On Saturday 23 July, our one-day music and arts bonanza Kaleidoscope Festival returned to Alexandra Park for its third edition.
First things first, a message from Simon Fell, Kaleidoscope Director: “A massive thanks to everyone who came and all who worked to make the event a success. Kaleidoscope now belongs to North London in its sound, style, and swagger. Perched high up on the hill, looking down over its congregation, it was nothing but a beautiful day that sent everyone home smiling and looking forward to what next year’s event will bring.”
What a FANTASTIC evening at @Yourallypally / @KS_Festival.
Thank you to everyone who came along and partied! pic.twitter.com/npCz0rGewx
— Orbital (@orbitalband) July 25, 2022
This not-so-little shindig up on the hill saw the legendary electronic music duo Orbital and veteran Madchester outfit Happy Mondays headline the aptly named Hilltop Stage, with the one and only David Rodigan also taking to the outdoor stage, as did Charlotte Church (with backing from her 10-piece post-punk-disco-RnB band) and pop rockers The Magic Numbers. Starting us off the right way with their mix of feel-good house, gospel, and garage songs was the House Gospel Choir. In total, we had no fewer than six areas and stages for you to enjoy throughout the day. Scroll (and scroll, and scroll, and scroll ) down for more pictures & reactions.
Thanks to our @Happy_Mondays family for getting us through this weekend. Our first without Horse
The band, the crew, management & tour manager all amazing & thanks to all the organisers and beautiful crowds.@ScreamOfficial @KS_Festival at @Yourallypally & @splendourfest ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jcpwc6gJ4Z— Rowetta (@Rowetta) July 25, 2022
Next up in this recap: the Cloud 10 Stage. This DJ-focused area opened with music from Walrus FM DJs, followed by Craig Charles’s Funk & Soul Show, hip hop turntablist DJ Yoda, PBR Streetgang, and a Crazy P Soundsystem sunset set (see what we did there – it’s like poetry, it rhymes.)
Buckle up, we’re heading to the shades of the West Hall now, where you could find the Fringe Stage. That’s where The Cuban Brothers brought the party after riotous sets from comedians Dom Joly, Huge Davies, Jessica Fostekew, Sindhu Vee, and Ed Byrne, which in turn followed a conversation with famed record label owner and music industry legend Alan McGee. And if that wasn’t enough…
Midnight Moon Hotel is the next area of shenanigans, where live music and cabaret went on throughout the day in the Palace’s Victorian basements. Did you dare venture inside our depths to find the weird and wonderful?
Heading back out, you could easily find your way to the Bandstand and the Playground for even more music and our beloved family area, with acts and activities available to little ones throughout the day. Between the arts and craft area, disco fire truck, sports, space raves, a Mini Land Rovers course, plus a performance from the Beautiful Magicians’ Club, it’s fair to say that all were thoroughly entertained.
[Pictures by James Berry, Sophie Harbinson, Andy Paradise, & Lloyd Winters]
But don’t take it from us
“A great day out at Ally Pally” – Ham&High
View this post on Instagram
@KS_Festival @Yourallypally @HouseChoir pic.twitter.com/SyB2EfMvnh
— David Kester (@davidkester00) July 23, 2022
Amazing day for the @KS_Festival at @Yourallypally pic.twitter.com/eFyOmP8KJm
— Jon Woolfson (@jonwoolfson) July 23, 2022
Absolute scenes at @KS_Festival ! An amazing day @Happy_Mondays @DJYodaUK and @orbitalband absolutely on it! Looking forward to next year already! Surely the best festival view ever! pic.twitter.com/q3Bkpq7KfP
— Common People – 90s Indie Disco (@Indie90sDisco) July 23, 2022
@KS_Festival thanks for a brilliant day and to all the staff who were manning by the accessibility platform. They did such an amazing job
— Philip Carson (@Phil_C_224) July 23, 2022
Having been going to festivals for almost thirty years, have to give credit to @KS_Festival @Yourallypally – brilliantly organised event yday, no queues for bars or toilets, great food choices and not oversold. Awesome day. Roll on 2023! pic.twitter.com/4awOJx7MKZ
— Bruce McLachlan (@BruceMcLachlan) July 24, 2022
Saw @orbitalband back in the 90s at the Phoenix Festival. Shared the experience with my kids 25 years later @KS_Festival. Unreal then and unreal now! pic.twitter.com/bE8kTBgByp
— Dave C. (@The_Other_What) July 24, 2022
Big ups to @KS_Festival @Yourallypally you surpassed all expectations what a day /night @crazypmusic immense @DavidRodigan always wins and @orbitalband well what can I say? Just wow pic.twitter.com/VKVoNO6rXZ
— Deb Shenholds (@debdayafternoon) July 24, 2022
What a wonderful family-friendly festival @KS_Festival was on Saturday at @Yourallypally. Friendly staff, well organised and awesome music from @orbitalband @DJYodaUK, @crazypmusic. My seven year old daughter was in awe of Orbital’s visuals at her first festival. Thank you! pic.twitter.com/C5lMlgEcoQ
— Colin White (@ctw71) July 25, 2022
@KS_Festival Just wanted to say had a fantastic time on Sat! My first Kaleidoscope festival and I doubt my last! Great site lay out, all the toilets, amazing view, beautiful night-time illumination, and legendary acts playing 😀
Here’s hoping you book @PIXIES for next year!
— Mark RV (@Zed_eX) July 25, 2022
Party again (and again, and again)
PS: Orbital’s new album, 30 Something, which celebrates the iconic UK rave duo’s 30th anniversary with a mixture of new songs, re-recordings of classic tracks, and remixes from the artists they’ve inspired, is out now: https://orbital30something.lnk.to/
