Love Supreme Review 2024
This is the second year we’ve attended Love Supreme, and I can confidently say it won’t be our last. The event takes place every year at Glynde Place near Lewes and is billed as one of the biggest Jazz Festivals in Europe. 2024 didn’t disappoint with headliners including Olivia Dean, Mahalia and Chaka Khan plus absolute legends such as Dionne Warwick and Kool & the Gang also thrown into the mix. This was going to be epic.
Music Highlights
Saturday – I attended the Saturday of Love Supreme on my own, keen to enjoy as much music as possible in my own sweet time. I used their handy festival App to help keep on top of the days events meaning I was sure to be at the right place at the right time. Smart, I know! My day kicked off with Sananda Maitreya, known better to you and I as Terrence Trent D’Arby. This was his first UK performance in 20 years and you could sense that the crowd were loving every minute. He sounds as good as he ever did, charming his way through renditions of Delicate, Wishing Well and Sign Your Name. I don’t think the day could have started any better. One of those stand out performances I’ll remember for a long time.
The rest of the day continued in a similar thread. I caught an outstanding performance by Dionne Warwick in the South Downs tent in the early evening. One of those pinch me moments as she soothed us with Walk On By and What the World Needs Now. Headlining was Olivia Deane who looked as stunning as she sounded. Her down to earth interactions with the crowd only making us love her even more. Her ballads providing the perfect close to an incredible day of live music.
Sunday – I had my 8 year old in tow for Sunday so went prepared that music might have to play second fiddle to the fairground rides and ice creams stalls. That said, it’s easy enough to enjoy most artists from a distance at Love Supreme, especially if they’re performing on the North Downs stage.
Whilst swinging up high on the Ferris wheel we caught Joss Stone’s Super Duper Love. We tried to squeeze in a packed crowd to catch the Black Puma’s but they were too popular for an 8 year old to not feel squished. We did, however come across Town of Cats as a consequence (another feline!) with a smaller audience but an equally as captivating performance. These guys got some funk going on! They had everyone up, moving, bouncing and singing the words. I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for this crazy cats on future line-ups.
Despite Sunday having a different focus for me, I enjoyed it just as much as Saturday. I relish taking my kids to music events and sharing my love of my favourite artists with them. This year’s Love Supreme lived up to it’s reputation as one of the best in our region offering high calibre live music including classic jazz (of course) but also showcasing an eclectic blend of new artists from a wide range of genres including hip hop, RnB and soul. For me, this festival is up there with the best. I feel incredibly lucky to have this event taking place on our doorstep here in Sussex. Super Early Bird tickets for 2025 have already sold out but Tier 2 tickets will be going on sale soon on their website. If you haven’t been before and love good music this is one not to miss!
