This weekend, We Out Here welcomed festival goers to their sold-out fifth edition, set in the vibrant location of Dorset. Setting the stage for an eclectic programme, the festival catered to a wide spectrum of music lovers with exciting live performances and burgeoning talent, while also providing a platform for emerging talents to shine.
It all kicked off with Loraine James, Sainte, Ron Trent, and Gilles Peterson, followed by Mount Kimbie, who brought the legendary songwriter King Krule on stage, igniting the mainstage on Thursday night and setting the tone for the stellar headliners to follow.
On Friday Ebo Taylor took the stage for a big family affair while Sampha led with an ethereal performance featuring tracks from his latest album, ‘Lahai.’ Mercury Prize nominated DJ/producer Floating Points then turned up the dial with his live electronic hybrid set. Aba Shanti-I got the crowd bouncing, while Joy Orbison and Shanti Celeste blended decades of dance music and corrosive techno bangers.
On Saturday, Corinne Bailey Rae captivated the audience with her new sound, performing tracks from her latest album, Black Rainbows. R&B/Soul legend Dee Dee Bridgewater then elevated the energy, followed by the globally acclaimed house music producer Louie Vega. The Rhythm Corner Detroit legends Moodymann, Andres and Wajeed presented a homage to the legendary Amp Fiddler, a figure who was pivotal to the music culture in Detroit. UK rap and grime MCCASSIDEAD took the stage at Lush Life, with tracks from his latest album Famous Last Words, infused with ‘80s synth lines and a twilight ambiance, before hip-hop and artistic collective Silhouettes Project showcased its rising talents with a highly energetic set to a rapturous reception. Luke Una commanded The Bowl for a marathon 6-hour set, as revellers danced in the setting sun to French-house icon Laurent Garnier, before the inimitable Djrum pushed the boundaries in his typical style to close The Grove on Saturday night.
The final day featured unforgettable performances from a diverse lineup, including KAE TEMPEST, Indian vocalist Asha Puthli, 25 years of Zed Bias, Obongjayar, and hip hop royalty André 3000’s latest flute album, New Blue Sun. Mercury Prize-shortlister corto.alto then delivered a high-energy show, bringing the main stage to a fitting close. To end the festival on a high note, attendees could choose from sets by Channel One, Loose Ends, Mala, Louie Vega & Gilles Peterson and a three way b2b session with Tim Reaper, Sully and Dwarde capping off an incredible weekend of music and togetherness.
Founder & curator Gilles Peterson commented: “I can’t express how much I appreciate this crowd and everyone coming together once again. This weekend was a truly unique and magical blend of love, support, and pure joy. This is what We Out Here is all about, and I’m so proud to see it growing year on year! A celebration of club culture, live music with the communities that bond it all together. Massive shout out to a growing number coming in from all around the world. Thank you.”
This year, there was a strong sense of community and unity, with a deliberate focus on inspiring, nurturing, and expanding a vibrant network of artists, audiences, and leaders. The goal was to transform the lives of future generations by launching a new initiative called “Future Foundations”, aiming to support the next generation of grassroots music promoters. Additionally, there was a big focus on charities and causes including Dorset Wildlife Trust, Black Lives in Music, Borderlands, The Outside Project, Bloody Good Period, Amos Trust, Map Charity and Football Beyond Borders.
The festival also emphasised high-quality food and drink offerings, arts and cultural offerings, crisp sound and production, family activities, and wellness: all to complement quality-led musical curation featuring seven-acre lakes, woodland parkland, and tucked-away spots to explore it offered festival goers a primed base to fully escape into the music for a full weekend. There was something for everyone this weekend.
Photo by Rob Jones
