GROWING up in typical British summertime we’re used to having 25 degree heat turn into what can only be described as the heavens opening but I wasn’t about to let a little shower ruin the day. It’s raining it’s pouring, but Stormzy is NOT boring.
With an action packed line up from the likes of Kehlani, Sampha, Knucks and Lucky Daye, Luno Presents All Points East 2023 kicks off in true style before their first headliner Stormzy takes the stage.
For an exclusive UK return to the stage, the celebrated British rapper collaborates with the festival to bring us the ‘This Is What We Mean’ day in honour of this special homecoming.
Stormzy @ Luno Presents All Points East 2023 © Khali Ackford
“This is my hometown. You lot are my family,” he addresses to the crowd. “As long as I’m here, and as long as I have a career, I will not stop saying ‘thank you’. You lot have changed my life. You’ve changed my family’s life.”
The performance take a deep dive into last years critically acclaimed album This Is What I Mean, and the crowd couldn’t contain their eruptive energy as we finally got to hear some of our new favourite tracks live.
Kicking off with the beautiful Fire + Water before transitioning into This Is What I Mean, it’s clear that this performance is ready to showcase just how much the album means to Big Mike himself.
Stormzy @ Luno Presents All Points East 2023 © Khali Ackford
As the rain gets heavier and heavier, so do the tunes and before we know it the Rainfall diss-track is blasted across the field causing everyone to forget just how drenched they are. Looks like someone had checked the forecast for today unlike the rest of us.
Stormzy @ Luno Presents All Points East 2023 © Khali Ackford
The crowd favourites continue to spill out like the electric Know Me From and Shut Up, but not before the grime act removes his trainers to splash around in the onstage puddles for Big For Your Boots.
Stormzy knew what he had to achieve in pleasing the newer to older fans and he absolutely smashed it.
Stormzy @ Luno Presents All Points East 2023 © Khali Ackford
As the encore begins to take place, an emotional wave sets over the crowd for Blinded By Your Grace, Pt 2, marking a monumental memory for everyone lucky enough to witness. The raucous and mosh pits die down and I think people are starting to appreciate the rain that little bit more. It’s truly a beautiful reminder of how well rounded the star is and with all being said, until next time Stormzy.
by Alicia Tomkinson