A merry fortress of alternative music at Citadel Festival

A merry fortress of alternative music at Citadel Festival
Field Notes — The first ever Citadel Festival announced its presence with a glittering lineup and good vibes in East London’s Victoria Park.

The clock strikes five. Summery afternoon light is streaking through the dust and colouring everything in sight with a  golden filter as the inaugural Citadel Festival brings a weekend of live music and festivities to an end in East London’s Victoria Park. Within the temporary sanctuary from the madness of the city outside its walls, groups of friends are walking in all directions, trying to catch as much as they can of the immense programme of music and activities on offer.

At the Soundcrash stage near the entrance, the crowd is eagerly awaiting Roots Manuva and his reggae and dub-tinged hip hop. Home to the some of the festival’s more experimental sounds, the big tent also plays host to Seun Kuti’s (son of legendary Fela) modern afrobeat, rapper Neneh Cherry backed up by electronic duo Rocketnumbernine and the mesmerising voice of Andreya Triana.

As the dapper Brixton-born Roots Manuva takes the stage — joined by two backing vocalists, a bass player, drummer and a DJ — it’s not long before the crowd are bopping to his Kingston-flavoured chart toppers ‘Witness’ and ‘Get Get’. With the audience firmly on side, he shifts gears into the Machinedrum and Four Tet-produced future-bangers from his recently released EP, ‘Like A Drum’ and ‘Facety 2:11.’

Roots Manuva / Citadel

A dazzling array of sideshows, a stellar line-up of food trucks, talks and even a slightly surreal grown-ups sports day, fought for attention but like any other summer festival, Citadel’s main draw is its solid main musical lineup. The main stage was graced by acts like Kurt Vile & The Violators’ slacker sounds, Bombay Bicycle Club’s energetic, wanderlusty rock and Anna Calvi backed by The Heritage Orchestra. At the other end of the festival site, Nick Mulvey’s jazzy vibes attracted swarms of people away from the lure of the main stage, as did Dan Croll’s multi-layered electronic pop.

Despacio, curated by 2ManyDJs and James Murphy, presented an altogether different experience: a ballroom of sorts with a mirror ball at the centre and glimpses of strobing lights flashing within an enveloping darkness. Next door, beach volleyball added another sporting activity to Citadel’s quiver and the park bandstand got all attendees working up a sweat with an array of dancing and swinging acts. Further along, a carnival of doings and goings-on: skateboarding halfpipes, comedy tents, DIY studios and more besides.

JT_Citadel_BenHoward_LoRes_2865

After the sun set, Ben Howard’s melancholic, tear-jerking surf-folk brought the curtain down on the whole event. As the phenomenal lightshow came to an end, the crowd filtered out into the warm summer night, hopeful that this temporary musical sanctuary in the heart of the city would return again next year.

Find out more about Citadel Festival.

Latest on Huck

This erotic zine dismantles LGBTQ+ respectability politics
Culture

This erotic zine dismantles LGBTQ+ respectability politics

Zine Scene — Created by Megan Wallace and Jack Rowe, PULP is a new print publication that embraces the diverse and messy, yet pleasurable multitudes that sex and desire can take.

Written by: Isaac Muk

As Tbilisi’s famed nightclubs reawaken, a murky future awaits
Music

As Tbilisi’s famed nightclubs reawaken, a murky future awaits

Spaces Between the Beats — Since Georgia’s ruling party suspended plans for EU accession, protests have continued in the capital, with nightclubs shutting in solidarity. Victor Swezey reported on their New Year’s Eve reopening, finding a mix of anxiety, catharsis and defiance.

Written by: Victor Swezey

Los Angeles is burning: Rick Castro on fleeing his home once again
Culture

Los Angeles is burning: Rick Castro on fleeing his home once again

Braver New World — In 2020, the photographer fled the Bobcat Fire in San Bernardino to his East Hollywood home, sparking the inspiration for an unsettling photo series. Now, while preparing for its exhibition, he has had to leave once again, returning to the mountains.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Ghais Guevara: “Rap is a pinnacle of our culture”
Music

Ghais Guevara: “Rap is a pinnacle of our culture”

What Made Me — In our new series, we ask artists and rebels about the forces and experiences that have shaped who they are. First up, Philadelphian rap experimentalist Ghais Guevara.

Written by: Ghais Guevara

Gaza Biennale comes to London in ICA protest
Activism

Gaza Biennale comes to London in ICA protest

Art and action — The global project, which presents the work of over 60 Palestinian artists, will be on view outside the art institution in protest of an exhibition funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Written by: Cyna Mirzai

Ragnar Axelsson’s thawing vision of Arctic life
Culture

Ragnar Axelsson’s thawing vision of Arctic life

At the Edge of the World — For over four decades, the Icelandic photographer has been journeying to the tip of the earth and documenting its communities. A new exhibition dives into his archive.

Written by: Cyna Mirzai

Sign up to our newsletter

Issue 81: The more than a game issue

Buy it now