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LIVE REVIEW
LOOSEFEST 2024
(TRICKFEST - 90S BABY FESTIVAL)
NEWCASTLE Town Moor
Photos & Review: David Weddle
Newcastle's normally tranquil Town Moor came to life in a big way on the 3rd and 4th of August as Loosefest made a triumphant return to the city. Kicking off the weekend with TrickFest, an event created in collaboration with one of the North East's premier DJs, Patrick Topping.
The sun was out as partygoers descended on the moor, which was decked out with fairground rides, food vendors, and plenty of bars to keep the crowds refreshed as they danced away to banging tunes courtesy of DJs including Dom Dolla, John Summit, Calvin Lodge, Lewis Taylor, and many more.
Day 1 of Loosefest 24 was a total success, the Newcastle crowd had a blast, as did the DJs, whose energy kept spirits high from start to finish.
The sun was out as partygoers descended on the moor, which was decked out with fairground rides, food vendors, and plenty of bars to keep the crowds refreshed as they danced away to banging tunes courtesy of DJs including Dom Dolla, John Summit, Calvin Lodge, Lewis Taylor, and many more.
Day 1 of Loosefest 24 was a total success, the Newcastle crowd had a blast, as did the DJs, whose energy kept spirits high from start to finish.
Day 2 on Newcastle's Town Moor was a slightly different affair. Taking a step back in time to the 1990's with a lineup of iconic 90s artists. There were plenty of DJs too in the Clubland tent for people to enjoy, including DJ Sash, Ultrabeat, N-Force, and the legendary Ian Van-Dahl.
The main stage saw plenty of action, kicking off early with A1, Blazin Squad, Atomic Kitten, and 911 all drawing in the crowds. There were some hardcore fans who got down early and didn't move from the barrier at the main stage all day to be sure they got the best view of their favourite acts, but for everyone else, there was plenty of opportunity to chill out and soak up the atmosphere across the sizeable site. There was even a VIP area with a large tent area, which came in handy when the rain started; luckily, it didn't last long and didn't dampen the crowd's enthusiasm.
The main stage saw plenty of action, kicking off early with A1, Blazin Squad, Atomic Kitten, and 911 all drawing in the crowds. There were some hardcore fans who got down early and didn't move from the barrier at the main stage all day to be sure they got the best view of their favourite acts, but for everyone else, there was plenty of opportunity to chill out and soak up the atmosphere across the sizeable site. There was even a VIP area with a large tent area, which came in handy when the rain started; luckily, it didn't last long and didn't dampen the crowd's enthusiasm.
With bands like FIVE, Eternal and of not forgetting 90s superstars Blue, all putting on fantastic, high-energy performances, the Newcastle festivalgoers were lapping it up. So many huge names on one stage in quick succession was quite a feat to pull off, but Loosefest managed it in style.
Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter gave Newcastle an hour-long set that included some of his solo material alongside massive hits from the Backstreet Boys' catalogue, including 'Larger Than Life' and, of course, 'Everybody (Backstreets Back)'. The enigmatic singer even went for a little wander through the audience, much to the disbelief and delight of the fans.
Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter gave Newcastle an hour-long set that included some of his solo material alongside massive hits from the Backstreet Boys' catalogue, including 'Larger Than Life' and, of course, 'Everybody (Backstreets Back)'. The enigmatic singer even went for a little wander through the audience, much to the disbelief and delight of the fans.
You could be forgiven for thinking that 90s BabyFest had nothing left to give, but there were two more huge artists left to perform.
90s icon and former Jungle campmate Peter Andre graced the stage with a very concise setlist, which he kicked off with 'Flava.' He was a real crowd-pleaser, with his sleek look and his dance moves topped only by his voice, which sounded great. Of course no Peter Andre set would be complete without 'Insania' and his biggest hit, 'Mysterious Girl,' which finished off his Newcastle show.
90s icon and former Jungle campmate Peter Andre graced the stage with a very concise setlist, which he kicked off with 'Flava.' He was a real crowd-pleaser, with his sleek look and his dance moves topped only by his voice, which sounded great. Of course no Peter Andre set would be complete without 'Insania' and his biggest hit, 'Mysterious Girl,' which finished off his Newcastle show.
After a super quick turnaround, the stage was ready for festival headliner Ronan Keating to take to the stage and bring the weekend of music to a close. Ronan's voice and stage presence is still just as impactful as ever.
He definitely stole the show with songs that evoked a feeling of nostalgia, including 'Lovin' Each Day', 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' and, of course, 'Life is a Rollercoaster '.
He definitely stole the show with songs that evoked a feeling of nostalgia, including 'Lovin' Each Day', 'If Tomorrow Never Comes' and, of course, 'Life is a Rollercoaster '.
Looking back over the weekend, Loosefest proved to be great value for money, with such a huge array of stars performing right in the heart of the city. There was plenty to keep festivalgoers refreshed and entertained. After the unfortunate last minute cancellation of 2023, it is testament to the hard work and determination of the team that Loosefest was able to come back with such an impact. Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, Loosefest has come back stronger than before.
Let's see what LooseFest 2025 brings.
Let's see what LooseFest 2025 brings.