22 July 2024

Everything that went down at Kaleidoscope Festival 2024

By Clara Michel

On Saturday 13 July 2024, Kaleidoscope Festival returned to Alexandra Park for a day filled with music, comedy, and family fun.

Kaleidoscope, now in its fifth year, has become a staple in the UK festival calendar. Set against panoramic views of London, the festival offers great performances and the chance to explore the historic Palace and its parkland.

Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from this year’s event:

Hilltop Stage

Ministry of Sound Classical headlined the Hilltop Stage this year, with their 30-piece London Concert Orchestra in tow to reimagine classic dance hits.Before the sun set over London, the legendary Soul II Soul, the energetic The Go! Team, rising star Antony Szmierek, and Huey Morgan from The Fun Lovin’ Criminals took to the main stage. The soulful and uplifting ‘R’ Voices Choir​​ sang us in at the beginning of the afternoon.

★★★★ “Kaleidoscope is a north London festival on steroids on a site sprawling across the hill with arguably the best view of the city.” – The Times

Cloud 10 Stage

The DJ-centric Cloud 10 Stage featured an eclectic line-up: from the versatile Mr. Scruff to the genre-blending Erol Alkan, as well as house music pioneers X-Press 2 and the iconic Artful Dodger​, who kept the crowd dancing on the Terrace all day​​ long.

Fringe Stage

The Fringe Stage offered its signature mix of comedy, spoken word, and performances. Highlights included stand-up from Simon Amstell, rousing storytelling by Brian Blessed, and the wild antics of Oh My God! It’s the Church. Comedians Sophie Duker, Ahir Shah, Chloe Petts, and Katie McLeod also delivered standout sets, while Hip Hop Karaoke rounded out the eclectic line-up​​ and the day.

Family Fun at the Playground & the Bandstand

The family area, a mini-festival in itself, was a buzzing hub throughout the afternoon. Kids and parents alike enjoyed a variety of interactive experiences, ranging from arts & crafts, to circus, and theatre performances. The Bandstand Stage featured up-and-coming musical acts, adding to the day’s festive atmosphere.

Also a big shout out to Gusty, Octopus Energy’s colourful wind turbine, who helped us power our food stalls and bars sustainably during the Summer Season gigs and Kaleidoscope Festival!

It’s fair to say that Kaleidoscope 2024 was a vibrant celebration of music, art, and community in one of London’s most beautiful sites. A heartfelt thank you to all the performers, volunteers, and festival-goers who made the day so special!

All pictures by James Berry, Patrick Gunning, Sophie Harbinson and Lloyd Winters for Alexandra Palace

Your reactions

Share

Other tales

All Stories
22 Nov 2024

‘Loved not lost’ – in support of Music Venue Trust

Read
20 Nov 2024

Biblio-Buzz 2025 – shortlist announced!

Read
13 Nov 2024

Creating a wetlands in the Park

Read
12 Nov 2024

North East Office Building work nears completion

Read
loading