ack in 2021, one of London‘s iconic venues, the Crystal Palace Bowl, has been resurrected as a live music hub 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 South Facing concert series, which returns this weekend for its second edition.
Here’s everything you need to know,
When and where is the south?
The concert series will run from July 29 to August 7, with all performances (except one – more details on that below) taking place at the Crystal Palace Bowl inside Crystal Palace Park.
Who’s in the South Facing lineup?
July 29 – London Grammar
The Nottingham trio London Grammar will headline the opening night, bringing their dreamy indie pop sound. Support comes from George FitzGerald — who had a hand in producing London Grammar’s latest album, Californian Soil — rising R&B star Tora-i and French recording artist Oklou, who provides a DJ set.
July 30 – Jungle
Dance duo Jungle is at the top of this list and will undoubtedly broadcast their two newest singles, the extremely summery Good Times and Problemz. Producer and singer Kelly Lee Owens provides her atmospheric electronics, while the Australian pair The Avalanches drop by for a DJ set. Come early to see rap collective Nine8, genre surfer Skinny Pelembe and experimenter Poison Anna.
August 5 – Bombay Bicycle Club
Indie heroes Bombay Bicycle Club are the main attraction at this concert, while Jordan Rakei — a multi-instrumentalist, producer and vocalist who has collaborated with the likes of Loyle Carner and Bonobo — also makes an appearance. The line-up is completed by the moody alt-rock of Nilüfer Yanya.
August 6 – Richard Ashcroft
Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft is the biggest name for this Saturday night shindig, which also features shoegaze pioneers Ride. Elsewhere on the schedule are Bdrmm – who are in some ways Ride’s spiritual successors – and psych rocker Tess Parks, which features radio DJ Steve Lamacq and label boss Alan McGee.
August 7 – Becky Hill
BRIT Award winner Becky Hill leads the way on the closing night, with support from up-and-coming singer-songwriter Sinéad Harnett.
August 13 – Kamasi Washington and Ezra Collective
This performance is a ‘South Facing Presents’ show — in other words, it won’t take place at Crystal Palace, but 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, DJ LAANI, and host, DJ and writer Haseeb Iqbal.
How can I get tickets?
Tickets are sold separately for each night and prices vary from performance to performance – but tickets are still available for each show.
London Grammar’s night currently costs £55, while Jungle costs £39.50. Bombay Bicycle Club costs £45, Becky Hill costs £35 and Richard Ashcroft costs £49.50. Discounted resident tickets for those living in postal codes SE19, SE20 or SE26 are available for Jungle, Becky Hill and Richard Ashcroft, costing £30 each (but they are sold out for London Grammar and Bombay Bicycle Club).
go here to buy yours.
And for the Kamasi Washington/Ezra Collective show at Troxy, the last few tickets can be bought for £61.70. They are available here.
How do you travel to Crystal Palace for the south?
The stage is located in the northern part of Crystal Palace Park, meaning there are a few ways to get there. The Crystal Palace station, served by Overground and National Rail, is a 10-minute walk away, and Penge West and Gypsy Hill, both with National Rail, are a 15-minute and 20-minute walk away respectively.
The area is also served by a number of bus lines: 3, 122, 157, 202, 227, 322, 358, 363, 410, 417, N2, N63, N137, 249, 432, 450, N3.