"Shall we just go all night?" asked Beck, reluctant to bring his set to a close at a festival which he claimed to have been waiting all year to play. Beck kicked off his energetic set with some big hits including 'Loser', which was predictably well received, before bringing the set, and the Saturday night, towards an incredible climax with 'Sexx Laws' and finally 'Where it's at'.
Throughout the weekend the main stage was the stomping ground for several impressive artists. Friday belonged to Indie Trio London Grammar who played an enchanting downbeat set of introspective electronic pop which perfectly complemented their surroundings. A highlight of the performance was front woman Hannah Reid's incredible vocal which remained mystifying and flawless throughout.
Pet Shop Boys topped the bill on Sunday night, since describing the show as "A career highlight". Their set comprised of theatrical renditions of their back catalogue, which spans 30 years, before finally coming to a spectacular finale as they were joined on stage by 40 members of the Brythoniaid Welsh Male Voice Choir to perform a flamboyant cover of the Village People's ‘Go West’.
Other acts to take to the main stage included Peter Hook and The Light, Temples, Kelis and Nenah Cherry. Elsewhere Badly Drawn Boy headlined the Lost In The Woods stage with Tea Street Band also receiving a fantastic reception from a spirited crowd. Spector and Lucky T Jackson were the stand out acts on The i Stage with Cherry Ghost topping the list of acts on the Estuary Stage.
Set in Sir Clough William Ellis' Italianate village Portmerion, which was made famous by Patrick McGoohans sixties TV series The Prisoner, Festival number 6 is so much more than just a music festival. Aside from the picturesque back drop that this stunning sun soaked venue in North Wales provided, there was so much more to see; The glittering Carnival Number 6 weaving through the Central Piazza, torch lit processions heading through the charming cobbled streets and impressive art instillations amongst a few of the things that captured the imagination.
If you are more of a hands on kind of person there were plenty of ways to keep yourself busy at Festival Number 6. Dance and language classes, Volvo paddle boarding sessions, craft sessions and live games which catered for every age range, all helped separate the event from its competitors as a cultured and diverse affair.
A plethora of carefully selected food and drink vendors were the final tick on the list of senses that were satisfied by this festival. With something to hear, see, touch, smell and taste, it's easy to see why ticket sales for this event were up over 30% from 2013. If you are yet to experience the delights of Festival Number 6, I strongly recommend you attend in 2015 which is anticipated to be even bigger and better than the last!
As the festival's tag line suggests, this truly is "A Festival unlike any other, in a place like no other". Hat’s off to Festival Number 6, the most beautiful festival in the world.
Published on 17 September 2014 by Ben Robinson
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