It’s Sunday afternoon. The air is humid and bordering thirty degrees.

The best way to cool down and have a good time would be at a beach party.

And that’s exactly what festivalgoers were treated to at LeeFest this weekend.

Wonderland Beach included not only sand and water but beach balls, fake seagulls, sleek music and a great powder paint fight!

Children in bright yellow ear defenders even joined in by excitedly building sandcastles.

The great 5-legged pajama trouser race to the paddling-pool finish line was a highlight and completely amused onlookers.

Haystacks piled high around the beach area provided a unique seating area to chill-out and soak up the atmosphere away from the mayhem.

We didn’t have to wait long to get in and the yellow bus taking people back and forth to either Bromley South or Croydon was clean, on time and at £2 a ride was a bargain. 

On entering the festival, I must admit I was expecting a bigger set-up.

Drinks were reasonably priced and I had a delicious stone-baked pizza, although it was a toss-up between that or the neighbouring hog roast hut that also smelt great.  

Since the blazing sun did not disappear until late evening, more shaded areas could have been available to help people cool down and give revellers a break from the hot rays and re-hydrate. 

Firstly, I headed for the indoor stage where I caught Gaybum mid-performance, singing something about backsides.

The long-haired singer randomly shoved a big cake into his own face, and to the amusement of the audience, as he later slipped over it too.

It was a hilarious and bizarre introduction to LeeFest and set the tone for the rest of the day.

People were scattered across the whole venue - some danced, others lay on rugs and everyone else just cheerfully sipped cider and relaxed with friends.

Indie rock band Eliza and The Bear, refreshed the scorching crowd with a set full of brilliant tunes on the main stage, and were certainly a highlight.

Crowds jumped to their feet and danced merrily from their first tune to their last.


Later on, alternative brass group The Hackney Colliery Band belted out acoustic jazz sounds giving the audience a taste of something a little bit different to listen to as they absorbed the sun.

It is fair to say, there was a diverse range of performers.

The partygoers were dressed in all sorts – some chose funky t-shirts paired with swimming trunks or summer dresses. The more daring bared just a swimsuit.

I had an enjoyable day and next year camping at LeeFest is definitely on the cards.