Who We Saw: Florence and the Machine

 V Festival, Weston Park, 22nd August.

With thousands screaming her name under a heavy shower of rain, a beautifully radiant Florence Welch steps onto her stage and greets her adoring crowd.

Surrounded by her trademark birdcages and flower garlands, Florence elegantly stands against a backdrop of her name clad in a floor length, floating black gown of sheer material. As her signature red hair shines under the gleam of a spotlight, Florence reaches out for a drumstick and begins to gently tap into a well positioned drum a sound bearing great similarity to the human heart beat. With the crowd stood in awe, the perfect atmosphere is created for opening track Drumming Song. Singing into a microphone thats stand is entwined with roses, Florence’s spine-tingling voice creates waves across the crowd, who quickly forget about the miserable weather and collectively engage in singing every word whilst simultaneously copying all of Florence’s arm movements. 

There is no doubt that Florence Welch knows how to crowd please. As she actively involves her crowd in following along with her quirky hand movements and actions to songs, she begins to skip around the stage, ensuring that the majority of the crowd capture a glimpse of the woman they have all stood waiting for.

After singing favourites from breakthrough album ‘Lungs’ including Dog Days Are Over and Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up), Florence brings her show to an illuminating end as she launches into the ever popular You’ve Got The Love. As the song draws to a close and people begin to slowly walk back to their tents, it becomes apparent that  2010’s V Festival crowd definitely have the love for you Florence.

Setlist:
1. Drumming Song                   4. Howl                                  7. Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
2. My Boy Builds Coffins      5. Heavy in Your Arms        8. Kiss With a Fist
3. Cosmic Love                        6. Dog Days Are Over          9. You've Got The Love