The Great Escape 2014 Logo

Brighton's Great Escape Festival took place over the weekend and, as the UK's largest street festival, gave music fans a very enjoyable weekend as it does every year. Over 400 acts played, giving the punters chance to see plenty of acts; be it established acts such as Example, These New Puritans, Pulled Apart By Horses and Twin Atlantic, or newer artists such as Gnarwolves, Big Ups, Circa Waves, Prides, MØ and Brawlers. This gave the festival goers a chance to see some old favourites, as well as check out the new talent. 

Nu-rave heroes Klaxons played a secret show on Thursday at midnight in The Warren, a 400 capacity venue, giving their fans a chance to see them in a smaller setting than usual. Klaxons expressed their love of the festival, saying that they enjoyed coming as fans just to see bands. They're especially keen on the intimacy of the festival: 'They've got people right in front of your face; it's brilliant, the connection. You can look people in the eye and they're not miles away'. The band played a mixture of both old songs and new ones that they haven't had chance to play live yet. Co-vocalist and keyboardist James Righton showed his enthusiasm for the new songs saying he couldn't wait to play 'Show Me A Miracle'.

Watch the interview with Klaxons here
 

The Kaiser Chiefs also surprised punters with a secret show on Friday at Brighton's Concorde 2 where they got up to old tricks, with frontman Ricky Wilson climbing rafters and going into the crowd to sing with fans. 'There is no denying the power of the Kaiser Chiefs' live presence', our reviewer Alister Roberts said of the show. 'They have been and evidently will remain to be one of the best live acts Britain has to offer'.   

Kaiser Chiefs live at The Great Escape

Singer-songwriter George Ezra voiced his excitement to play at The Great Escape for the first time, saying that he loves the kind of festival where the whole city gets involved, with various acts playing at loads of different venues. Ezra played the Vevo stage at the event and festival goers were queuing down the road for a chance to see the rising star. He also gave us some details of his upcoming album, saying that the song 'Leaving It Up To You' has an 'indulgent choir' on it and that it was one of his favourites on the record. 

Watch the George Ezra Interview here

Electronic duo Gorgon City, who were also playing Great Escape for the first time, said that they love coming to Brighton for the 'wicked' clubs such as Digital and Audio, describing the city as a 'mini-London, by the sea'. They brought many of the guest vocalists they've worked with to the festival, so they could perform the songs live. MNEK was one such name, performing their hit 'Ready For Your Love'. 

Watch the interview with Gorgon City here

Once again, The Great Escape Festival proved to be a great success, with people getting the chance to see many great artists, and even being treated to a few they wouldn't have expected to see. We can't wait until next year. 

Check out more interviews and live performances from this years event!