What went down at Strawberries and Creem – Festival Review

Written by Ayo Olajobi

After attending last year with my friends I was more than happy to go again this summer, especially with the opportunity to not only have fun but capture some amazing content whilst there. My excitement was palpable as I gathered my laptop and belongings at my desk – I instantly began putting my outfit together in my head.

In the last couple of years, I’ve gotten rid of the fear that comes with attending events alone. If you ever have this fear, rid of it and go! It doesn’t matter if you’re friends aren’t going just go! Saturday night fast approached and I prepared myself like a school kid the night before ‘own clothes day’, clothes laid out and ironed, my best trainers clean and ready to get dirtied in the muddy fields of the Childrey Orchard.

Photo credit: Tom Moutchi

It’s as if the UK’s weather machine knew that I was attending Strawberries & Creem because the sun was doing precisely what it needed to. Face beat, hair laid, with my outfit on – I was ready to see where the day would take me on my solo trip to Cambridge. 

My train journey was filled with the excitement of festival-goers from London, discussing this year’s lineup and who they’re excited to see. As soon as I stepped off the train I was welcomed warmly with directions to the shuttle bus that took us to the festival grounds – another loud and boisterous journey with groups of people singing along to DJ Spinalls ’Sere” on the way. I couldn’t help but smile as I thought about the great vibes that I was about to experience.

I made it just in time to join “The Compozers”, one of my favourite main-stage acts of the day. After a successful run at DLT Brunch Malta, and The Isle of Wight festival, The Compozers shut down their set at Strawberries and creem with an array of old and new school tunes that everybody in the crowd resonated with.

Goldie Quaker hosted the Girls Can’t DJ’ stage with great vibes as Lisa Mafia created a nostalgic feeling for us all while she took us back to the 2000’s with some of her most popular tunes, followed by my favourite rapper in the UK music scene right now, the one and only Knucks.

After attending his headline show at Koko Camden, I was more than excited to be in the front row again, screaming every lyric of every track on Alpha Place until I lost my voice. Knucks took us back to Alpha house with some fan favourites from the album, and didn’t forget to take us back Home where he started for the day ones. Although the rain started to pour, it was clear that the crowd weren’t going to let that stop them enjoying this amazing set from beginning to end.

As the show came to an end, NSG graced the stage with their unmatched energy, electric dance moves, and overall good vibes. This was my first time seeing them perform live on stage and I can confidently say, they are incredible performers. 

One thing live shows remind me of is that, you don’t realise how many beautiful songs our favourite artists have created, until you see them perform live. You appreciate the art more when you see them perform the music you listen to every day, paired with the thousands of people (just like you) who can enjoy the music just as much as you do, with you.

Founded by a group of friends with a vision to create an event for students, by students, Strawberries and Creem has easily become a yearly festival that I look forward to continue attending, with a mission to “celebrate heritage and champion the future”. To find out more about the founders of the festival, check out our previous interview here

I have a nervous but excited feeling about next year’s lineup. After seeing Burna boy headline last year, then NSG and Knucks headline this year,  I’m predicting maybe next year’s lineup might include the likes of Shensea, Sha Simone, and possibly Backroad Gee? But who knows?!

Strawberries & Creem 2022 its been real.. until next time ✌🏾

Check out the Strawberries and Creem recap on Tiktok!