Review – Kaleidoscope – what a Fab Festival 14 July 2024
Ok, I confess. We got there just in time to see Antony Szmierek having left a bit late in the day. But oh my goodness we wouldn’t have missed a moment more. From start to finish, on brand, this was really a fabulous festival.
Firstly the setting. The view from Alexandar Palace, the character of the buildings, the (ok breathless) walk up, the green just everywhere was a bit of a treat in itself. On the way up we saw a seriously diverse crowd which added to a positive vibe, ancient (me), old, toddlers, teenagers of all heritages, with younger musicians showing us the way forward. First highlight, other than the beautiful surroundings and cool vibe. We loved Simon Amstell with his sharp-witted brand of humour, not shying away from poking fun at societal norms. We then went out for some refreshments – ok some Pimms – and that didn’t disappoint.
Slightly taken back by the £10 price tag – honestly, the Pimms was well worth it. A proper pint sized cup filled with resh mint, cucumber, strawberries and pimms was delicious, I’ll definitely join that queue when we return next year – which we fully intend to, even this early in the festival season.
Food, look, we do honest reviews here. Burgers – great. Chips, oh wow, properly crisp, massive box, all the sauces you could want. I’m fussy on Mexican food and I wouldn’t make a fuss about this one, avoid, unless Mexican food and money are meaningless to you.
Could have been bad luck, obviously, or a bit late in the day.
Soul to Soul – just love them. They really put soul into it, funky, talkative, Jazzie B always get’s people and places in one and speaks to them. Hands up high, every time.
Ministry of Sound Classical just carried it all off at the end, an absolute finale, the energy felt like you could touch it. My daughter would say I’m being a drama queen, but the hairs on my arms still come up, just remembering it, it was electric. Massive high five to Kaleidoscope Festival & Alexandra Palace really, a beautifully fabulous London Festival.
