Once upon a time, in the tranquil expanse of rural Norfolk, Wild Fields—a beloved four-day camping festival—stood on the brink of extinction. Financial strain from the pandemic and soaring costs threatened to silence its music forever. But just when hope seemed lost, something magical happened. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Wild Fields returned as a two-day extravaganza of music, ideas, food, beer, and sunshine. It was a triumphant reminder that when independent artists and organizers unite, they can overcome even the darkest of crises.
The festival, now compact yet bursting with life, took over Earlham Park on a sun-drenched Friday and Saturday. This wasn’t just a music festival; it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community. As I stepped onto the grounds, the air buzzed with an energy that felt like the Summer of ’69 had been transported into the future.
Day One: Soulful Sounds and Sun-Kissed Skin
Friday began with the warm, soul-soaked sounds of Norwich locals Zamani Fitri and Sam Eagle, their melodies weaving through the air like a comforting embrace. The afternoon unfolded like a perfect playlist, with the velvety voice of Jalen Ngonda and the hypnotic rhythms of Yazmin Lacey lulling the crowd into a state of bliss. But just as the sun began to dip, the festival kicked into high gear.
Sampa the Great took the stage with a fiery performance that had the crowd grooving like there was no tomorrow. And when Ezra Collective followed, their drummer, Femi Koleoso, seized the moment to remind us all of the power of connection. “D’you hear what I’m sayin’?!” he shouted, and before I knew it, I was hugging my neighbour, feeling an unexpected warmth in my heart that had nothing to do with the weather.
Day Two: A Sonic Adventure to the Moon and Back
Saturday was like diving into a musical treasure chest. The day started with rap and hip-hop acts that turned the festival into a lyrical playground. Jeshi’s performance was a meditative experience, with the audience seated in rapt attention—a surreal contrast to his usual high-energy shows. Then came Priya Ragu, who had us dancing in a joyful fusion of Tamil beats and modern grooves.
The evening took a spacey turn with alternative post-punk outfit Squid, who transported us to another dimension with their experimental sounds. But just as we were floating away, Kae Tempest brought us back to Earth with a performance that felt like spiritual guidance set to music. Their words were a reminder to embrace an attitude of gratitude, and for a moment, the world felt like a better place.
As the night fell, the crowd was electric with anticipation for SBTRKT’s closing set—his first-ever appearance in Norwich. The beats were infectious, the energy was palpable, and when the final track played, I wasn’t ready for it to end. But end it did, leaving us all with a collective buzz that would carry us through until next year.
Beyond the Music: Art, Food, and Pure Vibes
Wild Fields wasn’t just about the music. The festival was a sensory overload in the best possible way. A free-for-all graffiti wall became a canvas for local artists, splashing hypnotic, colourful displays that transformed before our eyes. Meanwhile, visual artist Hamley Jenkins sketched live music performances with a style so unique, it felt like watching art being born.
And then there was the food—a glorious array that catered to every taste. The Bodega’s fried chicken was crispy perfection, the taco truck served up spicy, zesty bites, and Namaste’s Samosa Chaat was a flavour explosion that left me dreaming of seconds (and thirds). Even better, everything was vegan and vegetarian-friendly, proving that deliciousness doesn’t have to come at a cost to the planet.
The phrase on everyone’s lips was “just good vibes,” and it was true. In a world where joy sometimes feels like a rare commodity, Wild Fields was a breath of fresh air—a reminder that passion, music, and unity can create something truly magical. Ben Street and his team didn’t just organize a festival; they built a sanctuary of hope and happiness. And as I walked away from Earlham Park, I couldn’t help but feel that this was just the beginning of something even greater. Next year can’t come soon enough.
Photography by Phoebe Dowling
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