Out Of The Trenches… We Out Here 2025 Reflections

My saviour for the first two days was the family area and the low and no alcohol bar. Knocking back the Botivo’s, knowing that I was fully able to parent was a gift as I dragged the entire family along to see my favourite artists and DJs, starting with Dar Disku at the appropriately named Lush Life stage, nestled away at the back corner amongst the trees and a stones throw away from the wellness sanctuary complete with saunas and a Swimming lake. Dar Disku, a duo from Bahrain with disco/funk from the SWANA regions, with their 8-piece live band that is made for headlining festivals… It’s a shame they weren’t here, but other festivals, please take note.

Moving onto the Bowl (my first night of many there) is exactly as it is described, with a stage in the middle at the bottom, WET LDN opened with a BPOC-run programme rooted in South London’s queer club culture spanning UK Funky, Broken Beat, Hard Drum and beyond. KG Ikonia, Shy One and Emma Korantema set it off, pulling a mixed and queer crowd into a euphoric opening night, also giving Theo Parrish a run for his money, who at the Rhythm Corner is seamlessly blending techno, jazz, disco and soul to his disciples. Just when you are getting lured into a deep, weird techno groove, it always comes back around to a jazzy number.

I pop my head into Trojan Soundsystem, where it’s going off, particularly a high-energy vibe, but I manage to get myself to bed at a respectable time, as we have lots planned tomorrow with the kids.

On Friday, we pack it all in: a kids’ art workshop, a family Roller Skating session, which is a roller disco by day and a proper disco by night. Clearly, LDNLDN has all the jams. A swim in the lake and I take my kids to see Horse Meat Disco in the bowl, and after their bedtime, it’s back to the Rhythm Corner for more wonky house goodness courtesy of Marcelus Pitman and Maurice Fulton.

I discover a new stage The Grove with a BBE take over and some amazing selectors at the Brownswood tent (small plates and natty wine by day and disco den by night) that I’ve never heard of, but should because they are playing all my favourite SWANA disco tunes.

I finally catch a bit of the main stage, after managing to miss everyone else there. MJ Cole is up and I’m getting nostalgic about Y2K UKG and this is stimulating all the senses, but take myself off to bed to fall asleep to the sounds of Ben UFO B2B Josey Rebelle.

Saturday, it’s time to say goodbye to the children (they are off to Grandma’s so that I can now really get stuck in). They are so sad to leave, and I feel extremely guilty, but I question if I can do the entire festival with children; there is too much to see.

Joey Baatan and Leroy Burgess, I pinch myself because these legends are playing live in front of me. I know I am supposed to see Rotary Connection 222, I’ve added it to my schedule and I’ve arranged to meet people there, but somehow my legs are firmly implanted into the hillside of the Bowl for the majority of the night of E Soul Cultura (Hunee, Luke Unabomber & Antal). I am disappointed in myself; Rotary Connection 222 are a 30-piece orchestra/supergroup reimagining of Charles Stepney-penned classics. I finally manage to leave and catch the epic rendition “I Am The Black Gold Of The Sun”, but Antal’s Zouk is calling me back to my spot. I need to send apologies to everyone I missed that night. I feel I’ve never been so loyal to one stage before.

I know that everything else that I didn’t see was incredible too, because everyone else that saw it told me so and for whatever artist/talk/pop-up restaurant/workshop or class I missed, I discovered something jaw-droppingly amazing because of the excellent programming. So it almost didn’t matter where you were, the music or experience would be outstanding. My friend was particularly upset that they missed the speed dating. I can safely say that this is probably the best place to meet a new partner if you’re single.

It’s been really hot, and by Sunday, I’ve got grey trainers and bogies from the Dust Bowl. There have been a lot of steps, I’ve had too much fun, too many highlights to mention. A true testament to grassroots and independent music with not a branded stage in sight. No free samples and marketing freebies. It’s great to enjoy music in its purest form.

I’m almost ready to go home, but my spirit comes back to me for Oby Onyioha (ft Sai Galaxy) back on the Lush Life stage. I am back where it all started, and this afro disco has rebooted me. There’s still so much more to soak in. The end of the night is in full swing, and I hear Giles smash out all the hits for his closing set from the comfort of my tent.

In the current climate where you can’t enjoy your music without knowing what corporate companies are profiting, it’s a truly refreshing experience, and just how music should be.

This really is a festival like no other.

Out of the trenches is Nadia’s irregular musings for our on-line web-zine Ransom note.
“I’m slowly coming back to life after intense and insane period of having to care two mimi me’s. This is where I get to rediscover being a DJ, Broadcaster and music lover all over again.”