Party in the park: South Facing
(Picture: Luke Dyson)Back in 2021, one of London’s iconic venues, the Crystal Palace Bowl, was resurrected as a hub of live music in the capital.
The revamped structure, which had previously hosted the likes of Bob Marley and Pink Floyd, was put to work as the stage for a new concert series South Facing, which returns this weekend for its second edition.
Here’s everything you need to know,
When and where is South Facing?
The concert series runs from July 29 until August 7, with all of the gigs (bar one — more details on that below) taking place at the Crystal Palace Bowl within Crystal Palace Park.
Who’s on the South Facing line-up?
July 29 - London Grammar
Nottingham trio London Grammar are headliners on the opening night, bringing their dreamy indie-pop sound. Support comes from George FitzGerald — who actually had a hand in producing London Grammar’s last album, Californian Soil — rising R&B star Tora-i and French artist Oklou, who delivers a DJ set.
July 30 - Jungle
Dance duo Jungle top the bill here, and will no doubt give an airing to their two latest singles, the supremely summery Good Times and Problemz. Producer and vocalist Kelly Lee Owens delivers her atmospheric electronics, while Aussie two-piece The Avalanches will drop in for a DJ set. Turn up early to see rap collective Nine8, genre-surfer Skinny Pelembe and experimentalist Poison Anna.
August 5 - Bombay Bicycle Club
Indie heroes Bombay Bicycle Club are the headline attraction at this concert, while Jordan Rakei — a multi-instrumentalist, producer and vocalist who’s collaborated with the likes of Loyle Carner and Bonobo — also makes an appearance. Completing the line-up is the moody alt-rock of Nilüfer Yanya.
August 6 - Richard Ashcroft
Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft is the biggest name for this Saturday night shindig, with shoegaze pioneers Ride also performing. Elsewhere on the bill is Bdrmm — who in some ways are spiritual successors to Ride — and psych-rocker Tess Parks, with radio DJ Steve Lamacq and label boss Alan McGee set to appear.
August 7 - Becky Hill
BRIT Award winner Becky Hill leads the way on the closing night, with support from rising singer-songwriter Sinéad Harnett.
August 13 - Kamasi Washington and Ezra Collective
This gig is a ‘South Facing Presents’ show — in other words, it won’t take place in Crystal Palace, but rather at Troxy in Limehouse, east London. It’s a co-headline arrangement, with LA jazz titan Kamasi Washington and London scene-leaders Ezra Collective sharing the top spot. Support comes from jazz vocalist Muva of Earth, the DJ LAANI, and broadcaster, DJ and writer Haseeb Iqbal.
How can I get tickets?
Tickets are sold separately for each night, and prices vary from gig to gig — but there are tickets left for each show.
London Grammar’s night is currently priced at £55, while Jungle is £39.50. Bombay Bicycle Club is £45, Becky Hill is £35 and Richard Ashcroft is £49.50. Discounted resident tickets for those who live in the SE19, SE20 or SE26 postcodes are available for Jungle, Becky Hill and Richard Ashcroft, costing £30 each (but they’re sold out for London Grammar and Bombay Bicycle Club).
Head here to buy yours.
And for the Kamasi Washington/Ezra Collective show at Troxy, the final few tickets can be snapped up for £61.70. Those are available here.
How to travel to Crystal Palace for South Facing
The stage is in the northern part of Crystal Palace Park, which means there are a few ways to get there. Crystal Palace station, served by Overground and National Rail, is a 10-minute walk, while Penge West and Gypsy Hill, both on National Rail, are 15 minutes and 20 minutes away on foot respectively.
The area is also served by a number of bus routes: 3, 122, 157, 202, 227, 322, 358, 363, 410, 417, N2, N63, N137, 249, 432, 450, N3.
