The Hub Festival 2007 : A Success?
Scores of bands, MCs, B-boys, visual artists, BMXers and boarders hit the Otterspool prom on Saturday and Sunday for the Liverpool Youth Festival. Aimed at the younger generation of local people it showcased some of the best bands in the city on a fantastic festival sized stage. Glastonbury would be proud of.
Saturday’s metal theme caused huge moshpits as Zuprowski Connection, The Institution, Hollowpoint, Metro Manila Aide and MPC all blasted out their songs over the promenade swamped in local fans.
Casualties of the day were limited to The Dead Class drummer, Ten Foot Toads who was injured while dancing but still managed to play on Sunday with a broken shoulder and dislocated arm. Very Rock n Roll!
The rain eventually ceased all ramp action on Sunday but the glorious sun on Saturday meant a fantastic day for the wild acts on the halfpipes downstream of the main stage. Musical highlights on Saturday coming from Metro Manila Aide’s frantic stage antics and the wall of noise Zuprowski Connection generated that could be apparently heard as far as the airport.
The hip hop stage saw local legends MC Philly Whizz and DJ Rasp blast through some of their infamous tracks amongst the other local acts rappin’ about the Toxteth Ghetto et al. Backing crews of break dancers meant the sight was an awesome one as they stretched out across the mat in front the DJ and MCs showing a high level of skill, balance and technique.
The new addition of the Parkour free running arena meant that people were able to show off their jumping, running and backflip skills on the assembled crates and boxes. A sign that the festival is moving to incorporate new ideas and really is down with the kids, as opposed to being a corporate event organized by a boardroom committee.
Sunday saw The Vagabonds close with a typically upbeat and riotous performance through the falling rain and it was much loved by the kids who couldn’t resist throwing themselves about in the mud. The only casualty here being a Jack the Labrador, a golden retriever who fancied a bit of dance in the mud.
Overall a massive success as the festival keeps expanding year after year and continues to bring together a host of great talent from all creative areas for a fantastic weekend.
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