2012 saw Shakedown festival return to Brighton’s Stanmer Park for its second year, this is a festival that has grown significantly from its predecessor and everything was bigger and better. Despite only being a one-day festival Shakedown managed to pack the same amount of punch as many other festivals do across the space of three days. Of course with the festival taking place in October this did mean festival goers attended with plenty of layers as they braved the English weather. Of course the huge tent (which was packed all day long) provided a warm place for fans to dance all day. 

Shakedown - Mac and PC from Matt Harrison on Vimeo. A video of the fans by a fan.

This year Shakedown ran a competition for unsigned acts to have the chance to play the main stage at the festival and the winner was Brighton’s up and coming band MOK. This band didn’t seem at all phased by the size of the stage or the crowd and they were a great way to begin the day with a strong set that definitely readied the crowd for the day ahead. 

Katy B is an artist whose name has become well known thanks to collaborations with Benga and the crowd around the main stage grew significantly as the stage was readied for her appearance. Her set was flawless and she gave the crowd exactly what they wanted for the entirety of her set. Katy B is an artist that everyone should see if the opportunity presents itself. 

Zane Lowe was in the tent and it is clear why his name has been on the line up’s for so many of this years festivals. He is able to play every song that the crowd wants to hear whilst also playing some greatly unexpected songs (It’s not often someone plays Slayer’s ‘Reign in Blood” at a dance festival). Zane is so much more than a Radio 1 DJ, he is someone that can please any crowd that is presented to him. 

Following Zane Lowe in the tent was Knife Party, as they arrived on stage the excitement in the crowd went through the roof! Knife Party may still be newcomers to the dubstep scene but this doesn’t phase the two. The crowd went mad from start to finish as they played an incredible selection of both new and old tracks. 

Whilst Knife Party where in the tent Professor Green took to the main stage. This is an artist that has an incredible way of interacting with the crowd, playing songs from his two albums the crowd didn’t stop growing at all as more and more people came to see this artist who is only just beginning what is sure to be a long and exciting career. 

Back in the tent Chase & Status took to the stage for their DJ set. Chase & Status have dominated the dance scene for the last 3 years and they show no signs that they will be stopping anytime soon, the crowd were ready for a party and Chase & Status provided exactly that, playing a mixture of tracks including all of their biggest hits.

Video Published on 11 Oct 2012 by Shakedownfestival Highlights from Shakedown Festival 2012 in Brighton on Saturday 6th October. http://www.echovideo.co.uk