Emma High voltage at Electric Fields 2018
Last weekend we joined 8,000 other music lovers at Drumlanrig Castle near Thornhill and Sanquhar for this year’s Electric Fields music festival. This was our first visit and what a weekend, I think I’ve just about recovered!
I’m always wary about being just that bit too old for festivals, but no need to worry here – there’s a wide mix of music and people of all ages from kids with the protective ear muffs to those of an age chilling out over some cocktails. There is boutique camping or you can stay offsite (there’s two 4-star hotels nearby), or stay on-site camping and experience the festival fully.
If you have fancied visiting Electric Fields but have no idea what to expect, here’s a look at what we got up to.
Camping
We pitched up in the general camping area and corralled our tents into a little village for some in between gig chatter and slouching. There’s a separate family area for a calmer experience.
Drinking water, toilets, three food stalls and a tea/coffee van were within the camping area. There is also an upgrade available for posh loos and showers which is accessible from the main campsite.
I think the Little Espresso Co stall was the most popular place in the mornings. Great tea and coffee here with soy/almond milk available. Damn fine coffee and some rocking Earl Grey tea on sale as well.
Food
No venturing into the unknown food-wise at Electric Fields, we were fed by The Pitt, the amazing street food experience from Edinburgh rather than mediocre burger and chips which is the mainstay at most festivals!
The gaggle of stalls making up The Pitt has a wide range of food available which includes gourmet burgers, halloumi fries, Asian buns, Peruvian steak, desserts and more…
Panko Bao 😍 crispy chicken and a fluffy bao bun – noms. Mr Foodie picked their Veggie Gyoza, with a crisp exterior and toasty hot but flavoursome filling.
The Peruvian was the top stall of the festival for us. Not only good fun guys but the food….great portions, tasty and not your usual festival grub. Below is the Lomo Saltado, which is stir-fried marinated steak served with red onion, tomato, spring onion, coriander, chips and rice for £8 which actually tastes like Chinese beef and black bean sauce! We’re beginning to become big fans of Peruvian food (remember to check out Peruana Ceviche Bar in Glasgow if you are about).
Other stalls include Haggisman, who we munched their tasty goods at The Big Feed in Govan and at last year’s Mugstock festival.
Stooge Burger was new to me, so a taste of their Big Blue burger £9. Beef patty, blue cheese, beetroot, bacon, beetroot mayo and onions. Fries included which was great but also the only minus as they were a bit meh, however, the spicy sauce was ooof. An excellent burger, moist, meaty and moreish.
I am partial to a cheeky wee creme brulee and was chuffed to see Crema Caravan visiting. (Fellow Scotsman Food and Drink Awards 2018 finalists)
Plum crumble creme brulee? Oh ok then you have twisted my arm. Creamy creme brulee and a crunch thick sugar topping covered in plum crumble. Heavenly. Trying to smash my way through the sugar topping whilst trying to dance alongside Public Service Broadcasting was a sight!
Mr Foodie needed another Peruvian fix so he got some Tequinos, a Peruvian fried cheese and guacamole snack. These were far too easy to eat and disappeared in seconds. Will have to try and make these at home.
Enough about the food lets get onto the music.
Music
Noel Gallagher and his high flying birds were in full flight by the time we had put up our tents and sorted ourselves out. I haven’t really listened to his solo material and was impressed so think I’ll be buying an album now. The set ended with Noel Gallagher singing “All you need is love” along with the crowd. A perfect end to a busy tent building night!
Here’s some of our musical highlights…
Unannounced, Traceyanne Campbell, of Camera Obscura, joined Public Service Broadcasting on stage for one song.
We also got to see Ghost Poet, The Horrors, Stanley Odd, Black Honey, Crystal, Flamingods and more!
Looking forward to next year already!
