It's day one of the mighty Cambridge Farewell Festival.
Thick clouds and rain fall away in the early morning, trading cold breezes for rays of beaming sunshine, a rainbow stands like a statue over the seaside town (23 June).A massive part of Newcastle's local music scene, The Cambridge Hotel has championed thousands of acts since opening in 1958 cementing itself as the region's cultural hub. There was a bittersweet feel in the air, where even local newspapers were paying tribute.
Dawn Laid had kicked off as soon as doors opened, bringing a wild and passionate energy to the stage. The booming bass from the main stage subwoofers filled the street and reverberated into the surrounding buildings.
By the time 360 took to the stage, the venue was packed as he played to an adoring crowd, sing-alongs helped along by diehards in the front. You could tell the excitement by looking at many punters' faces, some having not seen the artist since his nationwide tour in 2017.
360 - image © Harrison Innes
On the inside stage, a hyped Sophiya warmed up the room, providing heater after heater for punters seeking refuge from the chill. Partygoers having just discovered the inside bar were welcomed with a good time, with the MC spitting fun, tongue-in-cheek bars.
Continuing the good vibes inside was the ever cool Arno Faraji, who introduced his crowd to more tropical and laid-back vibe. His energetic crowd was into any chant he could throw at them.
Seth Sentry was welcomed to the Street Stage with a roar of love. Taking it back to his pre-streaming days, the hip hop icon blessed the crowd with tracks like 'Ink Blot Test', 'Hell Boy' and 'Dear Science'.
Seth had the most engaging and banter-filled set, bouncing jokes with DJ Sizzle and showcasing the chemistry with his new drummer.
With the names onstage getting bigger and bigger, punters collided as they moved between the two stages, hoping to catch their favourite act. One cheeky resident poked his head out of a street-side window, catching a perfect view of everything happening.
Seth Sentry - image © Harrison Innes
Deep in a packed packed room, JK-47 brought his thought-provoking cinematic rap to the stage. Punters flocked to the Cambo's inside stage and packed in tight; fans barrelling the lyrics back at their writer.
Outside, Thundamentals created a classic and positivity-preaching set, turning any fists into peace signs with their timeless hip hop. A treat to all Aussie hip hop fans, Solo joined MC Jeswon onstage as part of their new line-up.
Reminiscing about all the shows the rap group had played at the Cambridge, Jeswon and DJ Morgs payed tribute to the historical venue.
Causing a riot inside, Triple One brought a chaotic energy to the stage, sending the crowd wild. Punters had completely packed the room out with excess bodies spilling out the door.
To cap off the the Street Stage's line-up for day one, revered rapper Illy brought the glitz and glam to the stage. A set with with CO2 and sparklers, Illy took his crowd on a tour of his discography.
The good vibes and sing-alongs were flowing through tracks like 'Tightrope' and 'Swear Jar', while many memories were jogged with a live rendition of his Like A Version medley.
The finale of live acts finished with Drapht performing inside to a now at-capacity Cambridge main stage, with punters being refused entry inside. Drapht brought one last sweatfest to the stage.
Drapht - image © Harrison Innes
The room was absolutely heaving, fans screaming out lyrics and jumping around without a care. Two girls in the front row lit up smokes – the place was being knocked down anyway, who cared? It was a perfect way to finish the night; a 'classic Cambridge show'.
DAY TWO
Day two of the Cambridge Farewell Festival brought even more indie goodness to Newcastle (24 June).Opening a little earlier, a steady stream of punters flowed through the gates towards the main stage, beverages already in hand. An excited spirit was in the air, infecting the gathering crowd.
Welcoming the sunshine laden crowd was RAAVE TAPES, an eclectic electric local duo. Their wild energy brought the crowd closer to the stage, a dedicated group of fans and friends bopping along.
With a few friends joining them onstage, the duo reminisced about the many times they had played the venue and how dearly it would be missed.
With the good vibes flowing on a warm day, Boo Seeka took to the stage. The gathered crowd gave cheers to the indie pop artist who walked the stage with swagger, champagne bottle in hand. His larger-than-life energy spread over the fans in the front row who were just as excited as the singer.
With the inside stage now beginning to fill up, CLYPSO provided some wavy tunes for punters to groove along. Swirling pink lights lit up the room as the crowd bounced along.
Jack River - image © Harrison Innes
Jack River brought nothing but the best, a magical show for her adoring crowd to revel in. Fans ran from all of the festival to cram in to see her, as the packed crowd provided the right amount of heat to keep everyone warm. The pop sensation basked in the love pouring from the crowd.
Back inside, surf rock four-piece Rum Jungle was causing a ruckus. Loose fans jumped on shoulders, arms outstretched to sing lyrics back at the boys as they hopped around the stage.
The inside stage became a sweat fest once more, water beads lining energetic fans' brows. A similar chaos from the night before set in as it became impossible to move around without brushing shoulders.
Rowdy punters formed large queues for drinks and food, hoping to cop a feed before they ventured out to boogie.
Rum Jungle - image © Harrison Innes
With one of the most excited crowds of the weekend so far, Northeast Party House had everyone jumping up and down. Their good-time dance tunes were summed up by frontman Zac: "Newcastle you're so vibey!"
