There is no better feeling than finishing work on the Friday, knowing a weekend of what I like to call “bombastic blasts and soaring screams” lie ahead. For some, this is the highlight of the calendar year and for others, a newly discovered hedonistic circus that they will return to like pilgrims with glow sticks for the next 20 years. In previous years, Gibraltar Calling was held at Victoria Stadium and promptly surpassed with a tidy design, an astounding use of space, and an abundance of variety at all levels. This year, the two-day frenzy was held at Europa Point and the internet flooded with complaints expressing ‘teething issues’. 

With the beautiful backdrop of Europa Point, there really is no better place for a family orientated festival. Unfortunately, unpredicted long queues seemed to be a vibe killer for this year’s festival goers. With an hour queue to purchase tokens, and another hour queue to purchase drinks. Queues for the food seemed a little friendlier.

On a higher note, the bus service dealt with the thousands incredibly well and recycling was taken into account, each cup cost 2 pounds and could be re-filled and most importantly, the music was outstanding, and that’s what festivals are all about, after all! One thing I did miss, however, was the awesome zipline I went on again and again at the previous festivals!

On the Saturday we had a bit more time to explore, especially around the classic stage. This received a lot of criticism, as it seemed an afterthought compared to the impressive main stage. The stage was located inside and therefore had a maximum capacity. The public were considerably frustrated at the situation, as they were denied seeing part of the show they had paid for.

Liam Gallagher then played a storming set. Sing-a-long rock at its best. The main stage was heaving this Saturday afternoon and he was the perfect artist for the occasion.

Followed by Enrique Iglesias who took the show by storm, leaving a lot of the ladies in tears as he strutted his stuff.

Sunday followed suit with another huge crowd. We arrived to check out Tom Walkers set. The crowd were in pop-ballad heaven. The younger element in the sold-out crowd were singing along loudly to each song.

Take That announced it was their 30^th anniversary and that this was their last concert as they rocked the stage with their songs from the 90’s and the 00’s.

A quick nod to the event staff, including those on clear up duties. They did a superb job and there was never too much rubbish on the floors. Security were friendly but firm and the paramedic team were quick to respond to a couple of emergencies.

As the sun set over the skyline, the musical beats got everyone bopping in and around the stage. You never felt like you were missing out the way you would feel at larger festivals. The intimacy and smaller festival atmosphere allowed for an exclusive and original experience.

*Photo taken by Lesley Posso*

***

The main stage saw the likes of Enrique Iglesias, Liam Gallagher, Peter Doherty, Sigala, Goldierocks, Rick Astley, Take That, Tom Walker, King Calaway and Melanie C.

The classic stage saw the likes of Lighthouse Family, Nazareth, Steve Harley with Cockney Rebel, Uriah Heep, 10CC, David Essex, Slade and Killer Queen.

Our local artist this year were Bob & The Boys, Esc4pe, Jacver, Jetstream, The Views, Thrifty Malone, Crimson Clover, Dead City Radio, Reach and The Layla Rose Band.