We’re a real sucker for Summer festivals here at Secret London – I mean who isn’t – and that’s why we’re so psyched for Wide Awake, which kickstarts what promises to be one hell of a good Summer on Saturday May 27.

Continuing to curate future-facing lineups, both musically and culturally, the independent Wide Awake prides itself on their dynamic celebration of independent music and counter-culture, featuring everything from leftfield indie to post-punk, and from electronica to techno.

As always, their festival line-up supports ‘Keychange’, the equal gender bill, and has a completely equal gender split – and 2023 will see them work further on their sustainable ‘Positive Policy’, which was set up to change the way live music events affect our planet.

Featuring on the roster this year at the Brixton-based festival is headliner and all-around global sensation Caroline Polachek, who’s latest LP ‘Desire, I Want to Turn Into You’ was released back in February to major critical acclaim. Playing alongside her is English rapper, DJ, singer-songwriter and record label head Shygirl, dancefloor connoisseur Joy Orbison, electronic legend Daniel Avery, the visionary duo Jockstrap and techno duo Two Shell in their only London festival appearance.

Add in Alex G, Viagra Boys, Black Country, New Road, Tirzah, Los Bitchos, Civic, Wasted Youth, Clamm, Nice Biscuit, Jjuuujjuu and Warmduscher and you can see why we’re so hyped for this one!

But it’s not all about the music at Wide Awake. Political and social activists Hate Zine will have a physical presence this year at the festival with a focus on POC, LGBTQ+, political and environmental publications alongside a programme of workshops and panel discussions on a range of topics from renters unions, climate activism, immigration and support for women in music.

Rough Trade will be back in the field with a killer line-up of album and vinyl signings, and the London Brewers Market will be back on site once again. Run by the Five Points Brewing Co., you’ll be able to sip your way through a whole host of incredible brews and learn all about the lively independent brewing scene in London.

Plus, Wide Awake will be supporting the charity ‘Something To Look Forward To’ this year, who run a website for people with cancer and their families to access a variety of gifts generously donated by people and companies. They’ll be offering tickets to the platform and giving a donation too, and are also supporting the charity ‘Music Minds Matter’, who provide access to mental health resources and support for both artists and crew on the road.