North Festival '24 - Second day

On May 25th, the North Festival 2024 in Serralves Park, Porto, thrived despite the rain, featuring memorable performances by The Reytons, Birdy, Tom Odell, and Keane. The Reytons energized the crowd with their indie rock, Birdy captivated with her angelic voice, Tom Odell touched hearts with his emotional ballads, and Keane closed the night with their timeless hits.

On May 25th, under the rain, Serralves Park came alive once again with the second night of the North Festival 2024. With an eclectic lineup, the festival continued to enchant spectators, likely drawing its largest crowd yet and providing a pleasant atmosphere that solidified it as the perfect location, despite the frequent periods spent sheltered under the trees. Let's get to know some of the artists who lit up the night.

The Reytons

The Reytons took the main stage, delivering a potent dose of indie rock. Also hailing from the UK, The Reytons quickly won over the crowd with their raw and authentic sound.

With hits like "Low Life" and "Kids Off The Estate," the band is known for their energetic performances and their ability to turn each show into a true rock 'n' roll party. On stage, The Reytons sought to intensely interact with the audience, delivering a classic performance.

Birdy

In a hidden sunset, Birdy captivated the audience with her angelic voice and soft melodies. The British singer and songwriter is famous for her melancholic and introspective indie pop style, winning hearts with her self-titled debut in 2011.

Daughter of a concert pianist, Birdy learned to play the piano at seven and began writing her own lyrics at eight. She became known for winning the Open Mic UK music competition in 2008 at just 12 years old.

On stage, Birdy presents an introspective and emotional performance, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the large scale of the event. Her serene presence and delicate voice provided a moment of beauty and contemplation at the festival. "Skinny Love" and "Wings" are two of her biggest hits, concluding her performance.

Tom Odell

Later in the evening, Tom Odell brought his passion and talent to the piano on the North Festival stage. The British singer and songwriter is known for his emotional ballads and impressive piano skills, creating music that deeply touches the audience.

In 2012, Tom Odell released the EP ‘Songs From Another Love’ and received the BRIT Critic’s Choice Award that same year. After a European tour in 2014 and winning the Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year, Odell moved to Los Angeles.

In April 2018, Tom Odell released a self-titled single from his third studio album, "Jubilee Road," which arrived in October. In 2021, he released the single "Numb" from the album "Monsters," featuring a darker sound influenced by XXXTentacion, Drake, and Travis Scott, and the following year, he returned to piano and voice with the single "Best Day of My Life."

With hits like "Another Love" and the recent "Black Friday," Odell has a unique ability to combine sincere lyrics with catchy melodies. On stage, he is a charismatic and engaging presence, with well-executed lighting capturing the audience's attention with his powerful voice and storytelling through his songs.

Keane

Closing the second night of the festival, Keane brought their signature sound to a full house of 30,000 people. The British band, famous since the 2000s, has built a vast fan base with their piano-driven sound. They never aimed to be considered "cool"; their goal has always been to create enduring music that stands the test of time. Their motivation is to reach all listeners, not just those who follow trends or are young.

With five studio albums to their name, 2024 marks 20 years since the release of their debut album, "Hopes and Fears." After completing an impressive world tour honoring their early work, they kicked off the festival season on this day.

"Somewhere Only We Know" and "Everybody's Changing" are just some of the huge hits that define the band's career. On stage, Keane delivers a performance full of energy and emotion, with vocalist Tom Chaplin showcasing an unmatched ability to connect with the audience. The band bid farewell to the North Festival with "Bedshaped," ending the night with a show that was both nostalgic and electrifying, leaving fans grateful for the return of this band that speaks so well about Porto.

The festival continues to establish itself as an unmissable highlight on Porto's cultural scene, promising even more excitement in the coming days. See you tomorrow!