TM Distant

TM Distant took the evening into rougher, louder territory. The Essex-based alternative artist combines elements of rock, grunge and hyperpop, with influences ranging from Deftones and Linkin Park to more recent alternative artists.

By this point, the hall felt full, and the crowd responded enthusiastically to the heavier sound. After the first two acts had built the atmosphere, TM Distant pushed the intensity further. People were fully engaged with the music, and the energy in the room matched the force coming from the stage. It was a clear change of pace that the audience embraced.

Hang Linton

Hang Linton brought another change of direction, with a sound that moves between avant-funk, dance-punk, psychedelic rock and breakbeats. Their work crosses music and performance, bringing an experimental approach to rhythm and sound.

The crowd stayed with that shift. People seemed to lose themselves in the music, responding to a different kind of energy from the heavier set before it. This was one of the things I enjoyed most about Sunday’s lineup: each performance gave the audience something new to engage with. Hang Linton widened the musical range of the evening while keeping the room immersed.

Miki Berenyi Trio

Miki Berenyi Trio offered a different sound again. Bringing together former Lush singer and guitarist Miki Berenyi, KJ “Moose” McKillop and Oliver Cherer, the trio blends layered dream pop and shoegaze textures with electronic elements.

Their set changed the mood, and the crowd welcomed it. After the more abrasive and rhythm-driven performances earlier in the evening, the trio brought another texture to the programme. The audience’s response showed how well the variety of the lineup worked: people were ready to follow the evening through its different musical directions, enjoying what each act brought to the stage.

Sacred Paws

Sacred Paws closed the night with their distinctive mix of danceable indie pop and post-punk. Ray Aggs’ bright, African pop-influenced guitar playing and Eilidh Rodgers’ fluid drumming give their music a rhythmic, buoyant quality.

They were jumping around onstage, and the crowd gave them one last burst of energy in return. It was a fitting finish to an evening that had steadily gathered pace. The movement onstage carried into the room, and people were still ready to give everything to the final performance. Sacred Paws brought Sunday to a close with an upbeat set and an audience determined to make the most of it.

A day that brought people together

What stayed with me was how much the atmosphere developed over the course of the day. The quiet venue I walked into at lunchtime had become a full hall responding to six distinct performances. Between those moments, there was room for education, creativity, discussion and discovery.

The range of the lineup was a particular strength. Silver Tabby, Baby Said, TM Distant, Hang Linton, Miki Berenyi Trio and Sacred Paws each brought their own sound, and the audience embraced those changes. Every act offered a fresh reason to pay attention, keeping the evening interesting from the opening set to the final performance.

Just as memorable was the atmosphere between the people there. Many already knew each other, while others were getting to know someone new. People were chatting, dancing and simply enjoying a relaxed, good time together. You could feel how much the festival contributed to this community through those friendships, new connections and shared moments.

For me, that was what made Sunday at Decolonise Fest feel special. An impressive venue, good food, excellent beer and a varied lineup all played their part, but it was the people enjoying it together that brought the day to life. It felt like the perfect way to round off the weekend.