Limitless Live created an exciting and accessible experience for young people who have limited access to live music events…

Limitless Live,the UK’s largest free live music show with social purpose at its core, took place on Saturday at London’s Roundhouse, where dancehall icon Stefflon Don, rapper and MC BackRoad Gee and songwriter and rapper Jords allperformed to a crowd who hadn’t paid a penny for their ticket. 

Limitless Live serves as the nation’s biggest FREE show in its third year. Limitless has a mission to connect and inspire aspirational young people from underrepresented backgrounds, so to do that – all the free tickets for this year’s event were distributed through multiple charity and community partners. Fans from cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool and Leeds were provided free transport courtesy of ticketing platform viagogo.

During Saturday’s show, rapper Jords brought Lil Sykes on stage to perform their multi-genre hit ‘Grime vs Drill’ from Jords’ critically-acclaimed project ‘Dirt in the Diamond’. BackRoad Gee delivered an energetic set, celebrating fellow rapper Pa Salieu during a rendition of ‘My Family’ which ignited the Roundhouse crowd so quickly, the DJ reloaded the track.  

Headliner Stefflon Don dazzled attendees in a sparkling jumpsuit with ruby-red gemstones and midway through her set, invited fans to dance on stage and battle it out for the chance to hang out with her backstage. Audiences saw a performance from Capital Xtra DJ Shayna Marie, who was the special guest from new partner LADbible. There was a product giveaway from Puma and incredible moments for fans to capture content, courtesy of KFC.

Stefflon Don said: “It’s incredible to be part of Limitless Live. The initiative aims to make music more accessible to underrepresented young people who are facing increasing challenges in their lives. I’ve always strived to build deeper connections with my fans and I hope that by being a part of this and removing the barrier of ticket costs, I can enable all my fans to connect with my art and provide a moment of joy and social connection at the Roundhouse”.

In a bid to create an exciting and accessible experience for young people who have limited access to live music events, this year’s event saw the return of the Limitless internship programme. The 12-month internship saw 5 industry-led roles snapped up in January, all equitably paid at £25k a year. 

In addition, Limitless Live introduced its Limitless Mentoring Programme designed to inspire and equip young people with knowledge, confidence and opportunity to realise their potential and nurture their talents. Renowned industry names have also been announced as mentors, such as Glyn Aikins (Co-president at RCA Records), Nur Ozdamar (Artist and label lead at YouTube), Sheniece Charway (Artist Partnerships Manager, Black Music & Culture), Rich McGinnis (Parklife / Warehouse Project), Rory Bett (CEO of MAMA) and more.

Tolu founder of Limitless Live comments: “Limitless Live 2024 has been incredible, not only did we host the UK’s largest free live music show but it was exceptional to so many excited young faces in what was a sold out Roundhouse. Limitless Live continues to be a beacon of light representing a continued commitment to supporting the aspirations and wellbeing of young people and ensuring that as we navigate a cost of living crisis underrepresented young people still have access to live music and the best acts in the UK.”

Photos by Daniel Oluwatobi