All Points East ’25 was nothing short of unforgettable. Any uncertainty about the day dissolved as soon as the music started . Performances of the highest caliber set the tone, with R&B, Soul, Reggae, and forward-thinking sounds flourishing across Victoria Park.
From the outset, one thing was clear: the X Stage was going to go off. The Blues Project takeover promised a lineup built to keep the crowd moving — and it did exactly that.
Friday 15th August, thousands gathered for a festival that didn’t just follow the script. In fact, it felt like two festivals in one. The build-up throughout the day was packed with talent, and then by 6 p.m. all eyes turned to the Main Stage. Still, the earlier performances were far too strong to be overshadowed. UK R&B pioneers Sasha Keable, Nao, and CARI brought heartfelt sets, while gospel icon Kirk Franklin delivered an electrifying performance filled with joy, energy, and community spirit. Over at the X Stage, Joekay, Ms Dynamite, and more brought their own fire. All Points East was already proving itself before the sun had even began to set.
Cleo Sol, SAULT, Chronixx & Special Guests redefine All Points East
The heart of the evening was the Main Stage, where music met theatre, dance, and visual artistry. The ethos was clear: creativity, storytelling, and soul.
SAULT x Cleo Sol
From the moment SAULT appeared, the crowd was swept into their world. Earthy tones, soulful grooves, and Cleo Sol’s golden, soothing vocals created a set that felt like pure ‘Free‘dom. With the sun overhead, the atmosphere was radiant, unifying, and uplifting — nobody wanted it to end.
Chronixx brought ‘good vibrations‘
Wearing double denim and flashing that unmistakable smile, Chronixx lit up Victoria Park. His set was full of light and harmony, with anthems like ‘Eternal Light’, ‘Skankin’ Sweet‘, and ‘Who Knows‘ uniting the crowd. It wasn’t just music – it was a shared experience of community, joy and connection.
Even at night, Cleo Sol brought ‘Sunshine‘
As dusk fell, Cleo Sol returned, shimmering with glamour and soul. Her evening set was intimate and raw, pulling the crowd into her world. We laughed, we cried, and we felt every note alongside her. The highlight of the day came when she ascended to the top of the Pyramid, serenading the audience with ‘Know That You Are Loved’. The moment was nothing short of magical — her perspective from above must have been breathtaking, but from the ground, it already felt unforgettable.
We have to mention the spellbinding vocals of Ganavya. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular — ethereal, powerful, and deeply moving. We think we can safely speak on behalf of the entire crowd in saying this was one of the most extraordinary performances we’ve ever witnessed.
One thing we did not have on our 2025 bingo card was seeing Mos Def — yet his surprise appearance was a gift. Taking to the stage with effortless presence, he reminded us exactly why he’s an icon. The crowd erupted, thrilled to watch him do what he does best.The Blues Project at the X stage
The X Stage collaboration was a special one — not only to attend, but to host.
Starting off we had a special B2B with Jordss and Karen Nyame KG. Despite it being early in the day this set got the crowd jumping. The smooth mixes were the perfect way to kickstart the stage.
Later, Ms Dynamite took things to another level. The stage was rammed, bodies moving as she unleashed classics like ‘Dy-Na-Mi-Tee‘ (which sent the crowd into chaos) and teased ‘Lights On‘, reminding everyone why she remains a legend.
To close the stage, Joekay delivered a masterclass in mixing. Known for his wizardry behind the decks, he crafted transitions that had everyone asking, “How did he make that work?” Hosting him as the X Stage headliner was surreal — it was a true display of artistry.
And It Didn’t End There…
Kirk Franklin’s set deserves its own spotlight. Overflowing with love and worship, his performance was powerful and heartfelt. At one point, he led the audience through a call-and-response that built into layered harmonies — a collective sound that felt sacred and transformative.
Meanwhile, Sasha Keable, Nao, and CARI represented UK R&B with confidence and heart. Their sets proved the genre is in safe hands — the crowd knew every lyric bar for bar, amplifying the energy of each performance.
Altogether, All Points East 2025 was a banquet of music — unexpected, unrestrained, and unforgettable. Every artist gave everything to the park that day, leaving the crowd full of joy, rhythm, and gratitude. It wasn’t just a festival. It was a moment. And if this year is any indication, next year promises to be just as extraordinary.
