Stepping through the ticket stalls of the festival felt like the official start of summer here in Bristol. The anticipation in the air was palpable, as if everyone knew that they were about to embark on an unforgettable adventure. The sun was gleaming over Ashton Court, casting a golden hue across the expansive grounds. Everywhere you looked, festival-goers were brimming with excitement, raring to go. The distant thump of muffled bass lines acted as a magnetic pull, guiding us deeper into the heart of the festival.
As we made our way into the grounds, it felt like stepping into another world, one where the only goal was to revel in the music, the atmosphere, and the company of thousands of like-minded individuals. The sheer scale of the event was awe-inspiring, with a maze of stages, food stalls, and art installations waiting to be explored. We had a full day ahead of us, packed with back-to-back raving and performances from some of the most incredible acts on the lineup.
Our first destination was the Big Top stage, a venue that had quickly become one of the festival’s highlights since its reintroduction last year. The Big Top was a towering structure, its canopy stretching high above the crowds, creating an intimate yet grand atmosphere. As we approached, the unmistakable sounds of Goldie filled the air. His legendary status in the drum and bass scene was evident as the crowd moved in unison to his beats, the energy palpable. Following him, Flowdan took the stage, his gritty vocals and commanding presence keeping the momentum going. Joy Orbison’s set was a masterclass in electronic music, seamlessly blending house, techno, and dubstep, leaving everyone in awe.
The atmosphere at the Big Top was electric. The thumping, teeth-rattling bass reverberated through our bodies, creating a physical connection to the music that was impossible to resist. The stage lighting added to the sensory overload, with beams of light cutting through the air, synchronized perfectly with the music. However, the show-stealer was undoubtedly CASisDEAD. Fresh off his first-time BRIT Award win for Best Hip Hop/Rap/Grime Act, he commanded the stage with an intensity that was mesmerizing. The Big Top was going off, with rows of people bouncing around, their energy infectious. Fans rapped the lyrics back to him, creating a powerful call-and-response dynamic that elevated the performance to another level.
As the afternoon turned into evening, the sun began to fall behind the hills of Bristol, casting a breathtaking twilight over the festival grounds. The transformation from day to night brought with it a surge of energy, as if the festival itself was gearing up for the next chapter. We made our way to the Love Saves Stage, eager to catch RUDIM3NTAL. Their set was a highlight of the day, a blend of feel-good dance anthems that had the entire crowd moving. The driving beats were perfectly contrasted by seductive vocals, creating a soundscape that was both powerful and uplifting. It’s the kind of drum and bass that demands to be danced to, and no one could resist.
Before the daylight completely faded, we headed to the Brouhaha stage to watch Break. The stage was a sensory overload, engulfed by sound, lights, and fire. Break’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. His raw basslines and ability to hype the crowd created an atmosphere that was frenetic and joyous. Onlookers erupted into a feral, rapturous frenzy, with arms thrown wide and gun fingers pointed high in the sky. It was a celebration of everything that Love Saves The Day represents: exuberance, immaculacy, and pure joy.
As the night fully descended, we decided to cap off our day with a set by the seasoned house DJs, Camelphat. They took to the Love Saves Stage, delivering a performance that was the perfect culmination of an incredible day. Their top electronic dance tracks had everyone in the crowd moving, regardless of the increasingly heavy rain. Despite the downpour, the energy didn’t wane. In fact, it seemed to add to the experience, with people giddily dancing around in the rain, their spirits undampened. Camelphat’s set was a testament to the unifying power of music, drawing in a massive crowd who were all there for the same reason: to celebrate life and music together.
As the festival drew to a close, I found it hard to believe that anyone could leave without a lasting impression and a smile on their face. After roughly 11 hours of non-stop dancing, whether with friends, partners in crime, or going solo, everyone seemed to share a collective sense of euphoria. Love Saves The Day had once again proven why it is Bristol’s best festival, delivering an experience that was both unforgettable and unparalleled. The memories of that day, filled with incredible music, electrifying performances, and a shared sense of community, will linger long after the summer has ended.
Cheyenne Jayne-Manning @scramsistermedia
Role: Photographer
I’m a professional photographer, and I love to shoot festivals, events, and gig-goers. I’m also an editor, specialising in music videos.
Qualification: BA (hons) in Documentary Film Making from the University of Newport.
Available for: Gig Shoots, Photo Shoots, Album and Single cover shoots and Touring
First attended gig: One of the first gigs I ever went to on my own was Chase & Status in 2008. My mates and I covered ourselves in glow paint, only to sweat it off jumping and dancing. It was the start of my never-ending gig list.
First gig shot: Technically the first band I ever shot would have been my dad’s, at the age of 9! My mum gave me this giant tape camcorder and I filmed the entire thing. Since then, I’ve shot plenty of friends’ bands whilst co-managing the live music venue, Le Pub in Newport, and I haven’t stopped since.
Dream gig: CASisDEAD, Slow Club, Enter Shikari, Dizzee Rascal (in the Boy In The Corner era), Turnstile, and The Prodigy.
