Secret Garden Party 2024 Was A Huge Success with its full line up of Independent Artists – Concluding with an Iconic Spectacle
On Saturday, July 27th, the Secret Garden Party’s 2024 Roots Edition delivered an incredible show that truly showcased their creative contribution and legacy. After 25 years, Secret Garden Party revealed to festival-goers that this would be their final year in its current form, bidding farewell and the end of an era not just for SGP, but for the many festival enthusiasts who have been part of the experience throughout the years.
SGP a magical festival experience filled with immense creativity, expression and diversity, deriven from the love of the independent music scene and the grass roots movement.
In true SGP style, the spectacle conveyed a deeper message to fans, culminating in a state-of-the-art drone show, designed by Celestial in collaboration with SGP, a creative production of founder Fred Fellowes and Secret Design’s Nick Carter, titled ‘Creativity Unchained.’ This was followed by a ‘That’s Showbiz, Baby’ extravaganza, produced by SGP in collaboration with Acme FX and Immersive International.
The spectacle underscored the impact of corporate takeovers and greed, which have made it difficult for independent events and artists to thrive in today’s scene. It delivered a powerful message to inspire, protect, and preserve creative expression from corruption and the stranglehold of major players in the music industry.
James Wicks Photo Credit 2024
This year’s event was a true showcase of collaboration, with independent festivals and event promoters uniting in support. Shindig, NTIA, Cirque du Soul, and many others provided additional backing in the weeks leading up to SGP. Ren’s fans from Australia to the USA purchased and donated tickets to those who couldn’t afford to attend. This has become a global movement to save our music scene, demonstrating the love and unity of people rooting for a cause that matters deeply to them through positive connection and creative self expression.
James Wicks Photo Credit 2024
Following the recent international festival crisis, Secret Garden Party will undergo a transformation this year which is set to redefine the festival model, emphasising the need for collaboration and unity amongst independent organisers. In response to the increasing number of venue closures and festival cancellations, Secret Garden Party aims to foster a collective effort by inviting other events and promoters to the SGP site in the festival’s absence, to join in their vision with an aim to revitalise and strengthen the festival scene together.
Fred Fellowes – Head Gardener & Founder highlights
“At this point, we’ve said everything that needs to be said. We’ve done what we said we would do. That’s the party we created, and that speaks for itself.”
James Wicks Photo Credit 2024
And while this year’s festival saw them commit to the Drop a Headliner campaign, a movement launched to support independent artists, there were plenty of exciting acts and standout performances, including impromptu sets from more familiar faces such as Plump DJs in the Oasis.
As far as encores go, SGP’s was one that will live long in the memory as they continue to strive for a united, sustainable festival scene moving forward.
