Parklife demonstrates why the North is setting the benchmark for UK festivals this summer. Held in Manchester’s Heaton Park, this year’s edition was unforgettable.
Parklife’s line-up this year was among the most impressive the two-day festival has ever presented. House and techno acts dominated the scene, showcasing the growing influence of dance and electronic sounds over the rap and pop music culture in the UK.
One standout performance at Parklife was by Fred Again, who stole the spotlight from headliner Aitch. Fred Again delivered an energetic and charismatic set that had the audience screaming for more after each song. His blend of current and classic songs saw him create an orchestra of sounds, unlike anything I have heard before.
Last year Fred Again performed to a modest crowd of a few hundred people at the Eat Your Own Ears stage, which was one of the smallest stages at the festival. This time around, he filled The Valley stage to its capacity and showcased his skill in blending EDM-like euphoria and UK bass with vocal samples, which created a spellbound atmosphere.
However, the 30-degree heat that hit festivalgoers on Saturday made the water refill points difficult to access. The situation then turned on Sunday, as a thunderstorm caused a power cut causing the music to be shut off for over an hour.
Leaving the festival on a high note, I found myself stumbling through a warzone of disposable vapes. The festival’s rubbish piles put a small damper on the joys of the day.
Despite the harsh weather and environmental effects, Parklife’s atmosphere remained alive and vibrant – demonstrating how the Northern rave culture dominates the UK music scene.
Image: Fred Again at Parklife 2023
