Thousands of people filled the city centre for a day full of music and joy over the bank holiday weekend.
The annual music festival — Dot to Dot — returned to Nottingham city centre on Sunday (May 26) when over 50 acts performed across the day.
As one can’t be everywhere at the same time and with so many great names performing close to each other but so far away, I attempted to run around the city centre to see some of the different music genres and names.
The day started at Black Cherry Lounge with the band — Wizards Can’t Be Lawyers — and what a start to the day. Nothing screams a better festival and fresh start of the day than this rising Nottingham band with their funky rhythms and catchy lyrics.
Surprisingly, the venue was packed at 2.30pm which compared to other years, was great to see, as often great artists don’t have much public because of the early Sunday hours.
Just a walk away, Victory Lap performed at the Red Room. The lead singer's confidence and stage presence were incredible. Not only it sounded like a combination of famous artists that it is impossible not to like but the band’s presence and style was on point.
On the same premises (Rescue Rooms) but in the main venue, Pentire, an alternative indie band delivered a show. Exactly the music type I’d listen to at home, it was still a memory refresher of why I like alternative indie music and will carry on listening to it.
Just across the room, on Rescue Room acoustic rooms, Davina Songbird was performing. What a voice!
It wasn’t even on my too-watch list but her voice and the whole band’s balance together was incredible. I am glad I bumped into it because it was music to my ears, and I can’t describe it any better than that.
Following such a powerful performance, it was the turn to get the day heated with People Assembly at The Chapel.
With their energetic songs and contagious good vibes, it was impossible not to move your head from one side to the other, shout the lyrics (or attempt to) and allow yourself to release all emotions. Always a show to remember.
One of the bands that left me like ‘wow’ the most was definitely Mary In The Junkyard, with the lead singer's ethereal voice and the experimental mellow rock vibes of the ensemble.
I was completely unprepared for the overwhelming chills that ran through me during their gig. There’s something hauntingly melancholic yet upbeat about their music.
I became a fan and I believe it is safe to say that it is impossible not to become one after seeing them live, they have talent.
On the run to discover new music or support local artists in Nottingham, I saw Sex Toy Vending Machine at 31K.
With all the running up and down they were the perfect band to close my eyes, enjoy some great music, vibe and seize the day.
With a late-eighties rock vibe, they took over the venue and delivered a show that was the ideal start of the evening, especially after listening to a personal favourite — Long in the Tooth — a beautiful catchy song that brings back memories.
As the sky darkened and the street lights lit up, Sancho Panza was getting started to bring funky rock vibes to The Carrousel.
The band doesn’t ask you but your body will involuntarily move, from shaking your hips to your head to your arms, you don’t want to be stopped at their gig, you want to move and be happy just like any of them performing.
With a notorious passion for music that is heard and felt in each and every one of their songs, they are one of the bands that exist for the greater good of lifting everyone’s spirits.
With a day so full of diverse music genres, it was impossible to ever get tired, it was a roller coaster and I would definitely take the ride again.
As just mentioned on the musical roller coaster, PASTE. at The Chapel was just as memorable as always.
If I’d have to describe the PASTE. gig in one word then it would be feral.
Having seen PASTE. perform in multiple cities and venues, when they’re at home in Nottingham that’s when they fully come to life and deliver electrifying performances for their fans.
There was not one person in the crowd who was standing still, the whole room was going crazy in mosh pits and singing along to all of the songs.
One of the best moments of the concert was when the lead singer grabbed the little trumpet hanging on the ceiling and just played it mid-song, it was iconic, to say the least.
To end the day I headed to Bodega to watch Picture Parlour, an incredible late-night performance that only meant one thing — the show must go on.
The female indie rock band perfectly embodied what girl power means and it was simply beautiful.
Dot to Dot was such an amazing festival that one will never be able to get tired of, with so many varied acts, so many people, so many vibes that a bank holiday couldn’t be delivered in any better way.
It is a music festival that I will recommend over and over again because there is something for everyone and all tastes.
