The All Points East Festival, London's premier music event, exploded back into action over the last three days, delivering an electrifying array of performances from a diverse lineup of artists.
From August 16th to 18th, Victoria Park in East London transformed into a vibrant hub of music, fashion, and youth culture, showcasing why this festival has become a staple in the city’s summer calendar.
The festival kicked off with a bang on August 16th as KAYTRANADA headlined the first day with an unforgettable set. The Canadian electronic artist, renowned for his genre-blending style, captivated a crowd of 45,000 with his hypnotic beats and impressive visuals. Hits like ‘Need It’ and ‘Intimidated’ had the audience singing along, while his collaboration with Channel Tres on ‘Drip Sweat’ provided a standout moment. KAYTRANADA's dynamic performance set the tone for the festival, proving why he’s one of the most talked-about artists in electronic music today.
Tems, another highlight of the opening day, drew the largest crowd ever seen on the West Stage. The Nigerian singer’s soulful and Afrobeat-infused set featured hits like ‘Love Me JeJe’ and ‘Higher’, showcasing her unique voice and emotional depth. Her performance was a testament to her rising global star power and left the audience in awe. For sure, an act you need to watch when you can.
Victoria Monét’s U.K. exclusive performance was a dazzling display of pop and R&B. Her high-energy set included crowd-pleasers such as ‘Alright’ and ‘On My Mama’, with elaborate choreography and infectious enthusiasm. The night also saw Thundercat deliver a mesmerizing display of his virtuoso bass skills, while Tkay Maidza’s vibrant set on the West Stage and Channel Tres’s dynamic performance on the East Stage ensured the first day ended on a high note.
August 17th was marked by an impressive lineup that included Loyle Carner, André 3000, and Nas, a day fully stacked for any hip-hop fan.
Londoner Loyle Carner’s headlining set was a personal and poignant highlight. Performing in his local park, Carner's set was a blend of heartfelt lyrics and musical mastery, featuring collaborations with Tom Misch and Jordan Rakei. His performance was a celebration of his journey, marked by a powerful mix of poetry and music, Carner created a night that resonated deeply with the audience.
André 3000, known for his experimental and genre-defying work, took the stage with a meditative and improvisational performance. Armed with his flute, he created a serene and introspective atmosphere that was a departure from his OutKast days, showcasing his versatility and creative spirit.
Nas, the iconic East Coast rapper, delivered a high-energy set that spanned his illustrious career. Classics like ‘The World Is Yours’ and ‘One Mic’ electrified the crowd, affirming his status as a hip-hop legend. Ezra Collective’s vibrant jazz performance and Lianne La Havas’s soulful set further enriched the festival experience, while ENNY and Flying Lotus added unique flavors to the Cupra North Stage.
For the rap fans, Joe James, Sainte, and SONGER took to the stage with all of them delivering powerful sets playing a mixture of classics and unreleased songs that left fans wanting more when they left the stage.
The festival concluded on August 18th with a stellar lineup that included Mitski, TV Girl, Beabadoobee, and Arlo Parks.
Mitski’s headlining set was a tour de force, combining emotive lyrics with an engaging stage presence. Her performance, which included a mix of country and indie sounds, captivated the audience with its emotional depth and theatrical flair.
TV Girl’s set proved that their viral success is well-deserved. Their catchy melodies and witty stage presence demonstrated their ability to deliver beyond social media hype. Meanwhile, Arlo Parks’s soulful performance on the Cupra North Stage showcased her growth as an artist, with tracks like ‘Black Dog’ resonating deeply with fans.
Beabadoobee’s performance was a celebration of her recent success, with her latest album receiving a warm reception from the crowd. Her set was a highlight, blending nostalgic rock with fresh, vibrant energy.
Overall, the first weekend of All Points East 2024 was a resounding success, offering something for every music lover and continuing its tradition of delivering an outstanding festival experience. From electronic beats to hip-hop classics and soulful ballads, the festival lived up to its reputation as one of London’s premier cultural events.
Let’s get ready for the next weekend with LCD Soundsystem supported by a stellar line-up including Pixies, The Kills, Jockstrap, Floating Points, and more on the Friday. The rest of the weekend includes APE presents Field Day on Saturday 24 August and The Postal Service / Death Cab For Cutie on Sunday 25 August.
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