The XX Require Crowd Control for Bestival Set

In what was one of the most eagerly-awaited sets at Bestival 2010, the XX played Friday's Big Top (Sept. 10) to a crowd so large extra security measures were needed.

This was the trio's first gig since having been crowned winners of the Mercury Prize earlier in the week (Sept. 7). The numbers started to gather during Joy Orbison's set, which preceded, leading to a ring of security setting up. Metal fencing was erected surrounding the tent, in an attempt to prevent over-crowding. Those stuck on barriers were up to 20 rows deep, left to watch the set on screens positioned on the outside of the tent.

The XX began with flashes of strobe, smoke and thuds of bass on a dimly-lit stage. They then launched into their eponymous album opener 'Intro.' The group also played 'Heart Skipped a Beat' and 'Islands' before ending on the emotional, elongated percussion end to 'Infinity.'

The group also brought their live installation to Bestival, entitled 'XX: A Sculpture of an Album', which was created by video director Saam Farahmand. The weekend at the Isle of Wight event marked the first time the audio-visual piece had been set up at a festival.

The Londoners are now scheduled for a string of dates in the US, beginning at the Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles (Sept. 22).