The very first Hey Neighbour music festival took place between the 8th and 10th of December at the Legends Adventure Farm in Pretoria. We got to check out the festival on day one – and it was everything we hoped for and more!
As we look back on our time at the festival, we’re proud to share that the musical performances were nothing short of spectacular. The artists brought their A-game, delivering electrifying performances that had the crowd dancing and singing along.
Tyla, returned to South Africa in the midst of her American promo tour, wowed audiences with her smooth vocals and moves. Despite being late and therefore only performing for around 20 minutes, which the audience was upset about, she brought all of the energy. She peformed her hit singles ‘Getting Late’ and ‘Water’ while also giving fans a glimpse at some of her new music like the ‘On & On’, a track off her upcoming self-titled album.
International headliners Khalid and The Chainsmokers also brought all of the energy to the festival. Khalid had the crowd eating out of the palm of his hands as he thanked South African fans for giving him such a warm welcome to what was his first performance in the country. The superstar performed hits like ‘Skyline’, ‘OTW’, Young, Dumb & Broke’, ‘lonely’, ‘eastside’ and ‘Location’.
The Chainsmokers also gave a electric performance blending in club bangers with their smash hit singles. The mix of performing live and a DJ set is something that continues to set the group apart and makes for one hell of a party. With a mind-blowing sound and lighting display mixed with pyrotechnics, this set ended off the first day of the festival in the most epic way!
The diversity of the lineup is also something to be commended and ensured there was something for everyone, creating an inclusive and vibrant atmosphere. The sound was spectacular on all of the three stages, providing an elevated experience for festival goers and the energy in the crowd was infectious.
One of the festival’s standout features was its efficiency in organisation. Ample parking, clean and accessible toilets, a variety of food stalls offering delicious options, and overall cleanliness contributed to a seamless and enjoyable experience for attendees. The organisers’ attention to detail and commitment to creating a positive environment did not go unnoticed. However, we did hear that on night two, the parking situation left some stranded in the parking lot for five hours – and should definitely be addressed.
The brand activations added an extra layer of excitement to the festival experience. Netflix, known for its innovative approach to entertainment, created an immersive space that transported festival-goers into the worlds of their favorite shows and movies. KitKat, Vaseline, Nedbank, Play Energy Drink, and Coca-Cola also contributed to the festival’s lively atmosphere with engaging activations that provided moments of fun and relaxation.
The Hey Neighbour Festival truly lived up to its name by fostering a sense of community among attendees. The great vibe, combined with top-notch performances and engaging brand experiences, made it an event to remember. As festival-goers departed with smiles on their faces, the Hey Neighbour Festival solidified its place as a must-attend celebration of music, activations, and good times.
We hope that this incredible event becomes a staple in the South African festival scene and that it’s back for a second year in 2025!
