Celebrating Community: A Look Back at King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2024
YolanDa Brown and NYJO: Photo - John Sturrock
TARU Arts: Photo - John Sturrock
The King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2024 event transformed Coal Drops Yard into a lively hub of music, dance, and community spirit from August 15th to 26th. This year’s festival was not just about performances; it was a vibrant celebration that brought together attendees from all walks of life, showcasing the diverse interests and talents of our community.
When we asked attendees what motivated them to come, the responses revealed a wealth of enthusiasm. A striking 60% cited the programmed performances as their primary reason for attending. The festival kicked off with an electrifying performance by Unicorn Frequency, a unique ensemble that blended jazz and classical influences, setting the tone for the dynamic lineup that followed. Many attendees also appreciated the event as a free family day out, with around 17% mentioning its accessibility as a key factor. The atmosphere was further enhanced by various food options, which attracted about 9% of visitors eager to enjoy a delicious meal while soaking up the festivities. Others shared specific interests or activities that drew them in, reflecting the rich tapestry of motivations among our audience.
In the days leading up to the event, the excitement was palpable. Attendees expressed their eagerness with comments like, “Excited to see live performances again!” After the festival, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. A significant portion of attendees reported feeling happy, great, or good after experiencing the event, with many describing the lively atmosphere and the outstanding performances they enjoyed. One participant summed it up perfectly, stating, “I feel great; it was such a lively and enjoyable atmosphere!”
“I feel great; it was such a lively and enjoyable atmosphere!”
Understanding our audience is key to creating memorable experiences. We discovered that 65% of respondents had visited Kings Cross before, with many expressing fondness for the area’s lively spirit. However, we were thrilled to welcome 35% of attendees who were new to the neighborhood, introducing fresh faces to our vibrant community. About 30% of the attendees had previously attended Kings Cross Summer Sounds, and their loyalty was evident as they shared their excitement about returning year after year.
Charles (Queer Brittian): Photo - John Sturrock
Engagement with the arts was a notable theme among our visitors, with 42% attending arts and cultural events ten or more times per year. The enthusiasm was further highlighted by an impressive 90% of respondents who indicated they would recommend Kings Cross as a destination for future visits. While many expressed joy and satisfaction, a small percentage offered constructive feedback, suggesting improvements such as more shaded seating and better wheelchair access. We are committed to addressing these concerns to enhance the experience for all our attendees in future festivals.
The diversity of our audience was reflected in the geographical spread of attendees, many coming from local London areas, while others traveled from outer London and neighboring regions. This broad appeal underscores our mission to connect with a wide array of communities.
This year’s festival featured an incredible lineup of performances and workshops, emphasizing our commitment to diversity and community engagement. We were thrilled to host captivating acts such as Lily Moore, who showcased her heartfelt EP, Before I Change My Mind, Again, and Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, whose dynamic sound resonated with the crowd. The London Show Choir brought the magic of musical theatre to life with their rendition of iconic songs, while Queer Tango classes invited everyone to experience the joy of dance in a welcoming environment. The Fire Songs production offered an immersive, multi-sensory experience for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities, highlighting our dedication to inclusivity.
“We’re so excited that King’s Cross Summer Sounds will be returning to Coal Drops Yard once again this August. With such a diverse lineup, there really is something here for everyone – from opera lovers and jazz enthusiasts to folk fans and dance devotees – we’d encourage you to come along and discover something new. As with previous years, the festival is free with no need to book tickets but we would highly encourage getting down early to bag your spot!”
One of the festival’s highlights was a special performance by YolanDa Brown, the double MOBO Award-winning musician, who graced our stage with her unique blend of reggae, jazz, and soul. As the festival came to a close, the Folk Festival Day celebrated the vibrant sounds of folk traditions with performances from Kabantu, Kinnaris Quintet, and Qwerin, leaving attendees with lasting memories of the festival’s spirit.
