Citadel Festival 2016 review: Splendid weather matched by supreme Sigur Ros performance

Citadel returned to London’s Victoria Park for a second year - and we hope for a third

London’s Victoria Park was in full bloom on Sunday as it hosted Citadel Festival for the second year running.

Unexpected Iberian weather coupled with ice-cold beverages and a laidback line-up reminds you why the British public love a music festival.

The alternative entertainment on show also provided a welcomed pit stop from the heat.

A highlight was Sunday Papers Live where the space usually set aside for Lovebox’s VIP area was transformed into a forum for debate.

Thankfully, there were no doctrinaire preachers to spoil your Sunday relaxation – only skilful raconteurs such as the charismatic Eddie "the Eagle" Edwards.

Nathaniel Rateliff in mid-folk flow

Onto the music. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better pairing than 25C heat and folk-band Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, who had the Main Stage audience regretting not bringing a spare tee after sweatily-dancing to songs like “S.O.B”.

Elsewhere, there was electro-pop provided by the likes of Maribou State and Caribou. The latter closed with “Sun”, with the weather playing its part in making the experience totally immersive.

Headliners Honne impressed on the intimate Corona Sunsets stage; and we’re looking forward to hearing the full debut album out on Friday.

Lianne La Havas took pride and place on the Communion stage and was deserving of a slot on the Main Stage.

She delivered an effortless performance which included a cover of Aretha Franklin’s “I Say A Little Prayer” – cue an effusive crowd reaction.

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Sigur Rós delighting fans with a spectacular light show

Dusk finally arrived, set to an ethereal soundtrack provided by Sigur Rós on the Main Stage.

A spectacular light show complemented the 90-minute set which culminated with the classic “Popplagio”.

Convincing people to swap three-day festival binges for a day out can be difficult – especially in pricey London.

Of course, Citadel (like every other London day-festival) suffers from huge queues to get into certain tents and bars. But, it has a clear identity – from music to spoken word; unlike festivals like Applecart that preceded it.