REVIEWED: We Out Here Festival 2023
| 16th August 2023
We Out Here festival – Gilles Peterson’s award-winning weekender took place this August 10-14th, at their new home on Lord Shaftesbury’s estate Wimborne St Giles, Dorset.
Goldie Main Stage at We Out Here Festival 2023
Headliners Ezra Collective, Knucks, Nia Archives, Bonobo and Black Star as well as, Sun Ra Arkestra, black midi, Cymande, Gilles Peterson and many more played within the lovely parkland setting, in what was an unforgettable weekend.
Sun Ra Arkestra at We Out Here Festival 2023
As well as seeing some of music’s biggest stars across the Main Stage and Big Top, the festival offered a variety of alternative stages and attractions for all to enjoy throughout the weekend. Music is at the heart and soul of the festival, and Lush Life, The Hennessy, Love Dancin’ stages provided the perfect platform to discover new and emerging artists.
Cymande at We Out Here Festival 2023
Cymande at We Out Here Festival 2023
As part of We Out Here’s 50 years of Hip Hop celebrations and all things hard and heavy: the festival honoured seminal drum & bass and jungle labels Metalheadz & V-Recordings, both booked in for huge takeovers with some of the scene’s biggest names: Goldie, DJ Storm, LTJ Bukem, and Roni Size.. And representing the family-feel community spirit the festival has established over the years, welcome returns were festival favourites Mr Scruff, Coco Maria, Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy, Josey Rebelle and Patrick Forge.
Black Star at We Out Here Festival 2023
We Out Here platforms the best in live music alongside club and dance music culture, Rhythm Corner showcased an expansive lineup of DJs representing both the roots and future of the dancefloor.
Nubya Garcia at We Out Here Festival 2023
Goldie at We Out Here Festival 2023
But that’s not all, Columbia Road’s Brawn restaurant joined forces with Gilles Peterson’s label Brownswood Recordings + Worldwide FM to present the Brawnswood stage. As well as their on-site restaurant, serving food and drink all day, classics – from cooked breakfast favourites, served up with fine wines, cocktails and more – the stage also hosted a hand-picked selection of DJs and Live Artists, dropping in for intimate, stripped-back sets.
Nick AC at We Out Here Festival 2023
As well as more acts and new stages, this year the Sanctuary had a new relaxing space near the lake for those looking for a place to chill out.
Meshell Ndegeocello at We Out Here Festival 2023
Enveloped by towering trees, the new site offered We Out Here’s positive and passionate community a unique opportunity to switch off from the outside world and, together, fully immerse in what’s fast become We Out Here’s trademark offering: outstanding live music, some of the best record collections in the world, high-end sound and production, family, wellness & cultural activities and above all, uniting a worldwide family of conscious music-loving people.
Carousel at We Out Here Festival 2023
The scene was set, the notes were struck, and the promise of a musical spectacle was palpable in the air. The full music offering was expanded by partners, wellness, talks, and family activities – there was something for everyone this weekend. We look forward to next years.