The day also saw performances from JADE, Bimini and FKA twigs
BY ELLA GAUCI, IMAGE BY @BREE.OHAGAN
As the beginning of Cat Burns’ wildly popular song Go starts to play, thousands of fans around me get ready to scream their hearts out. The British singer-songwriter has captivated the crowd with their electric set so far, singing tracks like Girls and All This Love on the iconic All Points East stage. Now, despite the dust that has clouded the day into a hazy dream, friends and lovers alike hold each other for the singer’s epic ending song.
All Points East (22 August) saw 50,000 music lovers enter Victoria Park for a day of belters, beats and banging tunes. The line-up included stars like Jyoty, Cat Burns, Bimini, JADE and (of course) headliner RAYE. FKA Twigs, beloved by the queer community, also joined the lineup at the last minute when bicon Doechii had to pull out of the day.
Starting the day off strong, Cat Burns brought all of her signature swagger, cool composure and effortlessly gorgeous vocals to the main stage. There was something especially magical about hearing a lesbian artist get the flowers she deserves with a mighty crowd screaming along. Around me, queer couples took the set as an opportunity to cry, kiss and share their love. Oh, and before you ask, yes: jorts were the mandatory uniform of the day.
Later on, fierce LGBTQIA+ ally and Little Mix superstar JADE performed a truly magnetic solo set. Performing her new songs like Angel Of My Dreams as well as a Little Mix medley, the icon also took the set as a chance to get the crowd to scream “Fuck you” to transphobia and homophobia. JADE has been no stranger to being a vocal ally, and has used her platform time and time again to support LGBTQIA+ rights.
Punjabi-Dutch DJ Jyoty brought the vibes as the evening approached, playing LGBTQIA+ hits like Unholy by Sam Smith and Kim Petras as well as a truly mesmerising remix of Charli XCX’s hit song Party 4 U.
And finally, the crowd descended on the main stage for the headline act of the year: RAYE. With a full orchestra in tow, the singer gave a goosebump-inducing set packed full of her best hits. RAYE is also a firm ally to the queer community, having spoken about the way queer people have inspired her and her work.
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