The setting couldn’t have been more perfect stepping into Cloud X Festival. Taking place at Beckenham Place Park the crowds gathered for a sunny day of music, food and good vibes. 

Having attended the festival last year I knew it would be a good time and seeing the growth from Studio 333 to this outdoor space was great to see. 

Not only did the festival grow in terms of location, but the musical offers elevated as well. Having only had one stage and a DJ booth outside in the last venue. This year saw two performance stages as well as two DJ sections offering something for everybody. Of course, the food offerings also expanded as well as an option for festival glitter and cute moments for those around.

Samm Henshaw

Jaz Karis

Jaz Karis

Juls

Pip Millet

With a combination of music across the likes of Pip Millet, Jaz Karis, Samm Henshaw, Col3trane, DJ Ace to name a few there was something for everyone. The flow between the stage moved in a way that made you forget the sense of time as you moved between one act to the other. 

Standouts included an energetic mix delivered by DJ Juls who keep the crowd going throughout a variety of sounds from Amapiano to Afrobeats and of course the pre-carnival vibes were set with dancehall and reggae. Samm Henshaw on the Cloud X stage was another moment, having previously seen him perform at Shepard’s Bush Empire during his Untidy Soul tour I knew that he was one that I didn’t want to miss and of course he delivered. Jaz Karis who took to the Notion stage delivered an R&B set which went perfectly with the setting of the stage and the intimate nature of the Notion tent. Pip Millet was also a stunning vibe, having never seen her live she delivered a performance which was perfect in the backdrop against the sun going down and somehow sounded that much better.  

Overall, it was great to see how much the South London festival has evolved and witnessing its growth from last year to this. Having only being in its third year it will be exciting to see where it goes in the years to come.

For more info and tickets for 2024 visit www.cloudxfestival.com

Words by Seneo Mwamba