London’s Field Day Festival has once again burst onto the scene, proudly celebrating the alternative and pushing the limits of electronic music. The 16th instalment of this renowned event infused Victoria Park with a vibe, attracting a diverse crowd of 50,000 enthusiasts eager to immerse themselves in an extraordinary audio-visual journey curated by visionary artists from the electronic music realm.
Taking centre stage, the Main Stage boasted an array of captivating talent that truly embodies the spirit of London’s alternative scene. The enigmatic Aphex Twin, known as Richard D. James, reclaimed the spotlight with an enigmatic performance that drew attendees into a captivating blend of music and mesmerising Weirdcore visuals, providing a feast for both the ears and the eyes.
Arca, a fearless pioneer in pushing artistic boundaries, set the stage ablaze with an unpredictable, emotional, and sensuous performance that left an indelible mark. This remarkable show underscored Field Day’s commitment to championing experimentation. Other notable performances included Fever Ray, Surasinge, Sudan Archives, Jayda G, and more, solidifying Field Day’s reputation as a haven for all things avant-garde.
The West Stage saw DJ Bonobo closing the festival on a resounding note, delivering a monumental set that encapsulated the very essence of the event. Earlier in the day, Jon Hopkins took festival-goers on an unparalleled sonic exploration, leaving them spellbound. Meanwhile, the CUPRA North Arena offered an abstract sonic haven, with the eagerly anticipated performance by RnB trailblazer Kelela living up to expectations. TSHA’s confident debut live set was another standout moment that held the audience captivated.
For the third consecutive year, the esteemed Mary Anne Hobbs, an integral part of the underground movement and a presenter on 6 Music, curated the All Queens stage, a celebration of female, LGBTQI+, and trans talents. This diverse lineup featured angular techno, electrifying electro, and leftfield oddities, including Chloé Robinson, Anastasia Kristensen, Elkka, Yunè Pinku and more.
Field Day’s dedication to fostering emerging musical innovators shone through the New Sounds stage, offering a platform for genre-bending artists like Love Remains, Gazzi, Art School Girlfriend, and Bibi Seck. These talents are redefining the future soundscape, pushing the boundaries of their respective genres.
Field Day Festival is the brainchild of Broadwick Live, a force determined to make an impact through electronic music and arts, striving to create immersive live experiences that resonate deeply with attendees. Field Day lives on and continues to bring together music and vision in a harmonious celebration of creativity, as they prepare for 2024.