For its fifth sold-out edition, We Out Here once again brought together a stellar lineup and the finest vibes in the lush surroundings of Dorset.

Curated by the legendary Gilles Peterson, the festival spanned over four days and featured over 300 acts across 15 stages, offering a truly immersive experience for 15,000 music lovers. From live performances to DJ sets, the event celebrated a diverse spectrum of sound, delivering on its promise of offering something for everyone.

 

As ever, Gilles Peterson attracted a crowd that matched the vibe—welcoming, eclectic, and full of energy. This year’s lineup didn’t disappoint, with unforgettable performances from headliners like André 3000, Sampha, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Kae Tempest.

Highlights from the Weekend

 

The beautiful stages dotted around the site offered a unique atmosphere at every corner. The Bowl, a secluded spot surrounded by trees, hosted some of the weekend’s most memorable sets. Mr Scruff and Channel One kept the crowd moving, but Sampha and André 3000 truly stole the show on the main stage. Rhythm Corner brought its own infectious energy, with Brighter Days Family spreading joy and keeping the vibes high. Yasmin Lacey stood out with two immaculate DJ sets—one at Branswood, delivering the old-school hip-hop and RnB that dusted off any lingering hangovers.

 

For those seeking a deeper dive into dance music, Rhythm Corner provided a homage to Detroit’s rich musical legacy, with legends Moodymann, Andres, and Wajeed paying tribute to Amp Fiddler. Louie Vega’s house beats and the UK rap stylings of CASSISDEAD offered something for everyone, while the artistic collective Silhouettes Project showcased rising talent with a highly energetic set.

The Bigger Picture

 

This year’s festival wasn’t just about the music. We Out Here also focused on creating community and fostering grassroots talent. Gilles Peterson himself noted how the festival continues to grow in both size and ethos: “This weekend was a truly unique and magical blend of love, support, and pure joy… A celebration of club culture, live music, and the communities that bond it all together.”

 

The festival’s commitment to positive change was evident in its Future Foundations initiative, designed to support the next generation of grassroots music promoters. The event also highlighted charities such as Dorset Wildlife Trust, Black Lives in Music, and Football Beyond Borders, creating a space where music, culture, and social responsibility came together.

The Closing Chapter

 

The final day of We Out Here was a beautiful send-off, with performances by Kae Tempest, Indian vocalist Asha Puthli, and the ever-iconic André 3000 debuting his latest flute album, New Blue Sun. The Mercury Prize-shortlisted corto.alto delivered an electrifying performance to bring the main stage to a close. And, as festival-goers danced one last time under the Dorset sky, sets from Channel One, Mala, and Louie Vega & Gilles Peterson ensured that the weekend ended on a high.

A Festival Like No Other

 

Beyond the music, We Out Here delivered a weekend filled with art, wellness, family activities, and top-tier food and drink. The natural surroundings, including a seven-acre lake and woodland parkland, allowed festival-goers to fully escape into the music and the magic of the weekend.

 

As always, We Out Here proved itself to be more than just a music festival—it was a celebration of culture, unity, and artistry. With such a diverse and rich offering, it’s no wonder the festival continues to sell out year after year. The future for We Out Here looks as bright as ever.