Summer may now be officially over, but We Out Here 2022 was the perfect send off to the season, writes Miriam Balanescu
From a plethora of activities – spanning soothing wellness sessions to energetic dance classes – to an eclectic roster of established and emerging musicians, We Out Here 2022 promised something for everyone. Set amid the hilly terrain of Grange Farm in Abbots Ripton, the site was teeming with a diverse array of DJ, craft and wellness tents – a real pick and mix of entertainment.
Among the artists gracing the waterside Main Stage on Saturday was Emma-Jean Thackray, whose soulful performance sent sound waves rippling across the reservoir. Balanced somewhere between psychedelia and jazz, Emma’s floating instrumental soundscapes held the crowds in thrall. Her song Sun was a fitting close to her set, as the rays streamed down onto the stage.
© Photography by Rob Jones (www.instagram.com/@hirobjones)
The Comet is Coming, a London-based hybrid genre trio, were an unorthodox headliner for the night. Fusing jazz sax instrumentals with intense rock, this unique band were a fierce contrast to the rest of the festival line-up.
Elsewhere, the acclaimed broadcaster and DJ Gilles Peterson, Channel One, Sherelle and Sassy J held the groove over at the Rhythm Corner, performing to packed audiences. At Lush Life, future soul artist Wayne Snow dazzled with his rich, reggae-inflected compositions. The uncovered gem of Saturday’s line-up was Madi Saskia, with her stunning voice and intoxicating tunes.
The true joy of this year’s festival, however, was wandering the site and stumbling upon electrifying sets from world-class DJs. Among our favourites was the Lemon Lounge, an aptly decorated yellow tent adorned with papier-mâché citrus fruits and disco balls. If dance or crafts are more your thing, an exciting programme was on from morning till night, while the wellness tent was the epitome of zen as participants were guided through yoga and meditation activities.
The festival’s organisation, with the lack of shuttle buses to and from the site, left a little to be desired – but overall, this was a treat of a weekend with great music and an unparalleled array of activities to choose from, certain to appeal to music-lovers, festival fans and families alike.
