All Points East has become one of London’s essential festivals, known for blending world-class music with community-focused experiences in Victoria Park. This year’s opening day on 15th August was a celebration of voice and artistry, featuring an array of performers from underground stars to festival headliners.
On the smaller stages, Demae stood out. Though not yet a household name, she commanded attention with her honeyed, introspective vocals, performing tracks that showcase her blend of neo-soul, alternative R&B, and hip-hop-inflected rhythms. Sasha Keable was also a standout amongst the earlier acts of the day, delivering her rich, powerhouse vocal on songs like "Hold Up" and "Why", displaying her ability to combine South London grit with Colombian musical influences. Both sets drew in the crowd, proving that the festival was as much about music discovery as it was about seeing more well-known stars.
Later in the day, I headed to the main stage to see headliners Chronixx, Sault, and Cleo Sol, and the set was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced at a festival or concert. A pyramid stage sat in the middle of the crowd, connected to the main stage by a walkway, creating the impression of being in a vast desert. The performance opened with an African choir in flowing robes, singing alongside an orchestra, interspersed with actors delivering spoken-word segments. Central to the narrative were themes of freedom, self-discovery, and healing. The storyline could be tricky to follow at times, but the overarching sense of empowerment, community, and spirituality came through, evoking a distinctly biblical atmosphere. While some audience members were fully absorbed, with one woman even hushing those around her, others used these intervals to chat, grab drinks, or visit the toilets. But attention quickly refocused as Cleo Sol and Chronixx entered the stage. Sol, with her mirrored glasses adding a subtle futuristic contrast to the ancient aesthetic of the set, performed a wide array of Sault songs alongside Chronixx, from hits like “Wildfires” and “Masterpiece” to deeper cuts such as “Pray For Me,” thrilling both casual listeners and core fans familiar with the collective’s full catalogue.
After another spoken word interval came Chronixx, perfectly timed with the sunset. The Jamaican reggae star, whose "Chronology" album earned a Grammy nod for its conscious, uplifting sound, lifted the park with "Smile Jamaica", "Skankin", and "Sweet and Likes". His warmth and energy were infectious; people danced, swayed, and some even lay eyes shut on the floor, relaxed and connecting with the music in the way they felt best.
But for me, the night truly belonged to Cleo Sol. A long-time favourite of mine, she more than lived up to expectations, delivering a flawless set full of songs that I and so many others love, including “Promises,” “Sunshine,” and more. Her voice was mesmerising, exactly like her records, never missing a note and instead hitting each one with striking clarity. This was especially impressive given the length of time she sang, showcasing not only incredible vocal technique but remarkable stamina, performing every song to a consistently high standard despite the complexity of the material. She closed with “Know That You Are Loved,” standing atop the pyramid in a sparkling silver gown, and as the crowd softly sang back, it was astonishing that, despite the size of the audience, her performance felt intimate and personal, as if she were singing to you alone.
Overall, it was a fantastic day, overflowing with talent, joy, and a wonderfully diverse range of music. I would wholeheartedly recommend anyone considering attending next year to take the leap and grab a ticket- what you get in experience, performances, and atmosphere far outweighs the cost.
