With summer's arrival and the crowd buzzing, Field Day 2025 marked a day full of connection, energy, and moments that truly make you feel alive. Set in the new location of Brockwell Park in Brixton, this year had much to offer. Rides? Plenty. Food? Delectable. Vibes: unmatched. As day turned to night, it was clear that this year had something distinct and special to offer, no less because of the incredible roster of artists who took charge of the stages and stitched their electronic magic into the very fabric of the festival. A truly unreal experience.
For me, Peggy Gou was the undeniable highlight. Closing out the South Stage, she transformed the space into her own world. The visuals behind her name cycled through textured fonts and Korean characters, and when rainbow-colored confetti exploded into the sky at the end of her set, it felt like a perfect celebration of her unique style and presence. However, the magic wasn’t just in the visuals, it was in the crowd. When she played “(It Goes Like) Nanana” and followed up with a cult classic that gets all the Brits going: “Freed From Desire,” thousands sang back every “na-na-na-na” with a kind of joyful conviction that turned the whole field into a giant choir. Beyond those crowd-pleasers, Peggy treated us to two new tracks from her forthcoming "F1: The Album". One track had a catchy vocal loop mirroring Gou's unique production repeating “dance, dance, dance to this rhythm”, and dance to the rhythm we did.
Just before Peggy Gou took over, Folamour brought that unmistakable burst of joy that only he can deliver. His set was just the right dose of bouncy, euphoric house and disco- warm, wholesome grooves that felt like a big, uplifting hug for the crowd. Watching the field sway and bounce, it was clear everyone was caught up in the moment, losing themselves in his effortless blend of originals, remixes, and edits. Even in the busy festival chaos, his set created a place where all that mattered was the beat, the rhythm, and a sea of smiles painted across the crowd. His signature bucket hat was the cherry on top, further establishing the DJ's distinctive style.
Performing under his recent alias as Bubble Love, Felix Weatherall (better known as Ross From Friends) delivered a set that was both surprising and ridiculously fun. Leaning into the high-energy pop-club direction, he zigzagged through nu-disco, garage, and glossy experimental dance with a sense of mischief. The most unexpected and unforgettable moment came when he dropped the "Cha Cha Slide" mid-set. It cut through everything with hilarious confidence, catching the crowd off guard in the best way possible. Outside of his playful moments, his performance stood out for not only the music, but also his understanding of how to work a crowd, the master of timing, tunes, and ten out of ten vibes.
The last act I'd like to highlight was the alternative to the main headliner: Jungle's DJ set. Perhaps better known for their music and hits such as "Back on 74," two of the front band members, J and T, made it clear they are multidimensional artists, confidently defining themselves in different corners of the music landscape. Their DJ set stood apart from their live band performances, focusing on keeping the crowd moving with smooth transitions and addictive rhythms to create an immersive experience. Their set, lit up by the warm hughes they’re renowned for, drew a packed crowd as they delivered a tight selection of their own hits alongside tastefully chosen club tracks like “Renegade Master.” Without the full band, J and T showed off their skills behind the decks, merging nostalgic grooves with fresh sounds that elevated their performance to the next level.
In summary, Field Day 2025 has once again proven why it’s a cornerstone of the electronic music scene and a must-attend event on the festival calendar. After a year this successful, it’ll be exciting to see how they top it next time and which new artists will earn their spot on this sought-after lineup. I definitely won’t be missing it- and my advice? You shouldn’t either.
