FOUND festival report

The first outing for London’s FOUND festival in Haggerston Park, Shoreditch was a little more frantic than expected. The British weather, which was lashing rain when I arrived, probably didn’t help matters, however the small site and large amount of people added to the commotion caused by the typically changeable weather.

Once the sun finally shone, however, and people came out from under cover, there was a decidedly better feeling in the air. US house legend Todd Terry lifted the main stage crowd into that energetic, hands in the air feeling that you hope for at festivals. Running through a selection of classic 90s house, like only he knows how, Mr. Terry buoyed spirits and reached a crescendo with Armand Van Helden’s You Don’t Even Know Me, which was definitely a highlight.

Photography by Aoise Tutty.

Floating Points continued to keep his fans guessing by playing an old school disco set, which was moderately afflicted by sound issues. The main stage was definitely the place to be when the weather allowed it; wrapping up with MK and Maya Jane Coles, who encouraged a feel-good end to proceedings and sent the crowds on their way with a smile.

Photography by Aoise Tutty.

One drawback of the festival, as noted in Floating Points’ set, was the sound. In the Tief tent in particular it was difficult to find a spot where you could hear the music clearly enough to really get into it. This hampered the atmosphere inside, leaving it flat and uninspired for the most part.

Photography by Aoise Tutty.

FOUND is a fledgling festival, and it’s certainly not easy to get everything right first time around. The stellar line-up was definitely a highlight, though, and with some better planning, a larger site and greater consideration toward sound quality, it’s likely that next year will be an even bigger success.

Photography by Aoise Tutty.