All Points East: A Festival Handmade for Music Lovers

All Points East is a well-designed festival. From the positions of the stages to the line-up of artists tailored each day around its headliners, it feels like a festival crafted with the audience in mind.

The schedule is jam packed, offering opportunities to discover emerging acts as well as the established and iconic. In fact, it turned out that many of the acts have some sort of connection with each other, which often results in an artist you missed earlier being brought out by another during their set. The prospect of those moments fills the crowds with hope and anticipation, everyone on their toes to see who might emerge from wings next. Such was the case during Zara Larsson’s performance on the following day, (Saturday 22 August), where she brought out PinkPantheress, also performing that day, for the first ever live rendition of their track ‘Stateside’.

The atmosphere is chaotic but in a good way. People are there with a checklist of who they need to see and are ready to preserve every moment. Every now and then, you’ll catch a sea of phones in the crowds held by swaying and jumping hands, capturing the moment with both their cameras and their eyes.

With six stages and a packed schedule, it’s impossible to see everyone. All Points East certainly kept me on my toes.

kwn performed in quite an old school R&B manner, gracing us with a magnetic stage presence while her music videos played on the screen. The crowd watched intently and recited her lyrics with such passion that at some points she didn’t even need to sing.

Nia Archives was enchanting, serenading us with jungle, hypnotic vocals and engaging visuals. Her energy was contagious and created the perfect mood ahead of the headline slots.

Tems was magnetic and ethereal, almost like a siren. Watching her felt deeply intimate and personal. Just as we calmed into her trance, she brought out Dave as a surprise guest, to perform their track ‘Raindance’.

Jorja Smith closed off the first night of the festival with a jaw dropping performance; it’s clear she doesn’t take being the headliner lightly. Jorja went all out, glistening head to toe - lip gloss, highlighter, diamonds and a smile. Her set was filled with amazing energy as she sung tracks from her latest album, ‘What Are The Odds’, as well as some old favourites. Nia Archives joined her on stage to take over the decks while rapper AJ Tracey came out for a rendition of his track ‘Ladbroke Grove’. 

The star-studded guests didn’t stop there - Katy B, Loyle Carner and Devlin all joined Jorja for full-circle moments and sing-along hits. It was a big celebration of British music and a perfect high to end the night.

Submit music to DMY here.

Read next: Album Review: Jorja Smith - 'What Are The Odds'