THE FESTIVAL CHECKLIST
We’re steadily approaching that time of the year again: daylight savings, warmer weather and brighter skies. The countdown to summer festivals is upon us! Soon we’ll be stepping outside in our finest fits, a cocktail in one hand and an electric fan in the other. Whether you prefer high-energy drum and bass, unwinding jazz music - or both - we’ve got you sorted. This festival season, WNDRLST has compiled a list of go-to places guaranteed to make your summer lit.
BOX OUT • 31 AUG • LUNA SPRINGS, BIRMINGHAM
Genres: Dancehall, Afrobeats, Amapiano, Soca, Hip Hop
Its tagline, ‘Good people + Good vibes’, encapsulates the festival’s dynamic energy. As Box Out returns after a sold-out festival last year, get ready for this Dancehall, Afrobeats and Soca-filled extravaganza. They have long established themselves as the place for Birmingham’s black nightlife. The likes of DJ Buxley will perform electrifying sets, and thanks to Box Out’s dedication to fostering community, be best assured you’ll be experiencing nothing but good vibes and great music.
UNRULY FESTIVAL • 28 JUL • Crystal Palace Bowl, London
Genres: Dancehall, Reggae, Hip Hop
The highly anticipated Unruly Fest makes its way to Crystal Palace Bowl, South London for the first time this summer, nearly 44 years since Bob Marley & The Wailers performed on this very stage. This annual celebration of Jamaican culture and music will see huge international names paired with upcoming artists onstage. In previous years, festival goers skanked to performances by Drake, Beenie Man, Skillibeng and others. The first release tickets have already sold out - cop yours soon to avoid disappointment!
THE ORIGINALS • 11 Aug • Crystal Palace Park, London
Genres: House, Amapiano, Techno, Hip Hop
The Originals Festival has always been the house music lovers’ sanctum. Located in Crystal Palace Park, prepare to boogie to bassline heavy amapiano and house music. Previous sets included exhilarating performances from the likes of Dennis Ferrer, Steven Cee and Jerome Six. The Originals Fest has ensured that no one is left behind, except to hear sets from local DJs and world-class ones alike.
big smoke • 6 JUL• Crystal Palace Park, London
Genres: R&B, House, Grime, Amapiano, Hip Hop
Skepta has made it clear that labels do not limit him. This multi-talented mogul will present his very own festival with Jammer: Big Smoke. Alternate between the main stage’s Odumodublvck & Skepta himself, and the Mas Tiempo stage housing your favourite DJs. There, you can bop to Uncle Waffles, the latest it-girl of the amapiano world. There will be another special appearance from Skepta who will return to his Meridian Crew roots.
PROJECT 6 • 24 may • BROCKWELL PARK, LONDON
Genres: Drum & Bass, Techno, Grime, Hip Hop
All my drum and bass lovers, you do not want to miss out on this! For Project 6’s 30th Anniversary, Rinse FM is set to go all out on this bass-heavy frenzy. Leave your reservations at the entrance and pull out your gun fingers & stank faces for the biggest electronic party of the year. The lineup includes a range of genres from grime, hip-hop and techno. Homegrown acts such as Nines and Juls are billed alongside international artists like Pusha T, so know that there won’t be a dull moment.
LOVE SUPREME • 5-7 JUL • GLYNDE PLACE, EAST SUSSEX
Genres: R&B, Jazz, Funk, Soul
Here, love reigns supreme. This is the perfect three-day quest for fans of all things R&B, jazz, funk, and soul. Legends such as Chaka Khan, dubbed colloquially as the “Queen of Funk”, and iconic Dionne Warwick will grace the stage. Love Supreme has made it evident that it isn’t solely a music festival. Here, you can escape the bustle with hill walking or let off steam in a yoga class. Whatever you decide to do, have no doubt you’ll be feeling revived afterwards.
CARIBBEAN ROCKS • 20 JUL • BEC COMPLEX, MANCHESTER
Genres: Dancehall, Soca, Reggae
A celebration of Island flair, Caribbean Rocks will be jam-packed with vibrant music and mouth-watering food. In Manchester, join one of the biggest Caribbean festivals in the UK in their annual summer fiesta. Get lost in the dancehall, soca and reggae riddims, then seek a quick thrill on their funfair rides.
ALL POINTS EAST • 16-25 AUG • VICTORIA PARK, LONDON
Genres: Electronic, Hip Hop, Pop, R&B, Alternative
All Points East has long been established as the go-to London festival, and their 2024 return has made this loud and clear. From headliners like electronic rock band LCD Soundsystem, to hip-hop trailblazer Loyle Carner, they’ve certainly ensured no genre goes unnoticed. Other artists include PinkPantheress, Nas and ENNY. They have recently released the lineup for the 16th of August with the one and only Kaytranda headlining, alongside acts like Thundercat, Amaarae and Lancey Foux. For those who enjoyed the Stormzy-curated ‘This Is What We Mean Day’ last year, this is the perfect follow-up.
WE OUT HERE • 15-18 AUG • Wimborne St Giles, Dorset
Genres: Soul, Hip Hop, Jazz, R&B, Electronic
After a long hiatus, André 3000 is ready to reintroduce himself, headlining We Out Here Festival for their fifth instalment, following on from the release of his ambient flute album: ‘New Blue Sun’. Other headliners include highly accredited Sampha and Dee Dee Bridgewater. A tribute to London’s vibrant emerging jazz scene, We Out Here connects underground talents with notable industry names for the ultimate jazz lovers get-together. Immerse yourself in this soul, hip-hop, jazz and electronica festival. You can also expect to see live performances from rising stars like Sainté and Strandz.
Clearly, we are spoiled for choice this summer! There is something there for everyone, and our checklist ensures nobody is forgotten.
