On Friday, August 16th, 2024, London’s Victoria Park was the place to be as All Points East Festival kicked off with an electric lineup that brought together the crème de la crème of contemporary music. The festival, known for its eclectic mix of genres and buzzing atmosphere, didn’t disappoint, delivering an unforgettable experience that will be talked about for months to come.
**The Performances were A Masterclass in Music**
The day’s lineup was a sonic journey that took us from smooth R&B to soul-stirring melodies, ending in a high-energy fusion of electronic beats and genre-bending sounds. The stage came alive first with the soulful grooves of **Durrand Bernarr**, whose smooth vocals and infectious energy set the tone for the day. His performance was a reminder of why he’s one of the most exciting voices in modern R&B, blending humour, emotion, and raw talent.
**Tems** transported the crowd with her unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul. Her voice, powerful yet soothing, resonated through the park, making everyone feel the emotion behind every lyric. The crowd swayed in unison, basking in the warmth of her sound.
**Victoria Monét** brought her signature blend of funk, soul, and pop to the stage, delivering a performance that was equal parts sensual and empowering. Her set was a celebration of self-love and freedom, and she had the crowd eating out of the palm of her hand. Hits like “Jaguar”, “F.U.C.K” , “Ass Like That.” , “Moment” and “Alright.” had everyone dancing and singing along.
**Thundercat**, the bass virtuoso whose genre-defying sound was a highlight of the day. His performance was a mind-bending mix of jazz, funk, and electronic music, with basslines that seemed to defy the laws of rhythm and groove. Thundercat’s set was as much an experience as it was a performance, leaving the crowd in awe.
Bringing a different vibe to the festival was **Jyoty**, whose DJ set was a masterclass in how to keep a crowd moving. Seamlessly blended house, hip-hop, and electronic music, creating an atmosphere that was both electric and intimate. Her set was a reminder of the power of a great DJ to shape the energy of a festival.
Finally, **Kaytranada** closed the night with a bang, delivering a set that was a perfect mix of dancefloor anthems and deep cuts. His ability to blend house, hip-hop, and electronic music into something entirely his own had the crowd moving non-stop, ending the day on the highest of notes.
**Vibes and Connections: A Day with Friends Old and New**
But All Points East wasn’t just about the music—it was about the vibes. The festival was a melting pot of energy, with friends old and new coming together to share in the experience. It was a reunion of sorts, as we caught up with scene kids and hipsters, influencers, and even a few ex-Love Island contestants. The conversations flowed as freely as the drinks, with everyone sharing their favorite moments and debating which set was the best of the day.
**Saturday, August 17th: A Legendary Lineup**
If Friday set the stage, Saturday took things to another level. The second day of All Points East brought an even more diverse and star-studded lineup, starting with the energetic and eclectic sounds of **Ezra Collective**. The jazz ensemble from London delivered a performance that was both joyful and intense, blending Afrobeat, jazz, and hip-hop into a seamless set that had the crowd dancing from start to finish.
Next on stage was the legendary **Nas**, who brought the house down with his classic hits and sharp lyricism. As one of the greatest rappers of all time, Nas’s performance was a masterclass in storytelling, with tracks like “The World Is Yours” and “One Mic” resonating deeply with the audience. It was a nostalgic and powerful moment that solidified his place as hip-hop royalty.
The energy kept climbing as **Andre 3000** took to the stage. However The OutKast legend, known for his innovative style and boundary-pushing music, delivered a set that was 100% flute, nothing short of spectacular. However a majority of the audience were expecting Benjamin Andre from OutKast and had failed to keep up with the evolution of his artistry. What was most disappointing was that his solo material, fell flat and did not resinate with the audience. A dropped ball moment if ever there was one.
Closing out the night was **Loyle Carner**, whose heartfelt and introspective lyrics brought a more intimate vibe to the festival’s finale. His performance was a perfect end to the weekend, blending mellow beats with deeply personal storytelling. Tracks like “Ottolenghi” and “Yesterday’s Gone” resonated with the crowd, creating a sense of connection and community.
**A Festival to Remember**
As the sun set and the beats echoed through Victoria Park, it was clear that this was a festival for the books. All Points East 2024 wasn’t just about the performances, though they were unforgettable; it was about the connections, the community, and the feeling of being part of something special. It was a day where music lovers from all walks of life came together to celebrate the sounds that move us, and the moments that bring us closer.
Here’s to the memories made, the music that moved us, and the friends we’ll be talking about it with for years to come. All Points East, you did it again.
