, ‘I Predict a Riot’ and ‘Every day I Love You Less and Less’. Add some pyrotechnics and we think we have our headline act for next year!

Unlike most of the crowd, a humbled Newton Faulkner was surprised to find himself on the main stage. With only his guitars and dreadlocks for support, his unique and soulful voice filled the arena, drawing in crowds from around the park. He showed off his impressive vocal range, with a sudden switch to ‘Like I love you’ in honour of Saturday’s headline act, Justin Timberlake. He summed himself up very well when he fumbled with the wrong guitar jacks, and smiled at his brother (backing singer, Toby) and said ‘Smooth’. Newton Faulkner; a very friendly, humble and all round cool guy!

The special guests, Chic feat. Nile Rodgers were a pleasant surprise, for the younger audience. They took us on a trip down Nile Rodgers’ memory lane, performing a mixture of his biggest hits and productions, from Madonna’s ‘like a virgin’ to Pharell William’s ‘get lucky’. A quick glance around; the other acts had gathered in the wing to show their appreciation, and the crowds had multiplied as young and old recognise their favourite songs. The likes of Newton Faulkner, Train and Rudimental joined Chic, Nile Rodgers and the backstage team on stage, for a freestyle party to close.

There was a murmur of doubt amongst the crowd, as baby bottles were pulled on set in preparation for Lily Allen. Soon dispelled by the unmistakeable Londoner strutting out to the tones of ‘LDN’. The crowd then went from aggressively waving their middle fingers in time to ‘ F*** You’, to swaying along to a perfect rendition of the sweet and innocent ‘Somewhere Only We Know’. In true Lily Allen style we had an impromptu costume change, followed by a couple of cigarette breaks. But how could Chelmsford dislike her after she explained that Chelmsford Car Auction was where she bought her first car, and promptly wrote it off!

It was the moment we had all been waiting for… The Killers; and they did not ease their ‘Victims’ in gently. Las Vegas had landed in Chelmsford, kicking off the fist-pumping frenzy with ‘Somebody told me’. The rocking was paused while drummer, Ronnie Vannucci stole the show with his ballet interpretation to Brandon Flower’s soothing rendition of ‘Fancy’. The pyrotechnics were briefly interrupted as Jimmy Carr advised the crowd to ‘leave now to avoid traffic!’ Booed off stage, the crowd went mental as the guitar intro started for ‘Mr Brightside’. The perfect end to a truly amazing weekend!!

Review: Lauren & Kerstin