I Know What You Did Last Summer: Wide Awake Archive
- HIDEOUS Magazine
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Words by Angelika May
Wide Awake is certainly known as London's one of London's most vital festivals within the community. It is a space where grassroots music and top-tier artists collide to unionise over radical expression and phenomenal performances. As we know, this year carried a much heavier charge, driven by political controversy, global unrest and a sense of resistance amongst the crowd that turned the festival into less of an event, and more like a movement.
To capture the spirit on the ground, we spoke to festival goers and here is what they had to say.
What’s your favourite thing about Wide Awake?
Georgia [forty-eight] I like Wide Awake because I often go to the venues that operate independently outside of it, so it's great to see them all come together in one place.”
Peter [twenty-two [laughing] fifty-two]. I’ve never been to Wide Awake before, so I’m looking forward to seeing some new bands!”
Who would your dream Wide Awake headliner be?
Ollie [twenty-six] my dream headliner would be BCNR.
Ed [twenty-six], [laughing] I’m way too under pressure to think of a band!
Which artist are you most looking forward to seeing play?
AJ & MJ [27] We came to see Kneecap and CMAT!
Have you been to Wide Awake before and if so can you give us a favourite story/memory or even a messy anecdote?
Joe [twenty-nine] On the first year of Wide Awake, I unfortunately got done by the sniffer dogs. I got taken into a booth with police and security, the dog had found a joint in my pocket that I wasn’t aware was in there. It must have been from years ago, I don’t smoke weed anymore, so it was a crusty old joint. The security apologised and said they would need to strip search me, they then started to go through my wallet and found some pills…I began pleading with the security and told them “I promise you, they’re my beta-blockers”, but he didn’t believe me. Then his big boss came out from around the corner and said “We’re not kicking out a guy with a heart problem.” He took the joint out of the evidence bag and gave it back to me saying, “Don’t tell anyone, just be on your way.”
How did you choose your outfit for Wide Awake?
Will [twenty-nine] This outfit was chosen yesterday and I haven’t been home since. My mum helped me to pick out an outfit for my big night. I played a show at The Old Blue Last. I’ve gone for Zara trousers, (from the women’s section) and the top is my friend’s dead godfather’s, which has been terrible for the family but great for my wardrobe.”
Fin [twenty-two and loves arts and crafts] I picked out this outfit this morning, also with advice from my mum. My top, which says “too drunk to fcuk”, is FCUK, but I found it at a party and no one claimed it, so I took it. I’m also wearing some Dickies and a pair of old trainers.”
Which artist are you most looking forward to seeing play?
Tulah [nineteen] I’m looking forward to seeing Peaches and Chanel Beads.
Maddie [nineteen] I’m looking forward to seeing Chanel Beads and Kneecap.
Have you been to Wide Awake before and if so can you give us a favourite story/memory or even a messy anecdote?
Tulah I remember when I was seventeen, I managed to sneak in somehow. The security didn’t ask me my age, just that I threw the bottle of wine I was carrying away! Usually you’re meant to be with a parent or guardian if you’re under eighteen, but I just got very lucky I suppose. I got in, got pissed and had an amazing time. Anyway, it’s not all about the booze! I saw my favourite artists playing and the following year we saw Slowdive, this is my third year in a row. It’s such a beautiful festival.”
What’s the one thing you always bring to a festival?
Maddie My friend!
Tulah A she-wee.
Maddie You should say the same thing I did!
Tulah My BEST friend.
What’s your favourite thing about Wide Awake, and which artist are you most looking forward to seeing play?
Jimbo Cheeky Dragons [thirty-four and a disco cowboy!] I’m looking forward to seeing Mannequin Pussy, and my favourite thing about Wide Awake is the wide range of music, it’s good fucking shit!
Benjamin The Space Ranger [age undisclosed] I’m looking forward to seeing Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and my favourite thing about Wide Awake is how left-field it is!
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