In reflection, King’s Cross Summer Sounds 2024 was more than just an event; it was a celebration of community, creativity, and connection. The positive feedback and high attendance reaffirm our mission to provide accessible and enjoyable experiences for all. As we plan for future events, we’re excited to build on this success and continue fostering community engagement through the transformative power of music and culture. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who attended, participated, and contributed to making this event unforgettable.
King’s Cross Summer Sounds team
Festival Director: Martin Collins
Production Manager: David Salter
Community Producer: George Lydditt
Stage Manager: Pete Ayres
Sound Engineer: Grzegorz Staniewicz
Lighting Technician: Sam Welch
King’s Cross Summer Sessions is funded by King’s Cross Central Limited Partnership, and supported by Arts Council England and Arts Trust Productions EDI Fund, without whom we would not be able to deliver such diversity and world-class music and dance for free. This year we have returning partners who inspire us with their programming and community connections.
Our Partners
The King’s Cross Summer Sounds festival thrives because of the invaluable support and collaboration from our partners. We are immensely grateful to the following organisations, whose contributions made this event possible:
Queer Britain is at the forefront of celebrating LGBTQ+ history and culture, housing the UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum. Since its opening on May 4, 2022, it has served as an essential space for individuals to explore and understand the diverse narratives within the LGBTQ+ community. Located at 2 Granary Square in King’s Cross, their commitment to inclusivity enriches our festival. queerbritain.org.uk | @queerbritain
Aga Khan Music Programme (AKMP) fosters the development of living musical heritage in societies where Muslims have a significant presence. Through collaborations with creative musicians and educators, AKMP disseminates cultural knowledge and artistry internationally, ensuring that vibrant musical traditions continue to thrive and inspire. @agakhanmusic
Aga Khan Foundation is a leading global development organization dedicated to tackling poverty's root causes. For over 50 years, they have supported sustainable initiatives that improve the lives of millions. By partnering with local communities and civil society, the Foundation works towards a future where everyone thrives together. akf.org.uk | @agakhan.foundation
Voices Radio is a community-driven radio station that amplifies London’s vibrant creative scene. Since its launch in 2021, Voices has developed grassroots talent alongside established artists, broadcasting nearly 24/7 from Coal Drops Yard. Their commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices enhances the festival's atmosphere. voicesradio.co.uk | @voices_radio
Lafayette is a dynamic music venue in King’s Cross, known for its intimate setting that showcases everything from cutting-edge new acts to household names. Their commitment to delivering high-quality performances makes them an essential partner in our festival lineup. lafayettelondon.com | @lafayettelondon
National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) empowers young jazz musicians across the UK through engaging projects and live performances. Founded in 1965, NYJO creates dialogues between established and experimental musicians, providing platforms for emerging artists to thrive. Their dedication to nurturing talent aligns perfectly with our festival's mission. nyjo.org.uk | @nyjouk
Kings Place is a critically-acclaimed arts center that offers captivating experiences through music, spoken word, and live podcasting. Since its opening in 2009, Kings Place has become a beloved venue for diverse audiences, providing free public spaces and intimate performances that enrich the cultural landscape of King’s Cross. kingsplace.co.uk | @kingsplacelondon
Anthony Whitworth-Jones has been instrumental in shaping the festival since its inception. With a rich background in opera, having served as General Director for Glyndebourne and the Dallas Opera, his expertise and passion for the arts have greatly influenced our programming and community engagement efforts.
English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) plays a vital role in championing the folk arts within England’s rich cultural tapestry. Based at Cecil Sharp House in Camden Town, EFDSS delivers a wide array of programs that include learning and participation opportunities, artist development, historical research, and resources for educators. Their commitment to preserving and promoting folk traditions is evident in their participation at events across the country, making them an invaluable partner in our festival. efdss.org | @cecilsharphouse
Together, these partners enable Kings Cross Summer Sounds to be a celebration of diversity and creativity, and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support and collaboration.