Florence shakes it out at Mount Duneed Estate

ABOUT 20,000 music fans held onto each other at Mount Duneed Estate on Saturday as Florence and the Machine headlined the latest instalment of the A Day on the Green.

The English group fronted by Florence Welch closed the day with a powerful set that had the crowd alternating between jumping, swaying, holding hands and singing along.

Opening with “June”, “Hunger” and “Lungs”, Welch whirled across the stage as the eight-piece band thundered behind her.

The singer had frequent chats with the audience and appeared to be genuinely moved by the size of the crowd stretching up the hillside, remarking “we’re Florence and the Machine, and we’re overwhelmed”. “I did not think this was going to be this big. Thank you so much!”

Introducing Patti Smith tribute song “Patricia”, Welch said “there’s a bit in the middle that is not about her… it’s kind of about toxic masculinity”.

“It must be said, there is not a lot of toxic masculinity at a Florence and the Machine show. If you are here, you believe in women!”

She also gave fans up against the barricade a thrill during the latter songs in her set, descending from the stage to touch hands, offer hugs and lean into the crowd, and finished the three-song encore with singalong favourite “Shake It Out”.

Florence and the Machine were ably supported earlier in the day by New Zealand alt countrybluegrass performer Marlon Williams and Australian singer-songwriter Jack River.

Saturday’s show was the 13th A Day on the Green concert at Mount Duneed Estate and the 461th overall.