Info: The 2017 Forbidden Fruit Festival concluded yesterday with a flourish of amazing acts off-setting the incessant but typically Irish festival weather. For the third day running the Bulmer's Live Stage, dedicated to Irish acts, was one of the focal points for attendees. Whilst some may have arrived for shelter from the downpour, they were immediately drawn to the talent on display. As early as the opening act yesterday, LAOISE, at 3.30pm, a high-energy and fluid set from the Galway act concluded with a massive ovation from a full tent, and surely a plethora of new fans. The eagerly awaited Talos played a wonderful set following some initial set-up problems, and he had followed another crowd favourite in Wastefellow, who never disappoints. Ryan Vail helped mellow the audience out with his set before the immense Rusangano Family tore up both the stage and pretty much everywhere their wireless mics would allow them to wander through the punters to give one of the highlight performances of the three days.
Big-hitters at the Outcider stage were Danny Brown, with the rapper filling the large tent with ease and arriving to a rapturous welcome from the crowd, the Detroit act performing tracks from his international hit 2016 album Atrocity Exhibition plus previous favourites, after arriving onto the stage to Black Sabbath's 'Iron Man'. Flying Lotus then emerged, albeit behind his massive visuals screen, to complete the Outcider venues weekend with a spectacular 3-D display.
On the main stage we saw impressive Sydney indie-pop solo act Gordi who is currently reaching the final stages of her European Tour, we also got to catch a few minutes of her chat in the Hot Press tent where she discussed the influence of fellow Sydney artist Courtney Barnett on her own music. Watford trio The Staves were a big draw to the main stage, unsurprisingly on the roster for Bon Iver's curated Forbidden Fruit Day Three, having supported him on previous tours, they sparkled and did everything in their power to shift the gloomy weather. Homegrown hero Lisa Hannigan came on next and wooed us in her very own uniquely enchanting and unassuming manner, she was just happy to be there, and we were happy for her to be here too, the perfect entry to lead in to Bon Iver's grand finale which had the brave crowd over-joyed and in raptures.
Below are Remy's photos of LAOISE, Gordi, Wastefellow, Talos, The Staves, Danny Brown, Ryan Vail, Lisa Hannigan, Flying Lotus & Rusangano Family,
All photos: Remy Connolly. (click to enlarge)
