Creamfields
Set in the heart of the Cheshire countryside an hour away from Liverpool and Manchester it is one of the few full on dance festivals this country has to offer in summertime. It has a great reputation and has international branches all across the world. It has the pulling power to attract the top names in electronic music to showcase their talents to 60,000 + revellers.The line up is superb. Artists representing all corners of dance music are here. The likes of Tiesto, Paul Van Dyk, David Guetta, Plastikman, Swedish House Mafia, Eric Prydz, Sven Vath, Major Lazer, Annie Mac, Andy C, Tiga, Tom Middleton, Riva Starr, Evil Nine and many more. The full line up can be found here.
The price of a ticket is a bargain at £100 so no wonder it sold out a couple of weeks ago. The logistics of the festival are my only problem. Camping only opens on Saturday and you have to be out by early Monday morning. The music also stops at 11pm on the Sunday night. I suppose by that time one would be worn out from so much music.
True Mess Head Rating:
Line-Up: 9
Location: 9
Price: 10
Timing: 7
Overall: 35/40
SW4
Since becoming a more electronic orientated festival in 2009, South West Four has established itself as a worthy rival to Creamfields. Being held within London at Clapham Common, means no camping but it does allow for after-parties all across London to occur.
The line is really good, not as many artists as Creamfields but those that are playing are the best of the business. Armin Van Buuren, Erick Morillo, Sasha, Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, Mark Knight, Fatboy Slim, Carly Cox, Boys Noize, Skream & Benga and many more.
The price of each day is £45 but again is sold out. Time restrictions mean that it does have to finish at 10pm but that's why there are official and unofficial afterparties all across London town. Ministry of Sound is hosting the official after party with the likes of Pete Tong and Layo & Bushwacka across the two nights.
True Mess Head Rating:
Line up: 8
Location: 8
Price: 8
Timing: 8
Overall: 32/40
I believe that Creamfields triumphs over SW4 as it is a big stand alone dance festival. Being in that field surrounded by all that good music just raises the atmosphere to another level. SW4 is good but there is so many different events occurring in London that weekend the shine of it is taken away a bit. Still both would be amazing.
