Summer of 2024: A Festival Rundown

This summer, I hit up four festivals – one of which was camping (I’m not sure how many more camping ones I could’ve hacked). Festivals are definitely a bit of a tick box criteria each summer for me; I guess one could even argue they’re part of my personality… But then again, how can I not attend, when I’ve got a job that revolves around festivals and events? Besides it’s important to immerse yourself in your client’s world… and obviously make sure everything is running smoothly (from an insurance perspective 🤓), right?


 

Here’s a rundown of the four festivals I went to, in order of appearance:

Queens Yard Summer Party

Now this festival was the perfect way to kickstart the summer. Set in London’s Hackney Wick area, this lively, multi-venue festival is celebrated annually in early May. Spanning over 20 unique venues, including warehouses, breweries, and terraces around Queen’s Yard, this event highlights the UK’s underground music scene. It showcases over 100 artists, focusing on local DJs and collectives across genres like house, techno, disco, and UK garage. Alongside the music, the festival offers food stalls, art installations, and craft beverages, creating a street-party atmosphere that embodies London’s vibrant culture. Slight downside though (if you’re hoping to dance the night away) – the festival ends at 10pm and entry to the afterparties like those at Colour Factory cost extra – the cheek, right?! Nonetheless, it’s well worth the extra cost if you’re up for it.

It was a particularly sunny day when I went with a big group of friends meaning spirits were high, but with such a sprawling event it was easy to lose track of each other as the day went on. One thing I would say is that the security at the event could have been tighter… I somehow managed to find my way into the event (unintentionally) without waiting in the lengthy queues to have my ticket checked. Genuinely not even sure how it happened. One too many margaritas maybe, but perhaps they need to tighten up the hatches in that respect.

The day was made even better by the sunshine, and the location by the canals really added to the laid back, summery vibe we had all been craving. While the music wasn’t quite my cup of tea, it was a fun excuse to catch up with friends – chatting, chilling and dancing by the canals. It’s such a cool and relaxed setting for an event in London and to be honest a great way to launch yourself into the festival season. Just thankful that no one fell into the canal.

GALA

An all-time classic, GALA has become a beloved fixture for London’s young professionals, new residents, and anyone in need of an easy-to-reach, high-energy festival experience. Set in Peckham Rye Park, GALA’s draw is its combination of meticulously curated music, great food, and a crowd that’s all about good vibes. It’s one of those events where you can show up without knowing the entire lineup and still be guaranteed a stellar day. The stages are usually well set up, spaced apart just enough to avoid sound bleed but close enough to wander between with ease.

This year, my personal favourite was Horse Meat Disco, whose set didn’t disappoint. Besides, GALA is known for attracting quality house, disco, funk, and soul acts, so if you’re a fan of these genres, you’ll find yourself at home. Other standout acts this year included Move D and Shanti Celeste, bringing the crowd together. Though I must admit the sound quality on the main stage was a bit weaker than usual… not too sure what happened there.

From a fan perspective, music enthusiasts across the country now have to travel long distances to large venues to see live music, which has become less accessible due to rising costs of tickets, transport, and general living expenses. This is a shame, as the charm of small venues is undeniable. Nights spent in these spaces with sticky floors, cheap drinks, intimate crowds and incredible live performances are often the best nights out (in my opinion anyway). These experiences, giving us the opportunity to see the next big thing before they hit the big time, are becoming more scarce.

It wouldn’t be a UK festival without the weather throwing a curveball, and May in London didn’t hold back with “April showers” – which somehow made it feel like a rite of passage. The covered stages were popular, but the limited shelter did mean overcrowding at times. GALA’s food scene is another win; they have really stepped it up thanks to the beautifully curated line-up by Togather, offering everything from BBQ to vegan street food, keeping the energy high for dancing. In the end, a little rain never hurt nobody, and with friends, music, and a good atmosphere, it didn’t dampen spirits in the slightest.

Glastonbury

Ah, Glastonbury. It’s not just a festival – it’s practically a pilgrimage, a rite of passage for anyone who loves music, art, or even just the thrill of a massive, unforgettable experience. Yet for all it’s magic, it’s an endurance test too; and my god do you need months of preparation, both physically and mentally for this festival. Genuinely, if you’re thinking of going next year, I’d start getting those gains in now, because it quite literally feels like a marathon. Stamina and leg power are key.

