CRACK

In Photos: Kalorama Madrid

13.09.24
Words by:

The Lisbon festival mainstay Meo Kalorama brought their acclaimed programme to Spain for the inaugural Madrid version from 29-31 August at IFEMA Madrid.

 

A feeling of vibrancy reverberated across the IFEMA fairgrounds throughout Kalorama Madrid’s striking debut. Drawing over 41,500 attendees across the late-August weekend, Kalorama assembled a 34-act programme replete with international luminaries and local talent alike.

The first day saw performances from The SmileJonny Greenwood and Mercury Prize winners English Teacher, while inimitable Brooklynities LCD Soundsystem returned to Madrid for the first time in 17 years to take the evening to a mesmerising close. 

Yard Act, Yves Tumor, Overmono and Colectivo Da Silva all delivered standout sets on the subsequent day, despite torrential thunderstorms threatining to extinguish the Kalorama flames. Headliners The Prodigy, led by Liam Howlett, brought the sun down at the IFEMA venue in theatrical fashion with their iconic high-octane twilight show.

London jazz ensemble Ezra Collective brought their groove-laden rhythms to the final day, while Jungle kept the energy high with their funk-inspired hits. The day’s standout performance naturally came from trip-hop veterans Massive Attack, who, ahead of their sellout Climate Action Accelerator Act 1.5 show in Bristol, adorned the crowds through a characteristically resonant and politically charged performance. Peggy Gou closed the festival with a vibrant house and techno set to bring the punters tastefully into the night afterglow.

Beyond the music, Kalorama Madrid delivered on its commitment to social and environmental causes, featuring BALORE, a dedicated space for queer-informed support, environmental awareness, and safety. Taking on the reputation of its sister festival in Lisbon, Kalorama Madrid has firmly established itself as a new fixture on the European festival circuit in its own right.

Relive the festival’s best moments in the photographs below.

James Murphy © Sharon Lopez

If you're a fan, become a supporter

More from Crack Magazine

Your support would mean everything. Literally.

Our Supporters really do power everything we do; as an independent media publication this community is vital to sustaining us. Sign up and get a load of benefits in return, including discounted festival and event tickets.