Underage Festival 2011 – preview

Underage Festival revellers. Photograph: Victor Frankowski

Billed as ‘the best teenage party on the planet’, Underage Festival’s rather novel ethos of being open only to those aged between 13 and 17 is its whole, carefree essence.

A suitably curated line-up is headed up by Bombay Bicycle Club, although this is by no means an indie-exclusive affair.

Ms Dynamite, her fledgling US successor, the creatively bold Janelle Monae, and local girl CocknBullKid represent the female side of the rap and r’n’b contingent, likewise their male counterparts Roll Deep and Giggs.

A day festival in Victoria Park wouldn’t be complete without a dose of indie rock, provided by Frankie and the Heartstrings and the somewhat heavier Pulled Apart By Horses.

There are plenty of newcomers too, including Is Tropical, Fixers and The Chapman Family, and a smidge of electronica with Crystal Fighers, and grime with Devlin. This is a knowing and smart festival set up by a teenager – musician Sam Kilcoyne –  who decided to write his own rule book after being turned away from an over 18s gig.  It’s pocket money-friendly, original in concept, safe and, most of all, a celebration of new and inspiring music.

Underage Festival
Friday 5 August 2011
Victoria Park, London E2