London’s premier day festival returned to Finsbury Park over the weekend of 8-10 July 2016, with a stellar line up to accompany some stellar weather. Headliners across the weekend included Calvin Harris, The 1975, Chase and Status, Future, Sigma and Boy Better Know, with FAULT Magazine attending the first two days.

A former FAULT cover star, and firm favourite in the office, Miguel graced the main stage on Friday and didn’t disappoint. With his incredible and distinctive voice, Miguel performed with a real energy as he lapped up the crowd’s excitement. With a mix of songs from his latest studio album Wildheart as well as his sophomore album Kaleidoscope Dream, those who basked in the London sunshine were treated to one of R&B’s elite talents hard at work. Miguel took time to address the recent police violence in the USA, with an emotional address for an end to violence. In addition to being an incredible talent, it was touching to see Miguel tearing up while he bared his emotions.

Making their Wireless debut, the 1975 were the chief support act to Calvin Harris and showed why they are one of the hottest bands in the world. With their new album (deep breath) I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it topping both the UK Album Chart and the USA Billboard 200, this was a chance for a lucky crowd to see a band soaring to the top. And they more than delivered. With their ability to deliver instantly catchy songs, the crowd sang along to hits such as ‘Girls’ and ‘The Sound’. Chief support act this year, don’t bet against The 1975 headlining Wireless very soon.

By now it was time for the headline act, and they don’t get much bigger than Calvin Harris. The world’s highest paid DJ (and for good reason) was the main event and was introduced by undisputed A-list star Will Smith. An endless run of hits followed including ‘I Need Your Love’, ‘Summer’, ‘We Found Love’ and this year’s summer anthem ‘This Is What You Came For’. Accompanied by an incredible light show, coinciding with the setting of the sun, it made for a perfect end to day one of the festival.

Day two, and an amazing day at Wireless on Friday only strengthened our desire to get back there for more of the same.

One of the hottest hip hop artists in the world, Future, graced the main stage and whipped the Saturday crowd into a frenzy with his highly respected flow and lyrics. Hits such as ‘Where Ya At’, ‘Wicked’, ‘Jumpman’ and ‘F*ck Up Some Commas’, Future satisfied his huge UK fan base with a lively and passionate performance.

We then headed over to the Pepsi Max Arena to see Sigma perform a live DJ set, with stunning results. The impressive tented area made for an intimate atmosphere, with thousands revelling in the drum and bass tones of the English duo. With the sun still shining, the crowd partied hard to a great atmosphere, and showed how Sigma have deserved the acclaim they’ve received after years in the shadows.

Saturday closed with legends of the drum and bass scene, Chase & Status. Having been on this rodeo throughout their career, the duo had no problem entertaining the crowd, calling up Tempa T and George The Poet to supplement their set. Closing with ‘Blind Faith’, it turned out our faith in Chase & Status’ headline set was fully justified.

We loved the diversity of the line-up, with Wireless Festival attracting a broad spectrum of artists and with that, people attending the festival. An incredible weekend came to a close for us, just wishing we could have made Sunday as well.

Until next year!

 

Words: Kelvin Lyster