With huge names such as Dizzee Rascal and Gallows headlining his second Underage festival, organiser Sam Kilcoyne, 16, had a lot to be proud of as an estimated 7,500-strong crowd of 14- to 18-year-olds descended on the seven stages in Victoria Park last weekend. Even the parents were well behaved, depositing their offspring at the gate as instructed on the web.
Considering there were so many adolescents from all walks of life and musical genres - from skinny-jeaned indies to droopy-fringed emos and even the occasional green-haired punk - there was a lively, school's-out atmosphere without a hint of aggression. But the strict no-alcohol policy showed the organisers were taking no chances.
The line-up was predominantly indie royalty, with the Maccabees, Foals, the Rifles and the Young Knives all featuring alongside underage bands such as teen rockers Bombay Bicycle Club and American punk-rock trio Care Bears on Fire.
On the Topman stage, pop-rockers Cheeky Cheeky and the Nosebleeds played an insanely energetic set, followed by Nick Harrison's equally bouncy ska band and teenage rockers Pull in Emergency, who delivered an inspired performance to the delighted crowd. On the Converse Century stage, the vibrant OCD were so brimming with energy that a spontaneous bounce-pit broke out. One of the highlights of the day were Care Bears on Fire (below), three helplessly cutesy girls (all under 15) belting out crowd-pleasing anthems such as 'Everybody Else'.
Sharing the limelight were a series of short films shot and directed by teens in aid of the Cut-it-Out campaign against bullying.
But the act everyone was waiting to see was Dizzee Rascal, who inspired mass singalongs from the surprisingly tuneful crowd with a vibrant and unforgettable set. Not to be outdone, punk metal quartet Gallows tore up the stage for a spectacular finale. Front man Frank Carter's electric presence, both on stage and down among the crowd, inspired one of the most good-natured yet ferocious mosh pits I've ever been in. And I'm from Leeds.
Despite his tender age, Kilcoyne has cemented his reputation as one of the UK's top festival organisers. Bring on next year!
Best dressed The guy who came as a hotdog, complete with mustard.
Overheard 'Don't worry about the pebbles.' (I didn't get it either.)
Best act The Maccabees.
