Waterworks 2023 Review, Gunnersbury Park

Festival season is one of the best things, if not the best thing, about the great British summer. People come out in their thousands, in the wind, rain, or shine to appreciate good music, sink pints, and have a boogie. Saturday 16 September was no different, with electronic music lovers flocking to Gunnersbury Park for Waterworks Festival to close out summer 2023.

Image: © Photography by Garry Jones for Khroma Collective

This was Waterworks third instalment, and the line-up was massive with loads of DJ greats including Eliza Rose, Eris Drew, Call Super, Palms Trax, Dr Banana, Amaliah, Anz, Lukas Wigflex, and Pearson Sound.

One unique thing about Waterworks is their bold assertion that they have no headliners. Every artist is booked because they represent a section of the diverse talent that makes up London’s underground music scene – everyone has their place on the line up, which is a message we love. It’s also a balanced line up in terms of male/female split which shouldn’t be as unusual as it is in 2023, but sadly that’s just a reality.

‘When we started Waterworks, it was with the aim to showcase the incredible diversity of London’s sound signature, paying homage to the deep-rooted history of the sometimes-fragmented scenes whilst elevating the future stars right at the cutting edge of London’s underground. Additionally, we invite some international guests who are making waves on their home turf that resonate with us. Now three years deep in the program, we have been really excited to define our output and make each stage its own journey - telling a story that breaks down the boundaries between these sounds. Waterworks is a love letter to this city - one that is not focused on headliners but to show what makes our heart sing - from the fresh blood at the start of their journey through to the veterans of whose legacy we want to continue through the next decade and beyond.’

Simon Denby, Waterworks Co-Founder.

Image: © Photography by Rob Jones for Khroma Collective.

The only criticism we would make of Waterworks is simply that there was too much to do and see – which yes is one of those negatives that isn’t really a negative. The production and quality of the festival, even down to the fact that there are plenty of water points and toilets, is reflective of that of a two- or three-day camping festival. You can tell there’s a lot of passion and care behind the scenes.

Alas, we were not able to rewind or pause time to allow for attending more sets than humanly possible, so out of those we did see here were our three highlights.

• SASS made up of Saoirse, Shanti Celeste, Peach, and Moxie did a huge four-and-a-half-hour takeover of the Orbit stage, which is an incredible space, giving massive UFO vibes. The all-female B2B set was just one amongst the all-female stage, with SASS taking ravers on a journey from day to night with the music reflecting the change in daylight.

• Y U QT at the Pressure stage was an edgy beginning to our day, set amongst shipping containers, there was a heavy, grimey vibe to some of the tracks but it worked perfectly, getting everyone pumped for the rest of the day. 

• HAAi’s first appearance at Waterworks really closed out the fun with a mix of some of her own tracks and a vibrant selection of upbeat wonders – including ‘Get Ur Freak On’ by Missy Elliot, banger.

Image: © Photography by Jake Davis for Khroma Collective.

It is worth noting, we were gutted to have missed the surprise slot from dubstep prodigy, Skream alongside SGT Pokes on the Siren stage which was hosted this year by Resident Advisor. But we caught a bit of SHERELLE B2B DJ Spit which was mega. The Siren stage itself was nestled amongst the trees, reminiscent of the Trigon stage for any Gottwood lovers, and glowed in gorgeous orange tones as the sky turned dark.

A common complaint of day festivals in London is that of the sound quality, which just usually never marries up to the experience of being inside a club where the wind and/or complaints from local residents don’t cause issues. Waterworks has it sussed as the was music pumping across each stage despite majorly being outside – bar Hi Hat and Commune.

So, if you’re a lover of electronic music and you haven’t made it to Waterworks yet, what are you waiting for? They have already announced it will be running its fourth instalment on 14th September 2024 – sign up for early access here.

Date: 16 September 2023. Website: waterworksfestival.co.uk.

Words by Mollie Kate Cohen