The Wild Fields Festival at Earlham Park in Norwich was truly an unforgettable experience! This two-day event was a masterclass in curating music, experiences, and community spirit. There was a palpable sense of camaraderie among the crowd, who represented a diverse mix of ages and backgrounds. It was heartening to see so many people come together to enjoy the music and share in the collective joy of the event.
The lineup was impressively eclectic, featuring a wide range of acts that catered to diverse tastes. Friday kicked off with a fantastic day of performances, culminating in an unforgettable headline set by Ezra Collective, which saw the band join the crowd for an up-close performance. Their vibrant and energetic performance truly incapsulated the tone for the festival.
Earlier in the day, the main stage featured a diverse array of artists, including Sam Eagle, Nectar Woode, and Yazmin Lacey. Jalen Ngonda followed, with Nubya Garcia and Zambian singer and rapper Sampa the Great with her incredible high-energy dancers rounding out a stellar lineup. Each performance was a highlight in its own right, with artists delivering memorable sets that kept the crowd engaged and entertained.
The Climate Live UK Bus alternated between the main stage, meaning the audience didn’t have to miss a single act. This was a refreshing approach I have not seen at any festival this year. Climate Live UK offered a unique stage set on top of a bright pink open-top double decker bus. Zamani Fitri, a talented local singer-songwriter fresh from his performance at Latitude Festival, takes the stage, exuding confidence that comes from a lifetime of growing up in the festival scene. The indie pop sibling duo Esme Emerson followed with
Saturday continued the festival’s high energy with incredible performances on the main stage. The day began with Chartreuse setting a lively tone, followed by Gabby Rivers, whose upbeat indie/alternative originals captivated the crowd. Jeshi brought his uniquely dark ambient folk-pop with hauntingly beautiful lyrics to the festival next, before Priya Ragu, the Tamil Swiss singer and rapper delivered a lively and ambitious blend of R&B, rap, and Tamil folk. Squid kept the momentum going with their dynamic performance, and Brit Award winner and Mercury Music Prize nominee Kae Tempest closed the day with an intense and powerful set.
The festival reached its peak with SBTRKT, who ended the festival on a high note with a memorable blend of garage, house and experimental pop that had everyone dancing until the very end.
The Climate Live UK Bus stage also offered an impressive lineup on Saturday. Highlights included Zo Lief, who set the tone early in the day, and Arthur Black, who brought their unique sound to the festival. Sleeps Cousin & Lieu delivered a captivating performance in the afternoon, while LFAY provided a dynamic set as the day drew to a close. Alice-Lily wrapped up the stage with a compelling evening performance that left a lasting impression.
Earlham Park served as a stunning backdrop for the festival. The picturesque setting added a touch of serenity to the energetic atmosphere, and the site was well-organised with clear layouts and easy access to stages, food stalls, and activities. The sun shining down on the park only enhanced the high vibes and added to the overall experience.
Wild Fields Festival 2024 was an inspiring and uplifting experience that left me eagerly anticipating next year’s event. Ben Streets (no stranger to Pop Scoop from his Coasts days) has successfully crafted a unique and eclectic festival that offers something for everyone. If you’re in search of a festival that blends great music, one-of-a-kind experiences, and a strong sense of community — mark your calendars for Wild Fields 2025!