With one of the best crowds of the night, Northeast Party House had literally everyone dancing. 'Youth Allowance' saw many fans getting up on their friend's shoulders to sing-along to the timeless tune.
Moving to a different beat inside, those that had run to gain spots to see Adam Newling were treated to a wholesome and grounding set. Armed with a guitar, a harmonica and some mates, Newling had the inside of the Cambo swaying with friends and loved ones embracing.
Back into the cold The Rubens fronted a cinematic looking stage. The five piece tore around the stage, the crowd knowing every word. 'Hoops' brought out the best fans, with a huge chorus being sung back to the band.
Northeast Party House - image © Harrison Innes
Finishing off the festivities of the street stage, Peking Duk brought the absolute heat to the Newcastle crowd. Filled with their own material and other certified dance bops, the EDM duo had the crowd jumping and singing in every corner.
Sparklers shot off at almost every drop, illuminating the pair and the crowd squished on the barricade.
Those lucky enough to make it inside for kick-ons were treated to the epic drops of LDRU. Closing out the second night, the dance floor was filled, some fans wide eyed enjoying their Saturday night.
The sound of shuffling feet and off-key singing filled the outside street as a silent disco pressed on into the night.
DAY THREE
It's The Cambridge's final ever day (25 June), and they're going out with a bang.A sense of hurriedness is shared between those working at the Cambridge Hotel Farewell Festival's final day. The last touches are being placed for the festival's third day, the venue's walls still lined with memorabilia; past gig posters and scribbles from artists.
Hitting the ground running, the Street Stage welcomed Press Club. Bringing one of the most electrifying sets of the weekend to open the day, Press Club were on their A game for their hour.
A huge crowd had already formed, singing and moving along to the punk tunes. Singer Nat jumped onto the barricade to get up close and personal with the crowd, hailing a raucous cheer from the front row.
Press Club - image © Harrison Innes
Clear weather from early afternoon, Sunday was shaping up to be the biggest day so far. Everyone wanted a piece of the action, even including local news.
Excitement was at an all time high for Cooks & Bakers. The local legends took to the stage with an already packed room, punters spilling out the door. It was a madhouse inside, with the loud cheers of the crowd being heard in the courtyard.
Back in the warm sun, Polish Club fronted up on stage. Their fast moving punk tunes had the enormous crowd energised, heads thrashing back and forth. By now the street was as packed as either of the previous two nights headliners. It was a sea of sunglasses, tattoos and mullets.
Next on the Street Stage were classic rockers British India. A band with almost as much history as The Cambridge, BI held the record for most times played at the Cambo; their first show dating back to 2005.
In comparison to their bare bones show in '05, their packed crowd felt like an apt way to play the venue one last time.
Cheeky Newcastle legends Gooch Palms (who reformed for this one-off gig) took the inside stage by the balls, a dank mosh pit forming in the middle of the room.
Punters that may have not have been expecting the humorous band definitely got a kick out of the set. A huge leap from frontman Leroy Macqueen sent him deep into the crowd, riding on fans to blow them kisses before they left the room.
As a more wholesome crowd filled the inside stage, Hope D and band took their places. Love and adoration poured from the crowd, while Hope and co. were clearly having the time of their life onstage.
The emotions had kicked in at the Street Stage, and it was hard to tell whether punters were crying about the venue or the heartfelt tunes of The Smith Street Band. Maybe both.
The most tears were shed in the front row, with diehard fans screaming their lungs out. The audience started to spill over, with a moshpit producing crowd-surfers that made their way over the barricade.
An equally emotional set was delivered inside by The Hard Aches. Quickly filling up with those struggling to make it through the chaos outside, the room was quickly packed with keen onlookers.
A more solemn vibe had filled the air with fans staying quiet to hear the hard-hitting lyrics, however raising their voices with happy-sad tracks like 'I Get Like This'.
The Cambridge was a beautiful mess everywhere – attendees sprawled across both stages, packing the expanded venue to the brim.
Dune Rats - image © Harrison Innes
The rowdy fans of Dune Rats gave a huge roar as the ratbags took the stage. Delving back into some classic tunes, the boys turned it up to 11, egging on the insanity in the crowd. The crowd was going wild, sending bodies and even a bench table over the barricade; the stage filled with swinging hair and cackling banter.
A special appearance from Phil Jamison during the band's rendition of 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again' ran a perfect note in the crowd, with a huge chorus shouted right back at the Dunies.
The crowded main stage room found its final hurrah through the music of Kingswood, the last ever band to play the inside stage. Keen faces that had made it to the front sang along to the band's genre hopping sound.
Wrapping up in time for the big finale, the crowd remaining made their way out into the cold night. From playing every Thursday night back in the day to being the last band to ever play The Cambridge, Grinspoon were the perfect band to close the venue.
A youthful mosh made up the front of the crowd, while those further back lent constant fist bumps. The huge sing-alongs rang from one end of the street to the other and echoed into the cold night.
A completely full house brimming with splendour and joy kept the air warm as everyone shuffled to get a view of the explosive finale.
Grinspoon - image © Harrison Innes
A venue so loved by everyone, a party inside paid dues to owners, managers and their legendary sound tech Bert, without whom the venue simply wouldn't have run.
From fostering local bands to hosting international guests, The Cambridge Hotel will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. RIP Cambo!
