We Out Here Festival review: Family-friendly fest is best in the South West

A huge crowd of people listening to Andre 3000 at We Out Here festival
-Credit: (Image: Rob Jones/Khroma Collective)


The jazz-infused We Out Here festival is a hidden gem - bringing some of the best emerging talent in soul, hip hop, house, afro, electronica, and more to the South West.

Headlining this year's four-day event was none other than Andre 3000, who returned from the Hip Hop wilderness last year with his new album, New Blue Sun - his debut solo record. The American singer moved away from his rap roots, there wasn't even a hint of 'Hey Ya!', and blazed new ground with his flute-led instrumentals that have been described as "otherworldly".

Taking to the main stage at 3.20pm on Sunday, Andre announced that he had antennae "way up high" that were picking up the vibes from the audience as he and his jazz band improvised live for a crowd of thousands, who soaked up the vibrant ambient soundscapes from the verdant fields of Wimborne St Giles in Dorset. I dare you to find a better way to spend a Sunday, go on - try.

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Andre 3000 performing at We Out Here festival
Andre 3000 took to the main stage on Sunday -Credit:Rob Jones/Khroma Collective

Beginning on Thursday, August 15 and running til Sunday, August 18, We Out Here hosted many incredible acts including Sampha, Kae Tempest, Louie Vega and The Elements of Life, Ebo Taylor and the Family Band, Obongjayar, Dee Dee Bridgewater - alongside top-shelf DJs including Mr Scruff, Robert Luis, Zero 7, and Aroop Roy to name a few.

Founded by Giles Peterson, who's been supporting forward-thinking underground music in the UK and beyond over the past three decades, it should come as no surprise that the festival is chocked full of amazing music. You don't need to recognise the names or study the lineup to stumble across something you'll enjoy.

But the award-winning event is about more than just music, there are also areas dedicated to wellness, family, cultural activities, global food stalls - there's even an onsite record shop where sellers from around the country show crate after crate of rare and hard to find records (shout out to Diggers Club Records).

This visit to We Out Here marked a special occasion for me, as it was the first time I attended a festival as a family - taking my nine-month-old son with me. I was wary of how it might go with such a young child, but armed with sun cream and ear defenders we headed out into the festival.

Thankfully the team at We Out Here had us covered - the festival hosts a dedicated family area championed by Victoria, who said she was inspired to create the child-friendly haven after attending events as a mother.

The family area was lined with tents that catered for children of different ages. The one-year-old and under tent had seating and soft play areas, toys for the kids to enjoy, and shade from the sun (or shelter from the rain). It had everything you needed and nothing you didn't, and was a saving grace for us early in the morning. Elsewhere in the family area, there was a pizza-making class, a slime-making area for the older children, and a mini skate ramp with lessons provided by professionals.

There was even a DJ booth with a selector spinning disco beats to head-nodding parents.

Mr Scruff DJing at We Out Here festival
Everyone's favourite DJ, Mr Scruff, returned this year (but not to the family area) -Credit:PluggyP

Victoria said: "Last year’s family area was a labour of love, driven by my personal experiences as a mother and a music enthusiast. I’ve been to many family spaces within festivals where parents and carers can feel overlooked, juggling the demands of their children while trying to enjoy themselves.

"That's why it was crucial to me that the family area felt safe and welcoming, allowing children to explore freely while caregivers could relax without worry. And of course, music is always a vital component, thanks to the incredible Disco Shed crew, who ensure that parents don’t have to compromise on their festival music experience and are never forced to listen to 'Baby Shark' in this festival family area.

“As the area producer, my passion for family inclusion stems from a deep belief in the power of community and lived experience. With three children of my own, I've personally witnessed the transformative impact of creating spaces where families can come together and create lasting memories.

"The We Out Here Festival holds a special place in my heart; it’s not just a festival but a vibrant tapestry and celebration of largely the contributions of artists from the global majority."

Once the baby had fallen asleep in the family area, we loaded him into his pram and set out to explore the rest of the festival. A short walk past the main stage, which at that time of day was still empty, we found the wellness area - complete with an on-site natural swim spot, hot tubs, and yoga sessions.

When we arrived it was around 9am, and already the yoga area was full - the crowd had spread onto the grass surrounding the tent, arranging their mats so they could join in the guided meditation in the sunshine. Nearby, by the swimming lake, was a forest school named Into The Woods, with workshops for kids running from 12 til 3.

People swimming in a lake at We Out Here festival
There can't be many festivals where you can go for a refreshing swim -Credit:Jake Davis/Khroma Collective

Just around the corner from the wellness area was the Talks Tent, which had speeches on topics such as 'We own it: How to Start a Community Space', 'Threesomes: Consent, Communication, and Embracing Your Sexuality', and 'The Road to Black Rainbows: A Career Retrospective with Corinne Bailey Rae'. Next door was a book shop, Book Love, where you could buy books associated with the talks, among others.

And there was plenty for food fans too, as We Out Here curates the selection of food on offer to ensure everything is of great quality, and they focus on traders who pay their staff fair living wages, support charities, and use sustainable packaging and products. Dotted around the site were food stalls offering delicious dishes from around the world - including Himalayan dumplings, Mexican ice lollies, and others from Japan, Italy, the Caribbean - there really was too much to try. But if you prefer to sit down for a meal, there's the Brawnswood area - described as an 'intersection between quality food and high-end music', where you can take to the dancefloor then dip out for a freshly cooked reasonably priced meal, all in the same venue.

Then, when the sun goes down, We Out Here transforms into a bustling music metropolis - with dancers flocking to Rhythm Corner, the open air dancefloor that welcomed Calibre, LTJ, Bukem, Shanti, Celeste, and Zed Bias to headline, or The Bowl, a tree-hugged stage that hosted Tama Sumo and Lakuti, Ron Trent, Chez Damier and DJ Paulette.

Whatever you go to festivals for, We Out Here has you covered - it's the perfect place for music-obsessives, late-night ravers, or culture vultures who want to enjoy a weekend away soundtracked to a 6 Music-esque soundscape.

Speaking after the sold-out fifth edition of We Out Here, founder and curator Gilles Peterson said: "I can't express how much I appreciate this crowd and everyone coming together once again. This weekend was a truly unique and magical blend of love, support, and pure joy.

"This is what We Out Here is all about, and I’m so proud to see it growing year on year! A celebration of club culture, live music with the communities that bond it all together. Massive shout out to a growing number coming in from all around the world. Thank you."