Set in the idyllic grounds of Glynde Place in East Sussex, 2025's Love Supreme Jazz Festival delivered a weekend of unforgettable moments, genre-spanning music, and pure elation. As Europe’s largest outdoor jazz festival, it’s no surprise that the atmosphere felt like something truly special, equal parts celebration and sanctuary for music lovers of all kinds. With a lineup stretching across jazz, funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop, the festival featured everything from emerging talent to musical royalty, including the return of Motown legend Smokey Robinson, neo-soul icon Maxwell, and seven-time Grammy winner Jacob Collier, all performing rare UK shows.
Between sets, festival-goers could wander into wellness sessions, swing dance classes, artist talks, film screenings, and even late-night DJ sets hidden among the trees. It’s the kind of place where standing in the rain to hear your favorite artist feels more like a privilege than a chore, where the love for music and community feels tangible in the air. Here's my pick of standout performances from the festival.
Smokey Robinson’s performance was easily one of the best I’ve ever seen, and having witnessed countless live shows, that’s saying a lot. At 85, his voice remains smooth as butter, nearly indistinguishable from the recordings he made decades ago. The moment he stepped on stage, he had the entire crowd in the palm of his hand. It felt like we were all part of his show, and if there was any doubt about that, it was erased when he invited two audience members to lead their respective sides in a call-and-response section of one of his songs.
Throughout the performance, it became crystal clear why Smokey is a Motown legend. His natural talent, masterful songwriting, and deep connection with his audience were all on full display. Between songs, he shared stories about writing for icons like The Temptations and Stevie Wonder, giving the performance a personal and historical depth. Hearing him perform songs he had written, some of which I didn’t even realise were his, was a powerful reminder of just how much of an impact he’s had on music.
His stage presence was magnetic, and it would be a crime not to mention his dancing. It had parts of the crowd cackling- including me. While he didn’t perform songs from his cheekily titled 2023 album "Gasms", the playful, sensual energy of that title was certainly present in his movements on stage. Whether dancing solo or with his backing vocalists, it was clear that Smokey still had the spark of his heyday.
As his set drew to a close, with songs like "The Tears Of A Clown" turning the audience into a massive choir, and "Being With You" bringing many to tears, I genuinely didn’t want it to end. He was just that good. Usually, when I see an artist I like and they’re clashing with someone else at a festival, I’ll see the other act, because I love music and want to experience as much as possible. But with Smokey, that logic doesn’t apply. He’s not just unmissable once, he’s unmissable, full stop. I’ve had his music on repeat ever since.
Right behind him on my personal lineup was Thee Sacred Souls. As a longtime fan of their dreamy retro soul, I had high expectations, and they exceeded every one of them. Even as the rain poured down, no one left. Brits in ponchos, under umbrellas, or just embracing the rain, it didn’t matter. Their set was pure warmth and magic. Josh Lane’s vocals were breathtaking. The ease with which he hit notes made it feel like singing is just how he breathes. At one point he was running through the crowd, and yet his breath control never wavered. You could tell he genuinely loved being out there with us, rain and all. That kind of joy is infectious and made their set feel truly communal. The band itself was flawless. Angelic backing vocals, blissful instrumentation, everything wrapped together like a warm, loving hug. If their performance had a color, it would’ve been sunset: deep reds, golden yellows, and the kind of glow that lingers long after. Josh ended with a heartfelt message about love and looking out for each other, especially in a world so heavy with conflict right now. That moment stuck with me.
En Vogue brought elegance, power, and polish. Their harmonies were tight, their outfits coordinated to perfection, and their choreography hit every beat. It was clear how much thought and intention had gone into every part of their set. They performed a mix of their own tracks and some crowd-favorites, and everywhere I looked people were dancing and singing along. My personal highlights? Their classic "My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)" and their electric cover of Tina Turner’s "Proud Mary"- a perfect excuse for all of us to break out our best Tina choreography (you know the one).
And finally, Nile Rodgers & Chic turned the field into a full-on disco inferno. The second Nile hit the opening riff to "Le Freak", the entire crowd was on their feet. From "Good Times" to "Everybody Dance", it was one funky, electric anthem after another. With a repertoire of non-stop hits, their performance served as a strong reminder of why Nile Rodgers is one of the most influential musicians to date. The energy, the aura – it was all there, and we were lucky enough to be part of it.
As the final notes rang out over the fields of Glynde Place and the sun set on another spectacular edition of Love Supreme, it became clear that this festival continues to live up to its name in every possible way. Whether you were swaying to Thee Sacred Souls under stormy skies, or tearing up during Smokey Robinson’s timeless ballads, the weekend was a vivid reminder of music’s power to connect, uplift, and inspire.
Love Supreme isn’t just about jazz, it’s about making memories, legacy, discovery, and community. And with a lineup that fuses legends with fresh talent, and an atmosphere that’s as thoughtful as it is vibrant, it remains a staple on the UK festival calendar for a reason. If you weren’t there this year, consider this your sign to make it happen next time. Trust me, you’ll want to say you were there.
