By Chelsea Abili
I had the opportunity to capture the setting of Leeds Festival 2024 this year, and with an incredible lineup featuring heavyweights like 21 Savage and Lana Del Rey, the festival really wasn’t the weekend to miss, despite the initial storm on the first day and the flying tents…
With a McDonald’s truck offering free chips to everyone, and a buzzing crowd of people, it was an incredibly enjoyable weekend for all. While the main stage certainly stole the spotlight, one of the most exciting parts of the festival was the discovery of lesser-known acts and surprise performances that left a lasting impression. A standout among these was The Aux, a new stage that celebrated content creators and emerging artists alike. Featuring acts like Antics with Ash and The Useless Hotline, this stage was a melting pot of creativity, offering a platform for media creators to shine alongside musicians. The Aux was a refreshing addition to the festival scene, bridging the gap between digital creators and live performances, creating an exciting mix of interaction and artistry that allowed fans to experience a new side of entertainment.
For me, one artist stood out above the rest: RAYE. Known for her incredible talent and versatility, she didn’t disappoint. From trumpets to pianos, and stunning vocalists backing her powerful voice, Raye’s performance was a beautiful symphony that brought her music to life in the most captivating way. Her entrance was both sincere and unforgettable—she ran on stage barefoot, laughing as she told us how cold it was in Leeds but promised she’d perform just for us. That moment made her feel so connected to the crowd, and it was clear she was there for the love of the music and her fans.
Raye is undeniably one to watch in the music industry—she's the next big thing. Fresh off her feature on Central Cee’s latest track, Moi, Raye continues to prove she’s a force to be reckoned with. With her authentic energy and undeniable talent, she’s quickly rising to global stardom, and it’s only a matter of time before she’s dominating charts worldwide. Keep an eye on her—Raye’s moment is now. She sings with so much vim, passion and emotion - the love she has for her craft clearly undeniable.
Raye's connection with the audience is what truly sets her apart as a performer. She’s all about interacting with the crowd, calling everyone "gorgeous" and picking out people she admired—whether it was their outfits or the energy they brought to her show. She made it personal, praising individual fans for their vibe, making each person feel seen. At one point, she even gave a special shout-out to her cousin in the crowd, someone I had the chance to chat with earlier in the guest and press area, which added such a warm, personal touch. Despite mentioning she had a blocked nose and hoping it didn’t make her singing sound off, her performance was flawless.
Raye delivered a deeply emotional performance of "Ice Cream Man," a track about her personal experience with sexual assault. The beautiful lyrics and her raw, powerful delivery moved the crowd, leading many to tears. During the performance, Raye took a moment to address the women in the audience, offering them praise and encouragement. She spoke boldly about the importance of self-love, confidence, and resilience. Her message resonated deeply, creating a powerful and memorable moment.
Overall, Leeds Festival 2024 wasn’t just about the big names; it was a celebration of creativity, authenticity and raw emotion. From the surprise gems at The Aux stage to RAYE’s deeply moving and electrifying set, the festival had something for everyone, whether you came for the music, the content creators, or the unforgettable atmosphere.
Comments