Love Supreme 2025: Soulful Sounds in the Sussex Countryside (Review)

If you’re after a music festival that swaps chaos for comfort, and delivers standout live performances without sacrificing good food or clean loos, Love Supreme 2025 pretty much nailed it.

Held from July 4th to 6th in the stunning grounds of Glynde Place, the festival blended jazz heritage with a wide sweep of soul, funk, R&B – and even a bit of hip-hop – across three glorious days. It felt less like a hectic music fest, and more like the kind of laid-back celebration you wish summer was full of.

Grown-Up Vibes (in a Good Way)
From the beginning it was evident that this is a festival with a good understanding of its audience. With an older demographic the feel was relaxed and respectful. No scrambles for the loos, and no late-night craziness – just great music out in beautiful areas, enjoyed by people who were truly engaged.

The overall site was great; easy to read and navigate, easy food and drink to access, efficient procedures and everything was smooth. We didn’t camp, but all the people that did spoke well of the provision – clean and well maintained toilets, decent showers and a family zone that was well laid out.

And for the glampers? The Supremium experience provides better comfort (as compared to standard camping) and limited access to certain areas with a view of the main stage and facilities; premium toilets, free wifi and designated bars. I must admit that even ‘standard’ facilities were well maintained – which seems like a rare occurrence to mention.

Love Supreme does this well; it’s a truly family-friendly festival with kid’s areas and activities, while also being a wonderful adult space to escape to, with a fundamental focus on the music.

Saturday: The Legends Arrive
Saturday was packed with highlights, kicking off with a powerful early-evening set from The Roots. They were sharp, tight, and full of energy – Questlove’s drumming was as crisp as ever, and Black Thought’s flow was electric. They bridged jazz, soul and hip-hop in a way that felt effortless, pulling everyone in, from hardcore fans to curious newcomers.

Next up was Smokey Robinson, who honestly defied expectations. He strolled out looking cool as ever – at 85, no less – and delivered a set packed with classics like Cruisin’ and The Tracks of My Tears. His voice still carried that smooth, sweet tone, and the way he chatted between songs, sharing stories, was pure gold. It didn’t feel like a nostalgia trip – it felt alive and present.

And then came Jacob Collier. This was his first big UK headline slot, and he turned it into a playground of sound. He bounced between instruments, conducted the crowd into spontaneous harmonies, and somehow made it all feel loose and joyful – even though the technical skill involved was through the roof. And yes, he did it all in yellow Crocs.

Sunday: Grooves, Showers (of Rain), and Soulful Endings
Sunday brought more sunshine – and a little bit of rain – but spirits never dipped. The day started strong with Scottish group corto.alto, whose mix of modern jazz and grime-y beats felt fresh and exciting. Their sound filled the early-afternoon air and got everyone moving, coffee cups in hand.

By the time Nile Rodgers & Chic hit the stage, the energy was at full tilt. Honestly, if you weren’t dancing by the third track, you might’ve needed checking for a pulse. Le Freak, Good Times, Everybody Dance – all delivered with the kind of polish only Nile can bring. Even a quick shower of rain couldn’t dent the groove.

As darkness fell, the weekend closed with neo-soul legend Maxwell. It had been almost ten years since his last UK show, and he made the wait worth it. His voice, especially that floating falsetto, was in top form. Ascension, Pretty Wings – everything was smooth, sultry, and just the right kind of emotional. It was the kind of set where you looked around and saw people hugging, swaying, and smiling in the dark. Perfect.

It’s the Little Things…
One of Love Supreme’s genuine strengths is its attention to detail beyond the musical acts. The Jazz Lounge hosted some fascinating and expressive panels, while the site itself meshed with everything from high-quality artisan food stalls to a champagne bar – with a lovely visit from a cute funfair which brought a nostalgic, fun energy into the weekend. While some people rode the carousel, others enjoyed watching its twinkling lights light up the evening sky; it was another layer of joy embedded into the overall experience. For those that sought a quieter moment, the festival had some free copies of the Sunday Times for a relaxed read in between acts.

All of it added up to something more than just a music festival. It felt like a full weekend escape – a rare blend of great music, decent facilities, and a chilled crowd who were clearly there for the same reason: to relax, reconnect, and soak up the good vibes.

Final Thoughts
Love Supreme 2025 wasn’t loud or messy or showy. It didn’t need to be. It just quietly got everything right. The lineup, the setting, the way everything flowed – it all added up to one of the most enjoyable weekends of the summer so far for us.

Whether you planned every act you saw, or just wandered from stage to stage and stumbled upon something amazing, you left with that satisfied, sunny feeling you only get from a really good festival.

We’ll definitely be back next year. Already pencilled in the dates.