The festival’s third outing was a thoroughly laid-back offering
Launched in 2015 by the team behind Wilderness Festival, Citadel has fast become the go-to guitar-led counterpart to Victoria Park’s high-octane, hedonistic Lovebox Festival on the same site. A chilled Sunday affair, this family-friendly festival might have commandeered the stages and suppliers, but it tends to favour science talks and yoga over wall-to-wall DJs, karaoke and roller discos. And I loved it.
While there isn’t a VIP offering, there’s no shortage of premium suppliers. Just behind the main stage there are all the perks of a VIP area without the necessary wristband: nicer loos, food by the likes of Morito and Bubbledogs, plus shelter from the brief periods of rain. Nice.
Bloody mary in hand, I find myself in the Science Camp, learning about robots and potential alien life, and observe the Spandex Stage where more wholesome types are partaking in Frame’s 80’s fitness classes. Elsewhere, the Sunday Papers Live tent sees Channel 4 correspondent Lindsey Hilsum discuss her experience of reporting in war zones, while The Art Studio hosts a Get Rich or Tie Dying session. I attend for the name alone.
Away from the activities, I end up spending most of the day hovering around the main stage, taking in memorable sets from Laura Marling, Wild Beasts and Bonobo. Best of all is headliner Foals, who play a thundering 90-minute set of career-spanning hits. The 10.30pm curfew ensures that everyone can be back at their desks prompt on Monday morning. Well, maybe.
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It’s not too late to treat clients to festival hospitality tickets this year. Check out our favourite late summer festivals with VIP offerings here.