Way Out West 2016 –Gothenburg plays host to three days of unforgettable performances

Armed with arguably one of Europe’s most impressive musical line-ups, it was business as usual for Sweden’s Way Out West. Known for booking talent from both sides of the Atlantic, this year’s festival played host to three days of unforgettable performances.

The first day saw revered heavyweights Daughter, M83, Chvrches, The Last Shadow Puppets and Gothenburg’s Anna Von Hausswolf set the bar. While former Smith’s frontman Morrissey delivered a world-class performance. The musical icon was backed by harrowing visuals of police brutality for Ganglord and animal slaughter for Meat Is Murder, an apt song choice in the meat and dairy-free setting of Way Out West.

Anderson Paak opened the Azalea stage for an incredible start to day two and to a packed crowd of festival-goers. Further stand out shows came from the inimitable Grace Jones, Sweden’s own postar Zara Larsson, comeback kids The Libertines and two-time Mercury Prize winner PJ Harvey.

Massive Attack & Young Fathers brought their visually stunning collaborative show to Slottsskogen Park on Saturday. Later, the mighty SIA brought the festival to a triumphant close, ending with the beautiful Chandelier and help from dancer Stephanie Mincone.

Other musical highlights across the festival included a raucous set from grime start Stormzy, who was visibly taken a back by the energy of the Linne tent crowd. He even invited fans to join him in a music video as he premiered new track Code.

Also commanding the Linne stage was Kaytranada for a blinding set on Thursday, Yung Lean on Friday and Skepta on Saturday.

With the festival closing its doors before midnight each night, revellers looking to continue into the early hours were invited to several venues across the city for Stay Out West.

Standout performances came from the likes of Section Boyz, Thundercat, Lady Leshurr, The Internet and a thrilling show from the ever-explicit Peaches.

Brand new to this year, Way Out West’s arena The Height staged intimate concert experiences, along with talks on music, sustainability and creativity.

Continuing its commitment to sustainability and being completely vegetarian since 2012, leading chefs from the Nordic region created a forward-thinking food offering for festival-goers including a 40 seat restaurant and multiple traders pushing the boundaries with meat-alternative menus.