Nos Primavera Sound, Porto 2014

A quick guide to what happens when you choose Porto over Barcelona...

Having been to Primavera Sound in Barcelona twice before we decided to visit its sister festival this year: Nos (previously Optimus) Primavera Sound. This smaller festival is held in Parque da Cidade, Porto and spanned 3 days; not as long or packed as the Barca version but still enough time for a good variety of acts! Similarly to the larger festival, most of the performances started around 5pm, going on to about 4am. Held in the city park the venue is not as instantly stunning (it'd be hard to find a more beautiful stage than Ray Ban !) but it does have its own individual appeal. A perk definitely included the relaxed, grassy setting and being able stretch out on a grassy hill while watching the bands. It was clear the organisers knew this as they passed out free blankets in bags for early guests. I think they had done this last year aswell so I'd recommend getting in early on the first day to pick one up.

The 4 stages were all pretty close with the 2 main stages (Nos and Superbock) being so close that bands played alternately at them. Good point- less chance of clashes. Bad point- there is a big rush when one band ends and you need to get to the other stage. Also, people started standing pretty early for the larger bands; I think National fans were there about 75mins before the set which meant the more bands you wanted to see the further back you'd end up being. Pitchfork stage was the only one  in a tent which was great for the lights and a concentrated sound. The last stage was ATP which was slightly smaller than ATP in Barcelona but still relatively big with a good bit of space for walking around and viewing. To me each stage had great sound and the lighting was amazing which was brilliantly shown in Mogwai's set.

I'm not going to go in to much detail about the bands as the line-up was very similar to Barcelona, just not as large. But my highlights included Mogwai, St Vincent, Jagwar Ma and Neutral Milk Hotel. Although, I honestly don't think I've ever seen a band performance at a Primavera festival! The sunshine and beautiful surroundings must really bring out the best in bands...

Audience wise Barcelona Primavera has a very mixed crowd from my experience with a lot of British, Spanish and American visitors. Being a smaller festival the number of foreign visitors to the Portugese festival seemed to be a lot fewer and a few of the food stall workers did not speak English, but did offer some great food! (Although not as many Vegetarian and Vegan options as I remember Barcelona having).

 If the practical details are what sways you here are some of the things I learned over the 3 days:

• To get to the festival we got the 500 bus near Sao Bento metro stop. The bus gets very busy so its best to get on the bus as early on the route as you can.
• We bought 3 day bus passes from the tourist information near Trindade metro. It is much easier having your tickets in advance than buying on the bus.
• Beep your ticket when you get on the bus until it flashes green. Fines are high so don't forget!
• The bus from Sao Bento to the park is about 45 mins. Try and take water.
• No water allowed in the park and they check your bag.
• To get back to the centre/ downtown there are special buses running one after the other. You need your ticket for this aswell. 
• If you want beer I hope you like Superbock.
• If you don't there is also sangria and wine. 
• Take a jumper for the night. Winds got quite strong as we're near the Atlantic Ocean.

Both festivals share the Primavera name and a similar vibe flows through both; relaxed while being passionate about good music. But with a sea of picnic blankets and wooden swings Porto is a more understated festival, the surroundings are gentle and calming and the crowds friendly.

If you're interested in what Porto as a city has to offer I'll be doing another post on what I got up to on the non-festival days.

Have you been to Porto Primavera? Would you give it a go instead of Barcelona?