Kaleidoscope Festival 2025: Summer Sounds at Alexandra Palace (Review)
London, Saturday 12 July 2025 – The hilltops of Alexandra Palace provided a perfect sun-soaked setting for a joyous celebration last night as thousands gathered for this summer’s Kaleidoscope Festival. A staple of London’s summer calendar, the surprisingly diverse one-day festival combined music, comedy, family entertainment, and general chillaxing, all in one of London’s most stunning settings.
Headlining as the sun dipped behind the skyline were Faithless—Sister Bliss and crew—sounding incredible. They took a crowd of thousands, partying under the stars, to a whole new level by transforming the Palace grounds into a euphoric open-air rave. With lasers slicing through the dusk and smoke billowing over the hillside, the opening chords of Insomnia triggered a roar from the audience that rose into a wall of sound. In that moment, it felt as though Faithless had folded space and time.
A special moment came when they dropped a remix of God Is a DJ, with strobes flashing across hundreds of hands raised high in the air.
Right before, Goldie had been recognized for his ground breaking 1995 record Timeless which was released thirty years prior – not just with a milestone in the birthday book, but with an excellent live-band performance. Goldie was dressed quite simply in a white T-shirt, jeans and cap, but he put on a show that felt like a movie—raw, intense, and full of heart. The festival pulsed with the raw energy of drum’n’bass, as Goldie unleashed a relentless set blending iconic tracks like “Inner City Life” and “Timeless” with fresh cuts from his Alpha Omega project—which I didn’t know before but wow, it sounded great!
A wave of playful nostalgia washed over the audience as Sara Cox played a mix of the best ’80s and ’90s disco hits, she had on a gorgeous summery floral dress, and by halfway through Freed From Desire, she had the whole field dancing. On the same stage Sleeper returned with all the Britpop swagger we remember. Their harmonized galvanizing performance of Sale of the Century was a festival highlight and frontwoman Louise Wener was great. Earlier the R’ Voices Choir launched the day’s musical programme on the Hilltop Stage with a set of huge vocals.
The most indulgent energy of the day came from Eats Everything; the chaotic house set at the Cloud 10 stage – hidden among the trees – was all thumping low end and pure joy. Earlier in the day, DJ Spoony had also made a mark, with a perfect, sun-soaked garage set in homage to London clubbing history. Brandon Block provided the next transition, bringing his own party energy shortly after Melle Brown had the tent going with smooth grooves and punchy vibes long into the evening.
But Kaleidoscope has never just been about the music.
In the Fringe Tent, stand-up stars Shappi Khorsandi and Andrew Maxwell had everyone in fits of laughter. “Nothing like day drinking in the sun and oversharing in a field,” joked Maxwell, to cheers from punters sipping wine and beer, and tucking into burgers and chips.
At the same time, families celebrated the festival vibe in the lush grounds. Children were spinning hula hoops, being taught circus skills, and marveling as The World’s Tallest Bubbleologist created gigantic shifting bubbles in the air. Face painting, interactive theatre and storytelling in the woods, had the little ones bug-eyed all afternoon.
An unexpected highlight was The Beatles Dub Club Come Together in deep-reggae dub. The outcome? A joyful mash up with toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents skanking together — it’s what makes this festival so special.
Once again, the Kaleidoscope Festival proved that in whatever age or whatever music or whatever the long range forecast might say, there’s nothing quite like a London hill in the summer to feel free, connected and alive.
“Cheers, London. You’ve been lovely,” was the final call in the park.
