Radar Day 1: My Experience at Radar Festival 2023
Welcome to my journey through the mesmerising world of prog music at Radar Festival 2023, held at the Victoria Warehouse in Manchester, UK, from July 28th to 30th. I try to go to festivals each summer, and this year I was excited to attend this indoor festival, which promised a more intimate and unique experience compared to the larger events I was accustomed to. Embarking on a solo adventure to a foreign festival, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, fate had other plans, as I met a fellow French music enthusiast named Mathilde through the festival Discord server, who became my incredible companion throughout the weekend. Little did I know that this chance encounter would turn this experience into one of the most amazing adventures I could have asked for.
Originally drawn to Radar Festival for the chance to see Sleep Token again, I was also enticed by the lineup featuring bands I had adored seeing live in the past, such as ten56., Resolve, and Allt. The opportunity to finally witness Unprocessed, whose album, “Gold” from 2022, had captured my heart, sealed the deal, compelling me to secure a full weekend ticket to ensure I wouldn't miss any of these performances.
However, little did I know that by the end of the weekend, my musical horizons would expand far beyond my initial expectations. Join me as I take you through each day of this extraordinary journey, where I discovered and developed a newfound appreciation for an array of talented bands, making Radar Festival 2023 an unforgettable experience that will resonate with me for years to come.
Note: You can find my vlog of Day 1 on my TikTok and Instagram pages
I arrived in Manchester on the morning of the festival, excited for what the day had in store. On my way to the hotel, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Mathilde. Once I dropped my bags at the hotel and charged our phones for the day ahead, we made our way to the festival site, which conveniently was only a 10-minute walk away.
Our timing was perfect as we arrived just in time to catch a part of Exploring Birdsong's set on the main stage. Lynsey Ward's enchanting voice set the tone for a gentle start to the day.
After a refreshing lunch break, we headed to the second stage to witness the energetic performance of Floya, a talented duo from Germany known for their upbeat and joyous music. Their set created a magical atmosphere, and it felt like we were all sharing a moment of pure happiness.
Next on our list was Unprocessed, one of the bands I had eagerly anticipated. We wasted no time and sprinted to the main stage, as their set was scheduled to begin right after Floya's set, and that's exactly how it unfolded. They didn't disappoint, starting their set gently with "Orange Groove" and gradually building up to heavier tracks like "The Longing", my personal favorite, and concluding with the intense "Haven". The entire audience was captivated by their outstanding vocals and impressive technical skills, leaving me thoroughly impressed and eager to see them again the next time they’ll stop in France.
With our spots secured at the main stage, we eagerly awaited the headliner of the day, Sleep Token. While we waited, we had the opportunity to experience sets by God is an Astronaut and Haken. Despite some technical difficulties, God is an Astronaut pushed through their performance, encouraged by the enthusiastic crowd. Haken then took the stage, bringing loads of fun and infectious energy that had everyone in high spirits.
Finally, the moment we had all been waiting for arrived. Sleep Token began their set with the perfect intro song, "Chokehold", immediately drawing the crowd into a worship-like state. With each song, the energy escalated, and the choir's voices became even more enchanting than before. "Vore" was a particular highlight, igniting the crowd into a wild frenzy. I sang my heart out during "Granite", treasuring the experience of hearing it live, once again.
Throughout the set, it was evident that the band members were also feeling the heat, with the Vesselettes - unofficial name given to the choir by the fans - taking multiple breaks to drink and Vessel's body paint rapidly wearing off. Despite the conditions, their performance was flawless, and IV's iconic back-up scream during "Rain" brought immense joy to all of us.
As the set concluded with the beautiful "The Night Does Not Belong To God" and the epic "The Offering", the atmosphere reached its peak, with crowdsurfers adding to the excitement. It was a perfect way to end the first day of the festival, and I knew that this experience would be etched in my memory forever.
The first day of the festival in Manchester was an incredible experience filled with unforgettable performances and a sense of camaraderie among fellow music enthusiasts. As I eagerly awaited the adventures that day two held, I couldn't help but reflect on the profound impact music had on bringing people together from different corners of the world. Join me in the next blog post as I embark on the exciting journey of day two, where more sensational acts awaited and friendships continued to blossom amidst the magic of music.
Highlights of the day: Floya, Unprocessed, Sleep Token
Vlog on TikTok and Instagram