For the uninitiated, Glastonbury Festival is held annually at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England, and is one of the world’s largest music and arts festivals. It’s scale is hard to grasp until you’re there. Since its 1970 debut with 1,500 attendees, it has grown to draw over 200,000 visitors each June. Known for its iconic Pyramid Stage and nearly a hundred other performance areas, you’ll find something for every musical taste: global headliners, up-and-coming acts, local legends and just about every genre you can think of. This year alone, huge names like Coldplay, Dua Lipa, Jamie XX, and Fatboy Slim graced the stages. But the beauty of Glastonbury is that you don’t even need to know who’s playing. You can wander from stage to stage and stumble upon something amazing at any time.

For seasoned Glasto-goers, campsite selection is key. I have always camped – each time on Pennard Hill. It’s close enough to the action to be convenient, but far enough from the stages to avoid the ground revurbating beneath you as you go to sleep. This year, however, I decided to upgrade – slightly. I opted for the cheapest form of glamping: camping (in an area just offsite) with facilities (clean loos, showers, coffee shops etc.). This was game changing, let me tell you, even despite the long walk back to the ‘glampsite’. Being able to sleep somewhere quiet and grab a hot shower each morning made a world of difference. An extra bonus was the sauna and ice bath we booked (and paid extra for) on the Saturday morning. I think it quite literally revived me, and kept me going for the rest of the festival.

Glastonbury is also so much more than just music. Beyond the stages, you’ll find the Healing Fields, an oasis where people can recharge with sound baths, yoga, meditation or even laughter therapy (you’ll have to try this once, its wild). There’s also so much art to see, interactive experiences, food from every corner of the world, and late-night venues where the party doesn’t stop when the main acts are done.

One word of warning: crowds. There are a hell of a lot of people there, so if you’re not comfortable with huge crowds, prepare yourself. Moving between stages can sometimes feel like an exhausting journey in itself, and even finding your friends can be a bit of a mission. Rumour has it that for 2024 Glastonbury they released an extra 50,000 tickets, and still had hundreds of gatecrashers, making it feel all the more busy (Glastonbury have made no comment…).

However, it’s the memories, stories and the unforgettable moments that is what Glastonbury is all about. You’ll leave feeling a mix of exhaustion, euphoria, and maybe just a touch of melancholy as the reality of returning to daily life sets in. It really is another world. But for anyone with a love of music, art, and a proper adventure, it’s worth every single step (and sore muscle).

Surprise surprise, I’ve gone on way too long… I’m sure you get the picture by now.

Waterworks

A great way to round off the summer of events. Always a pleasure, never a chore. Nestled in Gunnersbury Park, Waterworks is a dance festival that is small enough not to feel overwhelming but big enough to offer a true festival atmosphere – the balance is perfectly right in my opinion. Numerous stages, great music and weirdly a track record of perfect sunshine. The festival attracts a fun, friendly crowd, and with fewer attendees than some of the season’s bigger names, it’s easier to move around, grab a drink, and get close to the stage without elbowing through a sea of people.

One thing Waterworks has nailed is its impeccable stage design. Each stage is thoughtfully crafted to create an immersive experience. The stages are spaced just right, so the sound quality stays high, and the visuals and lighting displays are understated yet effective, creating a lively ambiance.

While Waterworks have got lucky with the weather most years, this year they weren’t so lucky with the travel situation. Attendees suffered severe delays as the tubes were down, making it a bit tricky to get there. But nonetheless, they managed to figure out crafty routes and eventually make it there, as festival goers always do. Travel woes were quickly forgotten once through the gates.

For those who can’t resist a final boogie as summer winds down, Waterworks is a 10/10 choice. It’s got an easygoing, end-of-summer vibe with a dash of nostalgia for the festival season that’s come and gone, leaving everyone with memories (and a few lingering dance moves) to carry into autumn.

So would I recommend these festivals? Absolutely, each has its unique flavour. Sure, you may not come back to work feeling refreshed, but we all need to let our hair down every once in a while. And what better way to do that than in the company of good friends, great music, and some quintessentially British summer sunshine?

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Emily Nicholas

November 4, 2024