When you think of a disco festival, you might picture a late-night club or a warehouse drenched in mirrorball light. Love Motion flips that idea on its head, bringing glitter, groove, and disco icons to the leafy amphitheatre of Crystal Palace Bowl. Now in the heart of South London’s summer calendar, the one-day celebration is equal parts dance party and community gathering. 

This year’s Love Motion lineup is a masterclass in disco diplomacy, bringing together timeless legends and fresh voices across an electrifying arc. Headlining the festivities is Nile Rodgers & CHIC, whose unmistakable groove sets the celebratory tone. Sharing the stage are dance icons Louie Vega, Cerrone, and Dimitri From Paris, while rising star Kirollus adds modern flair. The House Gospel Choir delivers soulful live vocals, Don’t F**k With Disco keeps the party pulse flowing through DJ sets, and Tonno Disko, The Wild Violets, Tatiana, and Old as Funk courtesy of The Disco Express stage takeover round out a lineup rooted in disco’s rich lineage yet sparkling with contemporary energy.

I spoke with organiser Matt Braddock about cocktails, crowd journeys, and the magic that turns a historic stage into disco paradise.

If Love Motion had a cocktail, what would be in it?

I’d call it the ‘Disco Spritz.’ There would be some prosecco for a bit of sparkle, a splash of elderflower, a twist of lemon, and a dash of Aperol for a retro hue, bringing the festival’s blend of classic disco and modern energy.

How do you turn a leafy outdoor amphitheatre into a full-on disco?

We take the leafy curves of Crystal Palace Bowl, which has been an iconic spot for live shows since the 70s, and drench them in light, mirrors, and sound. Suddenly South London’s greenest stage becomes a dancefloor.

What’s the one track you can already imagine echoing over the lake this year?

Nile Rodgers & CHIC’s ‘Everybody Dance!’ – a timeless anthem that’ll soar across the Bowl

Do you plan the lineup like a story with a beginning, middle, and end?

We tried to build the day like a journey and integrate a mixture of live acts with some of the finest DJs on the scene. Legends CHIC and Cerrone performing live alongside more contemporary disco DJs such as Kirollus, Tonno Disko who are really hot I think provides a really interesting mix.

If you could teleport one disco legend onto the stage this year, who would you pick?

Donna Summer – disco royalty. She’d be the fairy godmother of the festival.

Finally, what’s the secret ingredient that makes Love Motion more than just another day festival?

It’s the combination of community, nature, and groove. Crystal Palace Bowl’s leafy surroundings, a lineup rooted in disco heaven, and a crowd that shows up in full spirit.

For more information and tickets visit www.southfacingfestival.com.

Words by Ama Samra