As we recommended last March in our article, The best music festivals in London 2024, our team at Reading West visited the highly anticipated Jazz Cafe Festival – and here’s our review.

The inaugural Jazz Cafe Festival 2024 had all the ingredients for a standout event, and while it hit some high notes, there were a few areas where it fell short. As with any brand-new festival, some teething problems were to be expected. However, certain missteps, particularly in the VIP area, left attendees feeling underwhelmed.

The VIP experience, in particular, did not deliver as promised. Many guests paid extra for the perks, but the so-called VIP queue jump didn’t exactly speed things up. In fact, many found themselves waiting just as long as general admission ticket holders. The VIP area itself, while exclusive, offered an almost non-existent view of the stage, which was frustrating for those hoping to be closer to the action. Additionally, the space was overcrowded, leading to long waits for drinks and a distinct lack of the “luxury” experience that VIP ticket holders were expecting.

One of the most glaring issues was the “luxury” toilets – of which there were only three! Female attendees, in particular, found themselves queuing for quite some time. Once inside, the facilities were indeed luxurious, but it seemed that the festival organisers had forgotten to arrange a proper cleaning rota. As the day wore on, the sparkle of these high-end loos began to fade, leaving many unimpressed.

Despite these hiccups, the festival delivered far more positives than negatives. The vibrant and diverse crowd reflected the festival’s eclectic music line-up. It was a kaleidoscope of cultures, styles, and attitudes – a true celebration of jazz’s global influence. From colourfully dressed attendees to those smartly or casually attired, everyone was united by their love of music, and it showed in the way people danced freely to the different tunes filling the air.

Musically, the festival was a triumph. Rapsody brought fierce energy to the stage with her electrifying blend of hip-hop and jazz, proving why she’s a force to be reckoned with in modern music. Buena Vista Social Club offered a dose of nostalgia, delivering their trademark Cuban rhythms to an adoring crowd, turning the venue into a sea of swaying fans. Rising star Eliza was another standout, her soulful voice captivating the audience, while Nils Frahm created an atmospheric, almost cinematic experience with his unique fusion of electronic and classical sounds.

A special highlight of the festival was the touching tribute to the audience itself, with a Latin jazz rendition of Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’. This unexpected cover, reimagined with vibrant Latin rhythms and soulful trumpet solos, struck a chord with the crowd, creating a beautiful, shared moment of connection. It was a perfect example of how the festival celebrated the power of music to unite people from all walks of life.

Overall, the Jazz Cafe Festival 2024 had its fair share of organisational issues, particularly in terms of VIP logistics. However, these are problems that can be ironed out with time, and given the overwhelmingly positive atmosphere generated by the music and the crowd, there’s plenty of potential for future festivals to improve. With such an incredible range of artists and a crowd eager to celebrate the best of jazz and beyond, the foundation is certainly there for this festival to become a major annual event.

In just a few hours, the town of Reading will transform into the epicenter of one of the world’s most celebrated music festivals. Music lovers from all corners flock to Reading to experience a festival with a legacy that stretches back over three decades. Over the years, legendary acts like The Chemical Brothers, Foo Fighters, Oasis, and Prodigy have lit up the Reading Festival stage. If you’re planning to attend this iconic event for the first time, you’re in for a treat. This article is packed with essential tips for navigating Reading Festival 2024, so jump right in.

The Reading Festival has become an annual tradition, drawing crowds of music enthusiasts year after year, no matter the weather. Festival-goers have braved rain, endured sweltering heat, and embraced the mud, learning the art of packing smartly. You’ll want to bring two sets of clothing, prioritizing shorts and T-shirts, but don’t forget waterproof gear and warm layers as rain is expected on Saturday. A quality sleeping bag is a must, and remember to pack light—dragging a heavy bag while hunting for the perfect camping spot is far from fun.

Towels are essential; one can dry you off on rainy days, while the other provides a cool respite when soaked in cold water during hot spells. Wet wipes are invaluable for reasons you’ll soon discover. Sunscreen is crucial for Friday and Sunday to avoid painful sunburns that could ruin your festival experience. If you enjoy a beer (and who doesn’t?), consider bringing your own to avoid the high prices at the festival. Other must-haves include a hat for sun protection, plenty of water to stay hydrated, sunglasses, glow sticks, and a waterproof hoodie for unexpected downpours.

Selecting the right tent is key to a successful Reading Festival adventure. Choose one that stands out so you can easily find it amidst the sea of tents. Otherwise, you might find yourself awkwardly entering the wrong one more than once. Avoid pitching your tent near hedgerows or main pathways, as these areas can be problematic. The ideal spot is near a tree and close to the arena where the bands play. Finally, don’t forget to make new friends, wear your trendiest jeans, and embrace the festival atmosphere with confidence!

And most importantly, don’t miss the First Timer’s Guide from Reading Festival—it’s an essential read for newcomers.

All points East 2024, I can only say one thing, if you’ve never been before, and you are
between 14 and 30 or have a taste for indie rock and music with a difference, star this for at
least a day of it, next year. Our 13 (come 16) year old absolutely loved this festival. And we
were surprised by some great stuff to, frankly.

Apparently it wasn’t just us who were impressed. We arrived a little late at 3pm – … and woahh was what we both said when we saw the queue.
Mitski, Sunday 18 was our destination and it was clearly a fantastic line up, attractive to the
many.

Tip 1 – Arrive early to avoid queues.
Have to say prize for friendliness went straight to the woman at the press ticket office –
friendliness never goes out of fashion, in our humble…

So we are in and we head straight for the blue Tent – massive festival tent which completely
quickly filled up with Sir Chloe fans. She’s getting a growing fan group and the energy was
palatable, honestly you could reach out and touch it which is, err energising…

After that, we needed sustenance. A range of good looking bars and the Madrid stand got our
credit card, energised my partner to be sure! Searching for food – well it’s a festival and it
was everywhere. Value for money – hmmmm as always, check others plates before
deciding.

Tip 2 – Check out different food offers, – the Korean was good, the chips next to that, in a.
cone were real value for money £5 and full, but there were burger places selling burgers for
£13 then £5 for chips. I get it, prices are only rising but the lack of queue there showed
group price-rejection.

Next on the cards was just a wonder around, set in Victoria Park, just being there, sitting on
the grass under the trees. Our group couldn’t rseist taking a ride of two, fun but way to high
swings and the obligatory big wheel which was thankfully not that big…..

Tip 3 – bring plenty of cash, it’s fun but it costs (obviously).
The energy just seemed to grow throughout the day. With a total explosion at the end –
really the pinnacle of a fine day. Mitski is like a performing artist. She held the crowd from
start to finish, asking us all (and it felt like 40k plus thronged to her finale), put your hand up
if. When she said put your hand up if you are the chaperone, up when my hand yet I
actually experienced real pleasure watching her go for it, twisted limbs in ballet style, full
throated beautiful voice singing Love me more, Nobody and My love mine all mine. And the brilliant energy of the end, orange confetti exploding all over the stage and the pit. We all crowded out into the night black east London streets, everyone happy in Hackney, a real wow experience. Thank you, All Points East!