Nestled within the lush confines of Escot Park near Exeter, Beautiful Days Festival celebrated a remarkable milestone in 2023, marking two decades of delivering musical magic and community camaraderie. As the sun set on its 20th-anniversary edition, festival goers revelled in the mix of acts performing over the weekend, a wide variety of great food, and a genuinely enchanting atmosphere that has come to define this local gem on the UK festival circuit. 

In honour of its 20-year journey, Beautiful Days pulled out all the stops, presenting an eclectic lineup that resonated with everyone. The festival's main stage was graced by the iconic songs from Britpop darlings Suede on Friday, invoking a wave of nostalgia with their iconic hits that have stood the test of time. Saturday brought the electrifying Primal Scream, setting the stage ablaze with their fusion of rock and electronic beats. The grand finale on Sunday (and every Sunday of every Beautiful Days), belonged to The Levellers, delivering an unforgettable performance that perfectly captured the festival's spirit of unity and celebration. 

One of the festival's most remarkable achievements is the fact that it sold out, showcasing the power of its dedicated fanbase who return year on year. Unlike many modern events, Beautiful Days thrives without corporate sponsorship or intrusive advertising which is a wonderful thing in itself. This unique characteristic speaks volumes about the festival's authenticity, fostering an environment where the focus is solely on the music, the community, and the experience itself. 

Beautiful Days didn't just satisfy the soul with its music, arts and theatrical offerings – it also delighted the taste buds with an extensive array of culinary offerings. From gourmet delights to street food sensations, the festival's food vendors catered to every taste and dietary requirement imaginable. Vegans, vegetarians, and meat enthusiasts alike found themselves immersed in a gastronomic journey that was as diverse as it was delicious, I can thoroughly recommend the wood fired pizza, the tasty paella and French styled crepes with their various fillings (I think we had sampled them all by the end of Sunday!) 

To quench the thirst of festival-goers, the bars at Beautiful Days proudly showcased a selection of beverages from local suppliers. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks flowed freely, offering attendees a chance to savour the flavours of the region while toasting to the festival magic that surrounded them. 

Behind the scenes, a dedicated security team worked tirelessly over the weekend to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees. Their efforts often go unnoticed, but their presence was crucial in creating a secure environment that allowed the masses to fully immerse themselves in the experience. 

Beautiful Days Festival owes its success to a collaboration of elements. The dedicated crew, whose meticulous planning and hard work laid the foundation for the event deserve a round of applause. Alongside the headlining acts, an eclectic lineup of bands, artists, and DJs contributed to the vibrant atmosphere that defined the festival's atmosphere. However, it's the festival-goers themselves who truly make Beautiful Days what it is – a jubilant, unified community sharing in the joy of music, friendship, and the festival spirit. 

Every year, the festival organisers create a theme, this year, it was ‘Out of This World’ and there was no better place to be at 3:30pm on the Sunday afternoon than the Fancy Dress area which saw hundreds turn up in their magnificent costumes, all vying for the coveted first prize. There were many aliens, Star Wars characters, planets, even a family of 4 arcade machines that had come as ‘space’ themed games such as ‘Asteroids’, ‘Space Invaders’ and ‘Galaxians’. I believe the winners of this year’s prize included a group of ‘Clangers’, you know, the small family of pink furry creatures who lived on the moon and spoke via the sound of slide whistles, I think I also saw the Soup Dragon which completed the lineup for me! 

With two decades of memories behind it, Beautiful Days Festival now looks to the future, ready to embrace whatever it may bring. As it continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the enchanting atmosphere, the sense of unity, and the ever-present magic will persist, making every year's edition a testament to the power of music and community. 

As the sun set on Beautiful Days 2023, the memories of Suede, Primal Scream, and The Levellers reverberate in the minds of attendees, reminding them of the unforgettable moments that unfolded over those three glorious days. With a sold-out crowd, a diverse and multicultural array of food, friendly and dedicated security, and the shared spirit of all who were present, the 20th anniversary of Beautiful Days Festival will forever be etched in the annals of festival history, and I can proudly say that I was part of it! 

All images are © Julian Baird Photography