EDGE FESTIVAL 2024 // LILLIARDSEDGE PARK, JEDBURGH
The small town of Jedburgh came alive this past weekend as Edge Fest 2024 brought a diverse lineup of artists to the Scottish Borders.
SATURDAY AT EDGE FESTIVAL 2024
With the sun shining on Saturday, festival-goers enjoyed a perfect day of music and outdoor fun, the festival delivered a memorable experience, with both emerging talents and established acts gracing the stage.
★★★★★ (5/5)
Kicking off the festival on Saturday was Joe Goodall, a local singer-songwriter with a heartfelt acoustic style. Goodall’s set was the perfect way to ease into the day, his soothing vocals and relatable lyrics resonating with the early crowd. Performing original tracks like "Borderlands" and "Hold On," Joe Goodall set the tone for what would be a day filled with feel-good music. His genuine connection with the audience, many of whom were locals, added a personal touch to the festival's opening.
Following Joe Goodall, Nati took the stage and brought a soulful energy that immediately lifted the crowd’s spirits. With a voice that can only be described as powerful and emotive, Nati performed a mix of original songs and covers, each delivered with passion and precision. Her rendition of Etta James' "At Last" was a standout moment, showcasing her vocal range and ability to connect with the audience. Nati’s set was a reminder of the talent bubbling under the surface of the Scottish music scene, and she left the stage to well-deserved applause.
Nathan Evans teamed up with Saint PHNX for a special performance that became one of the standout moments of Edge Fest. The collaboration brought together Evans' folk charm and Saint PHNX's anthemic indie-pop energy in a way that truly electrified the crowd. Performing songs like his signature sea shanty "Wellerman," Nathan Evans had the audience singing along from the first note. But the real magic happened with Saint PHNX joining him on stage, infusing the set with their powerful melodies and high-energy performance. Together, they performed tracks like "Home" and "Heather on the Hill," blending Evans' folk roots with the Jukes brothers' catchy hooks. The combination was seamless, creating a unique and unforgettable experience that had festival-goers jumping and singing along throughout the set. This collaboration was a perfect blend of raw emotion and infectious energy, making it one of the most memorable performances of the day.
Tide Lines, one of Scotland’s most beloved contemporary bands, brought a touch of Scottish heritage to the festival with their blend of folk and rock. Their set was a celebration of everything that makes Scottish music unique—soaring melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and a deep connection to the landscape and culture. Tracks like "Far Side of the World" and "Fortunes of the Fearless" had the audience singing along with pride. Tide Lines' performance was a powerful reminder of the band's ability to create music that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
As evening began to fall, Tunde Baiyewu of the Lighthouse Family took the stage, and his smooth, velvety voice was like a balm to the ears. Performing classics like "Lifted" and "High," Tunde brought a sense of nostalgia to the festival, with many in the crowd singing along to every word. His set was a masterclass in vocal performance, with Tunde effortlessly hitting every note and connecting with the audience on a deep emotional level. The Lighthouse Family's timeless appeal was evident in the warmth of the crowd's response, making it a truly special part of the day.
Lightning Seeds followed Tunde, taking the festival on a trip down Britpop memory lane. With frontman Ian Broudie at the helm, the band delivered a set full of their biggest hits, including "Pure," "The Life of Riley," and of course, the anthemic "Three Lions." The crowd, many of whom were clearly long-time fans, relished the chance to sing along to these iconic tracks. Lightning Seeds' performance was a perfect blend of nostalgia and energy, reminding everyone why they were such a defining band of the ’90s.
Closing out Saturday’s lineup was none other than McFly, and they did not disappoint. The band, known for their infectious pop-rock tunes and high-energy performances, delivered a set that was packed with hits from their extensive catalog. Tracks like "All About You," "Obviously," and "Five Colours in Her Hair" had the entire festival singing along. McFly's chemistry on stage was undeniable, and their ability to engage the audience, from longtime fans to newer listeners, made them the perfect headliner for the first day of Edge Fest. As the sun set and the crowd danced into the night, McFly’s performance left everyone buzzing with excitement for what the next day would bring.
