Day # 3 of Love Supreme 2026, which brought in 60,000 people across the three days at Glynde Place to experience one of the jewels in the crown of UK music festivals. Gets to be a better experience every year…
Today, after a wonderful feast of great music on Friday and Saturday, we catch the following in the act: Headliners De La Soul – plus Gabrielle, Maze, Sister Sledge, The War and Treaty, Young Gun Silver Fox, D.K.Harrell, Samara Joy, Judith Owen, and Olympia Vitalis.
Set against the rolling backdrop of the South Downs, the festival has become much more than a jazz event. It is now a celebration of soul, funk, hip-hop, r&b, blues and more; all carefully woven together into a programme that manages to satisfy dedicated musicians, casual listeners and families alike
What continues to set Love Supreme apart is the attention to detail. From spotless festival grounds and efficient organisation to the relaxed atmosphere that encourages audiences to wander between stages discovering artists they may never have encountered before, the whole weekend feels thoughtfully curated. There are few festivals where the experience away from the stages is just as enjoyable as the performances themselves.
- The festival’s 2027 dates are already set; see the bottom of this page…
This year’s edition also felt slightly different. While the festival has traditionally attracted an audience that has grown alongside its jazz roots, 2026 saw a noticeably younger crowd throughout the site.
Friday’s headliners Ezra Collective Saturday’s bill topper Loyle Carner both brought in the younger folk for two superb performances.
As always at Love Supreme, the standard of musicianship across every stage was exceptional. Whether established legends or emerging talent, virtually every performance demonstrated the level of instrumental skill that has become one of the festival’s defining characteristics. For anyone who loves watching genuinely gifted players at work, few weekends compare.
Sunday arguably produced the strongest run of performances from beginning to end, maintaining a seamless flow between blues, soul, jazz and funk.
Blues guitarist D.K. Harrell impressed with tasteful playing and a tight backing band that allowed his expressive guitar work to shine without unnecessary showmanship.
Young Gun Silver Fox followed with one of the weekend’s most effortlessly enjoyable performances. Their immaculate blend of yacht rock, sophisticated soul and jazz-pop recalled the smooth craftsmanship of Steely Dan while retaining a contemporary freshness. Every song seemed tailor-made for a sunny Sussex afternoon.
Carrtoons kept the momentum going with an infectious set full of funk-driven grooves that proved impossible to stand still through.
One of Sunday’s biggest triumphs belonged to Sister Sledge featuring Sledgendary. With founding member Debbie Sledge joined by the next generation of her family, the performance balanced nostalgia with renewed vitality.
Decades after first recording them, songs like “He’s the Greatest Dancer”, “We Are Family” and “Good Times” still possess remarkable power. As the crowd sang: “These are the good times”, beneath cloudless skies, the lyrics perfectly matched the mood.
Closing the festival is never an easy task, but De La Soul judged it perfectly on Sunday. Supported by an excellent live band, they delivered a set that celebrated both their extraordinary catalogue and the spirit of collaboration that has always defined their music.
The audience stayed with them until the final notes, providing a fitting conclusion to three days of outstanding live performances.
Love Supreme combines world-class musicianship with adventurous programming, attracting an audience that spans generations, and creates an atmosphere where discovering your new favourite artist feels just as rewarding as seeing established legends.
Add glorious weather and one of the country’s most picturesque festival sites, and it remains one of the highlights of the British summer music calendar.
- Love Supreme Jazz Festival will return to Glynde Place, East Sussex from July 2nd – 4th 2027.
Check out day 1 & 2 coverage of Love Supreme 2026 in our “Live Zone”…
Words & Photos by Manja Williams
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