We Love Brighton attended Love Supreme, a local jazz festival located at Glynde Place with wonderful views of the South Downs. Although relatively small in size, this festival had some big names playing. And despite the typical British weather involving some rainy downpours, it was a really enjoyable weekend of music!
Getting in on Friday was so simple with hardly any queue, though due to lack of internet signal it was imperative to pre-download tickets! Lots of people got there by train or bus or car parking is available with a pre-bought £22 pass. The festival camping consisted of general, premium and glamping options as well as a quiet area and staff were on hand and very friendly in directing festival go-ers where to go. The camping area itself was spacious and calm with respectful campers and included showers and flushing toilets – what a luxury! The festival was wheelchair and buggy accessible with specific viewing areas and sustainable with four different recycling options.
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Once pitched up the music had begun and it was time for an exploration. First impression was the huge variety of food stalls, with cuisines from all over the world. Meal highlights from the weekend were Game & Flames BBQ and Indonesian Coconut Curry stalls.
Now onto what everyone was here for – the music! With seven different stages to choose from, there was always someone playing. Although advertised as a jazz festival, other genres did feature such as soul, funk and hip hop. The Blue in Green stage hidden in the woods was perfect for some late night dancing to DJs until the early hours.
On Saturday, The Roots played the main stage North Downs in the afternoon which was popular and created an upbeat vibe. This festival attracts people of all ages and is very family friendly and safe for teens. In the evening, headliner and musical prodigy Jacob Collier treated us to an audience-led choir and wowed us with his impeccable multi-instrumental skills.
The system for buying drinks was a confusing token exchange, which unfortunately wasn’t explained to customers. Some of the bar staff seemed to be on board with this, with others not even knowing themselves that we needed to keep our cups or have to pay extra each time and no deposit system was in place. This was an unexpected expense, better than disposable cups at least but not communicated well.
Music acts on the Sunday included the fabulous En Vogue who absolutely owned the main stage. These were four sassy power women in colourful power suits performing choreographed well known songs. And everyone sang along with gusto to Nile Rodgers & Chic’s nostalgic tunes, which created such a happy atmosphere.
Smaller acts could be watched too with Off the Chest spoken word at the Bands & Voices stage featuring local poets Naomi Wood and Gramski on the mic and others with an accompanying improvised guitarist. Natalie Williams with her brilliant vocals played in the South Downs tent and Australian band Close Counters had travelled across the world to deliver their electronic keyboard tunes.
The Love Supreme Jazz Festival was overall wonderful and met expectations of a great time! Bravo to the team for lining up some top class acts and for putting on a friendly festival that attracted a variety of ages, local to the residents of Sussex. Certainly worth the ticket price, easy to get to and located in a beautiful setting. I’d definitely come again. Bring on next year!
Ali attended Love Supreme Jazz Festival at Glynde Place, East Sussex from July 3 to 5.
Love Supreme: Website
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