SUNDAY AT EDGE FESTIVAL 2024
Sunday morning arrived with the promise of rain, and while the downpour did eventually arrive, it didn’t dampen the spirits of those returning for the second day of Edge Fest. Ponchos and wellies became the fashion statement of the day, as festival-goers braved the elements to enjoy another round of live music.
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Spilt Milk kicked off Day 2 with a jolt of punk-pop energy. The band’s fast-paced, high-energy performance was just what the audience needed to shake off the rain and get into the festival spirit. Tracks like "Chewing Gum" and "Fake Smiles" were delivered with a raw, youthful exuberance that had the crowd bouncing along. Despite the wet conditions, Spilt Milk managed to inject a dose of fun and attitude into the start of the day.
Next up was Scooty and the Skyhooks, who brought a welcome dose of funk and soul to the rainy morning. Their groovy basslines and infectious rhythms had the crowd dancing despite the weather. Songs like "Boogie On" and "Sunshine and Rain" (ironically fitting for the day) were highlights of their set, with the band’s tight musicianship and charismatic stage presence shining through. Scooty and the Skyhooks' performance was a reminder that sometimes, the best way to beat the rain is to just dance in it.
Lucy Spraggan’s set was a highlight of the day, as she brought her brand of honest, storytelling songwriting to the stage. Performing tracks like "Tea and Toast" and "Last Night (Beer Fear)," Spraggan's relatable lyrics and catchy melodies struck a chord with the audience. Despite the rain, her performance was filled with warmth and humor, making it easy for the crowd to forget about the weather and just enjoy the music. Spraggan's ability to connect with her audience on a personal level made her set one of the most memorable of the weekend.
By the time Scouting for Girls took the stage, the rain was coming down steadily, but that didn’t stop the crowd from singing and dancing along to every song. The band, known for their catchy pop-rock hits, delivered a fun and energetic set that included fan favorites like "She’s So Lovely" and "Heartbeat." Scouting for Girls' infectious energy and feel-good vibes were just what the festival needed to lift spirits as the rain continued to fall. Their performance was a reminder of why they’ve remained a beloved fixture in the UK music scene for over a decade.
As the afternoon wore on, Jake Bugg took the stage, bringing his unique blend of indie rock and folk to the festival. Bugg’s distinctive voice and gritty guitar work were on full display as he performed tracks like "Lightning Bolt" and "Two Fingers." His set was a mix of high-energy rockers and more introspective ballads, each delivered with the authenticity that has become his trademark. Despite the rain, Bugg’s performance was captivating, drawing in the crowd and keeping them engaged from start to finish.
Callum Beattie, one of Scotland’s rising stars, was up next, and he delivered a performance that was both heartfelt and uplifting. Performing tracks like "Salamander Street" and "Some Heroes Don’t Wear Capes," Beattie’s rich vocals and emotive lyrics resonated deeply with the audience. His set was a reminder of the talent coming out of Scotland's music scene, and despite the soggy conditions, Beattie’s performance was a shining moment in the day’s lineup.
Closing out Edge Fest 2024 was the legendary UB40, and they brought the festival to a perfect close. The band, known for their reggae hits and smooth grooves, delivered a set full of classics like "Red Red Wine," "Kingston Town," and "(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You." The crowd, undeterred by the rain, sang and swayed along to.
Edge Fest 2024 in Jedburgh was a weekend of music, mixed weather, and memorable performances. Saturday kicked off under sunny skies, creating a perfect setting for a diverse lineup that included local talent Joe Goodall, the soulful Nati, and viral sensation Nathan Evans, who teamed up with Saint PHNX for a standout performance. The day continued with energetic sets from Tide Lines and the Lightning Seeds, leading up to a nostalgic, high-energy headline performance by McFly that had the crowd buzzing.
Sunday saw the arrival of rain, but festival-goers braved the elements for another day of music. Spilt Milk brought punk-pop energy, Scooty and the Skyhooks delivered funky grooves, and Lucy Spraggan's heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with the audience. Despite the wet conditions, the day was capped off by a legendary set from UB40, who closed the festival with their timeless reggae hits.
Overall, Edge Fest 2024 was a success, blending local talent with big-name acts and delivering unforgettable moments despite the unpredictable weather. While the rain on Sunday tested the resilience of attendees, the music and the festival spirit prevailed, making it a weekend to remember in the Scottish Borders.