WORDS LUCA MITCHELL - PHOTOGRAPHY MEARA KALLISTA
Situated on the outskirts of the picturesque city of Cambridge, Strawberries and Creem superseded the squeaky-clean reputation of its surroundings and gave us all something a whole lot fruitier. Impressing everyone with a jam-packed day full of some of the finest artists from the genres of rap, grime, garage, and house. All in one day we got enraptured by legends like David Rodigan, international house sensation Second City, and even got brought a delicious Marbek x Bailey's drink and if the flavor of it all is Strawberries and Creem, then we want more!
The average age of the curators for this ensemble was just 24 - surprising? Certainly not a shock to those entranced by the electric energy that swept over the Haggis Farm on Saturday, June 16th. The whole fiesta was a success and intimately in touch with the vibrant array of guests that were turning it up from morning to night. There was something so personal about the entire affair, an overwhelming feeling of community was present as all the 10.000 guests bounced in a shared authentic love for good music, with even the VIP areas merging seamlessly into the wider crowd whilst still maintaining an element of exclusivity. To put it simply, Strawberries and Creem had a kind of grit that warrants respect.
Being festival season we witnessed a flood of iconic looks, the youth wearers had ample opportunity to work their best festival attire in front of the camera as the place was scattered with giant strawberries and hammocks, creating a beautiful synergy of street-style meets the Eden that is Cambridgeshire. Dressed to impress or not, everyone was on their feet as the likes of Not3s, Ghetts and House Gospel Choir set fire to the stage and reverberated throughout the sunlit setting with their beats.
This outing marked five years since the emergence of Strawberries and Creem, and wow was it an achievement for such a short space of time! The festival maintained its naughty noughties signature, also showcasing more recent talent, and the audience really was in constant awe – especially with the unique addition an on-stage host to keep everyone entertained between sets. Really, this is what care-free summers are all about, non-stop good music, beautiful surroundings and a sense that you are rolling with your kind of people.
Special thanks to Strawberries & Creem and Listen UP.
