All Points East | London, England
23 August, 2025
Photographed by various photographers, all credited
Raye had sold out All Points East that day making it her largest show to date as the East London’s festival site held 50,000 people at its max capacity. It was clear to anyone walking round the general area that thousands had flocked to see the much loved British talent.
The festival’s lineup was stacked as playing alongside her was the likes of FKA Twigs, Jade, Tyla and many many more, each with their own amazing songs and creative sets. Despite the blazing heat and heap mounds of dust, many attendees still stayed for the previously mentioned lineup and unique atmosphere that the music created. Many I spoke to said that it was all worth it at the end of the night and I would personally agree with that.
We began the festival day over on East Stage with Cat Burns, after recently announcing her second album, ‘How To Be Human’ set to be out at the end of October. Her set definitely proved why she had a spot on the main stage lineup as she got the crowd moving and warmed up well with her diverse set of songs from energetic pop songs like ‘GIRLS!’ to her most recent single, ‘All This Love, which was introduced as a song about the gut-retching feeling that grief can be yet it can be cathartic in some ways.
Having already seen them before when I was at BST Hyde Park, I knew I had to catch The Two Lip’s set again. The pair delivered their incredible set that contained synchronized choreography, dream-pop sound and some wonderful crowd interaction. Many attendees of their set were first time listeners and left their set mesmerised by the melodies of songs such as recent release ‘clue’, ‘blossom’ the song that got them here in the first place ‘still love you (todavia)’. Their wonderfully spirited energy was a great way to start off the long festival day ahead.
It was incredibly heartwarming to see on the lineup, headliner Raye’s own two sisters, Absolutely and Amma, performing their own sets on the Curpa North Stage and more so seeing her cheering them on and supporting from the sidelines. Both performed captivating sets that many poured into the tented stage to see. I am super excited to see more of both artists as they develop further into their own respective careers as musicians.
Next up was Jade, this was a must see for me on this day and the crowds seemed to agree with me too as masses pulled up to the now solo artist’s set. This festival was Jade’s debut festival appearance as a solo artist since Little Mix and she proved that her pop star status still prevailed post Little Mix. Playing a mix of their back catalogue such as ‘Wasabi’, ‘Touch’, Shout Out To My Ex’ and her own solo songs, ‘FUFN’, ‘Midnight Cowboy’ and of course her debut single ‘Angel of Dreams’, both sets of music were recognised by anyone in the crowd and everyone was loudly and very unapologetically screaming the lyrics whilst dancing with the people around them. This set was enough to sell me on trying to attend one of her shows on her sold out ‘THAT’S SHOWBIZ BABY!’ tour. Let’s hope I can find a ticket in time to make it.
Over on the tiny Ordinary Stage, fans gathered in the masses eagerly waiting for Asha Banks to start her set. If you recognise her name, it may be because of her appearance in ‘Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ or ‘My Fault : London’. For this was her second ever festival, coming off the back of their first ever set at BST Hyde Park, her performance, as someone not too familiar with her music, was effortless and wrapped in many layers of emotions.
Back over on the East Stage, South African star Tyla opened her UK festival debut with well recognised ‘PUSH 2 START’ and fan favourite ‘On My Body’ as she danced to her unique blend of R&B with amapiano. During her set, her and her stunning dancers would give the audience a show of astonishing choreography and energetic dance breaks. After a surprise appearance from Wizkid, she closed her set with her most popular song ‘Water’ and the cheers from the crowd rippled throughout the festival site.
We watched as many debated when was best to leave Tyla’s set and do the 6-7 minute walk over to West Stage for FKA Twig’s set. Considering the short notice given, she showed up with a full stage set up and dancers which was a surprise to everyone there. Her set was presented in 3 separate acts and the songs were split accordingly. Her performance was intricate with her performing songs from her most recent album, EUSEXUA such as ‘Childlike Things’, ‘Perfect Stranger’ and ‘Drums of Death’ with a full dance routine.
The time had come for Raye to shine and shine she did. As the sign with her name, gleaming and dazzling in her iconic all caps serif font, the sound of drums and brass instruments that indicated her much praised song ‘Oscar Winning Tears’ flowed out in gorgeous succession. Following was the unreleased single ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND?’. Many fans had noticed a single release date shown on the merch being sold on site, indicating it was due on September 19th. The advanced preview of the single was very well received with its punch hook and memorable choreography.
During the middle of her set, she asked the crowd ‘Is anyone up to dance?’ and with that being uttered, the set turned into club remixes of her songs. The energy from Raye herself was transferred to the crowd and got everyone moving after being stood for so long. Looking around in the moment, every soul on those park grounds was moving and having the best time and that is something that Raye guarantees at her sets without fail.
Her confidence echoed throughout the park as she spoke sincerely about how much it meant that so many people had turned up for her performance and that ‘never in a million years would she have imagined that this was where she would be’. She had proven that her going independent was worth the risk in the end and that the journey that had gotten her here, where she was performing to a sold out crowd of 50,000 people, was the best risk she had ever taken.
All Points East has been a long standing festival attracting hundreds and thousands of people every year. It plays a vital role in the East London music scene and funds the local community through its events. For further information and tickets, visit https://www.allpointseastfestival.com/.
