Wireless Festival at Queen Elizabeth Park

Back in 2005, Wireless Festival made groundbreaking history by becoming the first music festival in central London. Since its creation, the festival has always come back bigger, better and stronger than before. Wireless has always had some of the biggest acts in the world on their lineup – from Rihanna, Kasabian and Drake, to The White Stripes, Kanye West and the Black Eyed Peas. This year was certainly no different.

From the minute its gates opened, you knew it was going be a good three days. There were a range of artists stretched over the site that either fitted into pop, r&b or hip hop. Nonetheless with over 100 acts at the festival and four stages, there was still something for everyone in attendance. 

With lots of talent around, Wireless was definitely the place to showcase the next big artist, as Iggy Azalea cooked up a storm on the Pepsi Max stage. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis also tore the house down with Thrift Shop just before the former jumped into the crowd for Can’t Hold Us. Trey Songz and Miguel sent the women (and some men) into frenzy, while Calvin Harris brought Ibiza to Wireless. Tinie Tempah made a surprise guest appearance on Saturday, but Snoop Lion was the real treat. After being allowed back in London, Snoop made Wireless his homecoming with old school classics and new tracks ranging across his 20-year-old career and truly bringing California to London.

Wireless also featured some of music’s future stars, with Kendrick Lemar showing that he has arrived and is here to stay. And while Rita Ora sizzled on stage, Miss Emeli Sande created a cool breeze before the night fell on Saturday.

However, Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z’s performances (both separate and together) were definitely the highlight of the entire festival. Even in the extremely hot weather with a tightly packed crowd and people passing out left right and centre, the anticipation for Jay-Z on Saturday was insane and grew more and more, minute by minute. As soon as the lights and music started, the energy of the entire place shot through the roof.

While this was Jay–Z’s third time at Wireless, it was Timberlake’s first and you can be sure that both artists will be back again. Performing in front of over 60,000 fans in the searing heat, both artists put on a show to remember, as they played tracks from their new albums, whilst also paying homage to their old hits. The crowd were singing and dancing along from beginning to end, marking an end to a successful first two days at the festival.

Verdict: ★★★★★

Flavie Belanco

For further information about Wireless Festival and future editions visit here.