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Summer 2024: A Melodic Journey Through The South West
Ben Holtam (aka DJ BenG) reflects on some of the region's live music events.
The summer of 2024 brought a symphony of sounds to the South West, transforming Devon and Cornwall into a hub of music and celebration. As a DJ and music enthusiast, I had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand the range of festivals that filled our long, sunny days with unforgettable performances and community spirit. Let’s take a closer look at some of the standout music festivals and DJ events that made this summer so special.
Tunes in the Park: A Fusion of Familiar and Fresh
This year's Tunes in the Park at the Port Eliot Estate in Cornwall was a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary pop. Spanning from August 22nd to 25th, the festival featured a lineup that was as diverse as it was thrilling. With acts like McFly, Busted, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, the event brought a welcome dose of early 2000s pop, while artists like Paloma Faith and Natasha Bedingfield kept the lineup current.
Beyond the music, the addition of comedy performances by Frankie Boyle and Al Murray created a unique festival experience that was both entertaining and engaging. Set against the scenic backdrop of Port Eliot, this festival proved to be a highlight of the summer, perfectly capturing the laid-back yet lively spirit of Cornwall.
Eden Sessions: Concerts in a Natural Wonderland
The Eden Sessions once again offered a unique concert experience nestled within the biomes of the Eden Project. Spread across June and July, this series of gigs featured an eclectic lineup that included Fatboy Slim, Paolo Nutini, Suede, and The Manic Street Preachers.
The Eden Project, known for its stunning scenery and environmental focus, provided an intimate and enchanting setting for these performances. Each session felt like a private concert, with the acoustics of the biomes enhancing the sound in a way that few other venues can replicate. For anyone looking to experience live music in an extraordinary setting, the Eden Sessions did not disappoint.
Skybar: Coastal Clubbing at It's Best
This summer, Skybar events popped up at various stunning locations along Cornwall’s coastline, creating an unforgettable series of DJ nights under the stars. These events combined breathtaking clifftop views with curated DJ sets, ranging from chill-out sessions to high-energy dance tracks.
The pop-up nature of Skybar meant that each event had a distinct vibe, tailored to its unique setting and audience. Whether you were there to dance the night away or simply to soak up the ambiance, Skybar provided a perfect blend of music, nature, and community. Dancing with the ocean as your backdrop is an experience that captures the essence of summer in Cornwall like no other.
Boardmasters: A Festival That Marries Music and Surf
Held in Newquay from August 7th to 11th, Boardmasters seamlessly blended its roles as both a music festival and a surf competition, creating an event that truly embodied the spirit of the South West. With headliners like Chase & Status, Sam Fender, and Stormzy, the festival brought together some of the biggest names in music across its multiple stages.
Meanwhile, the surf competitions at Fistral Beach kept the adrenaline high, attracting surf enthusiasts from all over. Boardmasters’ ability to merge music, sport, and a love for the beach lifestyle makes it a unique fixture in the summer festival calendar and a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the best of the South West.
The Big Tribute Fest: Hits You Love, Performers Who Deliver
For those craving a bit of nostalgia, The Big Tribute Fest in Plymouth offered a weekend of familiar tunes performed by some of the best tribute acts around. From August 9th to 11th, the festival featured acts like Coldplace (a tribute to Coldplay), Spice Forever (a tribute to the Spice Girls), and Oasish (a tribute to Oasis), providing an experience that was both fun and reminiscent of the original bands.
The event, housed in a large tent in Central Park, Plymouth, provided a weatherproof environment where fans could enjoy classic hits without the typical festival worries about rain or mud. The atmosphere was one of pure enjoyment, celebrating the music that has defined different eras and continues to bring people together.
Reflecting on a Summer of Music
As the final notes of summer fade, the memories of these festivals will linger long into the colder months. Each event brought its own flavour, from the vibrant energy of Boardmasters to the serene settings of the Eden Sessions. It was a season that showcased the diversity of the South West’s music scene, offering something for everyone—whether you’re a die-hard festivalgoer or someone who just loves a good beat under a summer sky. Here’s to more music, more sun, and more unforgettable moments in the South West.
Stay tuned to Little South for more music stories, event reviews, and everything you need to keep the rhythm alive. For updates on future events and more insights from the South West music scene, keep an eye on our platform. And remember, wherever there's a beat, there's a community ready to dance.
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Little South is where the artists come to play - created with the goal of supporting and promoting local DJs and Producers in West Cornwall, UK, who specialize in various genres of dance music. The enthusiastic response from the Cornish nightlife community was overwhelming, allowing Little South to become a crucial platform for local artists seeking exposure at events. As time went on, our reach expanded beyond Cornwall and encompassed artists and events from across the entire South West of England, UK.
One of our defining features has been the opportunity to showcase DJ mixes through our podcast series. Since our establishment, we have actively published podcast mixes from some of the most talented DJs in the South West. These mixes serve as a testament to the exceptional skills and creativity of our region's DJs, providing a platform for them to showcase their talent to a wider audience.
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Our dedicated team actively seeks out localized, independent music events to showcase and promote. Additionally, we proudly provide a platform for major events happening throughout the South West region, including specialist music festivals and large capacity live music events.
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Little South - Where the artists come to play. Dedicated to promoting and bolstering the live music scene and vibrant nightlife in Cornwall, Devon, as well as the broader South West region of England.#southwestnightlife
Where the artists come to play.
Little South - Where the artists come to play.
