Grace Jones Triumphs at London's Lovebox Festival

Grace Jones brought the Lovebox Weekender festival in London's Victoria Park to a thundering climax on Sunday, July 19, with a stunning performance that expunged from the memory the disappointing Roxy Music headline slot from the night before.

As befitting a diva of her status, Jones appeared on the main stage 25 minutes late to a tumultuous reception that was reciprocated with a career-spanning set that ensured the mother of all polysexual parties. Appearing on a raised platform and looking fabulous in a black mask and jacket, a particularly sleazy reading of 'Nightclubbing' set the tone for what was to follow.

Changing costume with almost every song, Jones ploughed through some of the greatest songs to have ever set a dancefloor alight including 'My Jamaican Guy' and 'Demolition Man,' while the salaciously anthemic 'Pull Up to the Bumper' took the party to another level altogether.

Belying her 61 years, the statuesque Jones kept a hula-hoop going during 'Slave to the Rhythm' whilst also introducing her band.

If Jones delivered in style, then electroclash dominatirx Peaches raised the bar earlier in the day with a superbly outrageous set. Appearing on stage with her leg in a cast, the singer was pushed around in a wheelchair by a naked Amazonian pre-op transsexual. "This is not a joke," she assured the audience. "I couldn't not come to Lovebox!" She didn't disappoint as 'Talk to Me,' 'Billionaire' and 'F--- the Pain Away' caused the sizeable crowd to dance despite the beating sun.

Clearly relishing the challenge, Hot Chip followed Peaches with a set that dispensed with their less satisfying moments to concentrate on keeping the party going. So it was that 'Over and Over,' 'Ready for the Floor,' 'One Life Stand' and 'I Feel Better' maintained the pumping vibe that gathered in front of the main stage.

Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke is clearly relishing his move into dance music and his guest appearance with Hercules and Love Affair for new track, 'Step Up,' found the frontman convincingly taking his place with the New York disco collective.

Over at the Gaymers stage, a spirited performance from New Young Pony Club begged the question of why this band isn't reaching a wider audience -- though judging by the reaction of the crowd to the selections from their new album, 'The Optimist,' and more established songs such as 'Ice Cream,' their ascent is simply a matter of time.