This year’s headliners—Everything Everything, The Vaccines, and the venerable Orbital—spanned genres and generations, embodying the festival’s ethos: a little something for everyone, whether you’re an indie-rock aficionado or a rave disciple. The eclecticism wasn’t just a selling point—it was the essence of Lindisfarne 2024.

The festival kicked off with Manchester art-rockers Everything Everything, whose headline set on the Shorefields stage was nothing short of a triumph. As they launched into their opening number, the atmosphere shifted; you could feel the anticipation in the air morph into ecstatic release. Showcasing tracks from their latest album Mountainhead, the band reminded everyone why they’ve been a mainstay in the UK music scene for over a decade. The new material, marked by intricate time signatures and Jonathan Higgs' falsetto gymnastics, felt at home amidst their older, more established hits.

Tracks like Cough Cough and Distant Past prompted a wave of synchronized jumping and singing, while new songs such as The Mad Stone demonstrated the band's evolving sound—more expansive, yet still unmistakably Everything Everything. Their performance was a masterclass in tension and release, building to crescendos that had the crowd roaring in approval. By the time they left the stage, the bar had been set impossibly high for the rest of the weekend.

The weekend continued with uncharacteristically sunny weather—something of a blessing in these parts—and the energy across Beal Farm was electric. As the afternoon wore on, Colonel Mustard And The Dijon 5 took to the main stage, their irreverent brand of party vibes perfectly in tune with the sun-drenched crowd. The Glasgow-based collective has made a name for themselves with their infectious blend of funk, disco, and sheer ridiculousness, and this set was no exception. Songs like Cross The Road turned into full-on interactive experiences, with the audience playing along with the band’s every whim. It was a reminder that at Lindisfarne, the lines between performer and spectator often blur, and that’s exactly how it should be.

Not far away, on the Viking Brew House stage, a newly re-emerged Will Varley provided a more subdued but equally compelling soundtrack for those seeking refuge from the more raucous main stage. With a voice that cuts through the clamour like a lighthouse beam, Varley's set was a journey through the human condition—wistful, wry, and hopeful all at once. For those nursing a pint of craft beer and soaking in the golden hour, it was nothing short of perfect.

And then there was Skinny Lister. This band, with their rowdy shanty-punk stylings, have been festival staples for years, but there’s something about Lindisfarne that brings out their best. Perhaps it’s the coastal setting, or the shared history between band and festival, but whatever it is, it works. Songs like Trouble on Oxford Street and This Is War were delivered with the kind of ferocity and joy that only a band deeply in love with their craft can muster. Watching them climb festival bills over the years has been a pleasure, and seeing them in such fine form here was one of the weekend’s highlights.

By the time Saturday evening rolled around, the festival had already exceeded expectations, but Orbital’s closing set took things to a whole new level. The legendary electronic duo, with their pioneering blend of techno and house, turned the Shorefields stage into a cathedral of sound and light. The tent was packed to capacity, with thousands of arms raised in unison, as the Hartnoll brothers unleashed a set that was as much a journey as it was a performance.

From the haunting tones of Halcyon to the euphoric peaks of Chime, the set was a reminder of why Orbital remains one of the most revered acts in electronic music. But it was the closing track, Belfast, that truly united the crowd. As the final notes echoed through the tent, there was a palpable sense of collective euphoria—an experience that only a festival like Lindisfarne can offer.

Lindisfarne Festival 2024 was a triumph. With its small size and big ambition, it’s a festival that feels personal without being parochial, eclectic without being chaotic. There’s a sense of community here that’s increasingly rare in the festival circuit, a feeling that everyone—artists and attendees alike—are part of something special. The location, with its breathtaking views and historical resonance, only adds to the magic.

As the final campers packed up on Sunday morning, it was clear that Lindisfarne isn’t just a festival—it’s an annual pilgrimage. Here’s to many more.

Words: Thomas Jackson & Lynne Thwaites

Photos: Thomas Jackson