THIS IS TOMORROW FESTIVAL 2021 - FRIDAY // EXHIBITION PARK, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
THIS IS TOMORROW FESTIVAL 2021 FINALLY KICKS OFF WITH DERMOT KENNEDY HEADLINING AND CLOSING FRIDAY AT NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE’S EXHIBITION PARK
DERMOT KENNEDY HEADLINING AND CLOSING THE FIRST DAY AT THIS IS TOMORROW FESTIVAL 2021 AT EXHIBITION PARK, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE - 17.09.2021
PICTURE BY: | CALLUM ROBINSON AT COAST 2 COAST PHOTOGRAPHY
★★★★★ (5/5)
Kicking off Friday was Zela, described as Dark Electro Pop. With their catchy choruses and driving electronic drum beats they had the crowd warmed up for a belter of a day. For a band who’ve only been performing live since July their confidence was unparalleled. Opening the Richard Hamilton stage was Hartlepool’s Michael Gallagher and opening the brand-new Tomorrow was Sweets.
Returning to the main stage it was time for Mahalia, a 23-year-old who’s been making waves since the success of her second album Love and Compromise saw her gaining commercial success. Her 45 minute set was filled with Mahalia dancing all over the stage while sounding her best.
MAHALIA PERFORMING ON THE FIRST DAY AT THIS IS TOMORROW FESTIVAL 2021 AT NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE’S EXHIBITION PARK - 17.09.2021
PICTURE BY: | CALLUM ROBINSON AT COAST 2 COAST PHOTOGRAPHY
Up next was one of the key figures in the revival of grime in the UK: Bugzy Malone. With the DJ starting, Bugzy's hype man came to the stage to encourage the crowd to move forward and wake up. After 20 minutes the Manchester rapper came to the stage to a delight of fans. His short and snappy set had the crowd moshing and shouting his lyrics.
BUGZY MALONE PERFORMING ON THE FIRST DAY AT THIS IS TOMORROW FESTIVAL 2021 AT NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE’S EXHIBITION PARK - 17.09.2021
PICTURE BY: | CALLUM ROBINSON AT COAST 2 COAST PHOTOGRAPHY
Returning to the Richard Hamilton stage I managed to catch the start of Bloxx, I’ve caught the group live a handful of times and they’ve gone from strength to strength. After each performance I’m reminded why I’m a fan, their tracks are fun and sound cracking. Included in their set was Sea Blue – my personal favorite from the four piece.
Returning to the mainstage it was time for the indie boppers Blossoms. Since the release of Charlemagne the group have become known throughout the UK for their fun lyrics and vibrant sound they attracted a sizeable crowd. Opening with Your Girlfriend had the crowd singing and dancing. The group closed with Charlemagne, which caused roars of cheers from the crowd.
BLOSSOMS PERFORMING ON THE FIRST DAY AT THIS IS TOMORROW FESTIVAL 2021 AT EXHIBITION PARK, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE - 17.09.2021
PICTURE BY: | CALLUM ROBINSON AT COAST 2 COAST PHOTOGRAPHY
The headline act of the evening was the Irish singer/songwriter Dermot Kennedy, who transformed the stage with risers at all different levels. With the lights fading the smoke rolled onto the stage, as the musicians took the stage all that was visible was silhouettes. Dermot Kennedy entered the stage to cheers from thousands of fans. His set was filled with fan favourites Better Days, After Rain, Giants and Outnumbered. Kennedy was on top form, sounding incredible, I was thoroughly impressed with his set and hope to catch him on another headline show.
THIS IS TOMORROW FESTIVAL 2021 - FRIDAY// PHOTOS:
DERMOT KENNEDY
BLOSSOMS
BUGZY MALONE
HOLLY HUMBERSTONE
MAHALIA
