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The great London love-in - Lovebox 09

It's back, and this time it's lovelier than ever. Get ready for London's favourite party in the park.

Lovebox 2009

Phil Muncaster

From its humble beginnings seven years ago, Lovebox has risen to become one of London’s best known and loved festivals. OK, it doesn’t have much competition – line-ups at Get Loaded are notoriously patchy and the up-and-coming Field Day is still, well, yet to fully up-and-come. But let’s not take anything away from the two day party that sprung from a Groove Armada club residency and became a London institution.

Over the years, stages have been added, the site has moved from Clapham Common to Victoria Park, and the music has transcended its dance-oriented roots. On the minus side, some have complained it’s too mainstream, the police presence intrusive and the burgers too expensive, but then again there’s no pleasing some people.

Lovebox’s success has been won on the back of a great site, even better bands, and the promise, if all else fails, of seeing Groove Armada close their very own “love letter to London” with a storming set. Past years have seen everyone from Bonde Do Role, Hot Chip and the B52s to Sly and the Family Stone, and this year’s line-up is as impressively eclectic as ever.

Seven stages will feature acts including Au Revoir Simone, Diplo, Simian Mobile Disco, Friendly Fires and Duran Duran, yes, that’s right, Duran Duran. There’s even a flying circus. So slap on the sunscreen, adjust those nu-rave sunglasses, and get down to Victoria Park, or you’ll never know what you’re missing.

Lovebox will take place on 18 & 19 July in Victoria Park, E9

(Pic credit: efestivals.co.uk)

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