Campers excited to be back at Sundown Festival after 'so long'

The festival has returned for its ninth edition after it was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic and the campsite opened on Friday lunchtime.

Thousands of people headed there early to pitch their tents in a good spot, with some delays in the afternoon along the A47.

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. From left, front, Amber Starling, and Amy Taylor, and back, Elizabeth Drummond, and Lucy Wood, all from Cambridge. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

The main programme kicks off on Saturday and the headliners are rapper Bugzy Malone and drum and bass band Rudimental, with the event ending on Sunday.

Other big name acts performing on the Main Stage include Joel Corry, Becky Hill and Example.

Harry Rutter, 22, from Peterborough, said: "I can’t wait to see Becky Hill and I’m really excited because I’m a really big fan and I can’t wait to hear some of her new music."

There are three other stages at the site, which are The Castle, The Nest and Mystree and there is also a VIP area.

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. From left, Anneka Thomas, Immy Cerely, Katy and Francesca Willenberg, and Lily Bradley, all from Woodbridge. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Ben Jolley, 27, from Cambridgeshire, said: "I’m looking forward to getting back to a festival.

"After so long and with a year away it is just good to get back in a crowd and to hear some live music."

Those going to the festival need to show their NHS Covid Pass to enter.

They need to register either a positive PCR test taken 10 to 180 days prior to arrival, two vaccine doses received at least a fortnight ago or a negative lateral flow test.

Speaking ahead of the event, Kris Barnard, Norfolk Constabulary chief inspector, said: “We want everyone to have a good time, but we also have to remember that some people may feel uncomfortable being amongst so many others after lockdown.

"I’d encourage festival goers to respect each other’s approach to the event, and keep a safe social distance where you can."

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. Olivia Church and Charlie Kempson from Essex. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Norfolk Police has reminded drivers not to park on verges or in surrounding car parks without permission, with parking available on-site which must be pre-booked on the Sundown website.

The stage times for Sundown are available on the app.

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. Ben Armatage, left, and Ashley Wood. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. Eve Charlwood, left, and Ellie Smith from Norwich. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. Georgia Lee from Lowestoft. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. Aby Gooch, Sophie Platford, Rosie Nichols and Georgia Lee, from Lowestoft. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. Lois Clarke, left, and Rhian Partridge, from Ipswich. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. From left, front, Amber Starling, and Amy Taylor, and back, Elizabeth Drummond, and Lucy Wood, all from Cambridge. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. Francesca Willenberg, left, and Lily Bradley from Woodbridge. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)

Campers arriving at the Norfolk Showground for the Sundown Festival. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant 2021)